How much does a funeral cost?
Watch this short visual guide to the average cost of a funeral in the UK.
See our examples of how much a funeral might cost
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A SunLife funeral plan can completely cover the cost of your funeral
against soaring funeral costs
3 different plans to choose from
3,300 funeral directors available
when you choose a plan
There are some costs outside the control of our funeral directors (these include doctors’ and clergy fees as well as the service at a local crematorium or cemetery) so it’s understandable that we can’t cover everything. We provide an allowance towards these costs that increases every year — it’s our way to ensure we cover as much as we can.
Our plans cover most features of a traditional funeral, but they do not include flowers, catering, order of service cards, burial plot or headstone, a religious or non-religious service before the burial or cremation, or any specific requirements at the crematorium, such as an organist or choir. If you would like your funeral director to provide any other services that aren’t included in your plan, these can be arranged for an extra charge.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK has soared by 4.7% in just one year to £4,078* — and it looks set to go on growing. That’s why it's more important than ever to do something now to help pay for your funeral.
You can protect yourself against rising funeral prices by taking out a Funeral Plan today. You'll also ensure that your family and friends won’t have to worry about making difficult decisions or deal with a big bill — as most of the costs will be taken care of.
*SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2017
It can be difficult to know where to start when you’re planning your funeral. That’s where we come in. We offer a range of Funeral Plans – from a simple funeral to something a little more special. And, we have two payment options to choose from, depending on your budget.
Sorting it all out in advance is easier than you might think. You can choose your Funeral Plan in a few simple steps. Then, all your family will need to do is contact your allocated funeral director, who will put the arrangements for your plan in place. They will also provide your family with help and support at an emotional time.
When it comes to something this important, you should feel sure that you're dealing with the experts. We've been helping people plan for the end of their life for over 35 years and we're here to make choosing a funeral as simple as possible.
We've teamed up with Golden Charter to help you get the best possible funeral service. They represent the UK's largest network of independent funeral directors — with over 3,300 local funeral directors around the country. When the time comes, your Funeral Director will take care of everything. They’ll provide vital support to your family, from organising the funeral to being there on the day and making sure everything goes just the way you want it.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to afford the funeral of your choice. That’s why we offer two different payment options.
Payment options compared
Here's an example of how the payment options work, based on a 65-year-old who chooses the Standard Plan.
PAYMENT OPTION | COST | TOTAL PAID |
Pay in one go | £3,295 | £3,295 |
Pay monthly with life insurance | £31.02 per month*, till age 90 or death, if earlier | Depends on how long you live |
*Monthly premiums based on age
Prices start from £3,295, depending on the Funeral Plan you choose.
This option is available to UK residents, aged 50 and over. You can pay by debit or credit card — it's up to you.
If you'd like to know more about this payment option, please read the terms and conditions.
Prices start from £25.52 a month, depending on your age and the Funeral Plan you choose. For example, if you're 65 and choose our Standard Plan, you would pay £31.02 a month. That's just £1.02 a day.
The life insurance policy is provided by Phoenix Life Limited, which trades as SunLife and which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Please read the terms and conditions to know more about this payment option.
Try our funeral costs calculator for free
Find out the average funeral cost in your area using this interactive tool. It’ll only take a couple of minutes.
Calculate funeral costs nowWatch this short visual guide to the average cost of a funeral in the UK.
See our examples of how much a funeral might cost
Video not for you? Read our article on how much a funeral costs
Record your funeral wishes ready for when the time comes - it’s simple and it’s FREE.
Start planningUse our funeral cost calculator to see how much the average funeral costs in 2017 in your area.
Funeral Cost CalculatorThe information you have been provided does not contain advice regarding whether these funeral plans are suitable for you. Therefore it's very important that you read and understand the terms and conditions.
Please print and/or save these documents and keep them for future reference. If you do not have access to Adobe Reader, you can download the software by clicking the following link:
This website contains information on how these funeral plans work. It does not contain advice, so you need to be satisfied this type of funeral plan meets your needs. If you are unsure and need advice, please visit unbiased.co.uk to find an Independent Financial Adviser in your area (you may have to pay for the financial advice provided). If you have any questions about the plan, you can call us on 0800 904 7674.
Here's the information that you need to know about who we are and the other companies that we work with in order to provide our products and services.
Who are SunLife?
Phoenix Life Limited trades as SunLife and is the provider of the Guaranteed Over 50 Plan, SunLife Insurance and the life insurance policy payment option for Funeral Plans. Phoenix Life Limited’s registered office is at 1 Wythall Green Way, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6WG (registered in England, no. 1016269). Phoenix Life Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (registration no. 110418). As part of SunLife’s commitment to quality service and security, telephone calls may be recorded.
SunLife Limited distributes financial products and services and is a company limited by shares, registered office: 1 Wythall Green Way, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6WG (registered in England, no. 05460862). SunLife Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (registration no. 769427).
You can contact us by post at SunLife, PO Box 1395, Peterborough, PE2 2TR or by phone on 0800 008 6060.
If you choose to add Funeral Benefit Option to your Guaranteed Over 50 Plan the funeral services are arranged and provided by Dignity Funerals Limited. Dignity Funerals Limited is a company registered in England and Wales No. 00041598. VAT registered No. 486 6081 14. 4 King Edwards Court, King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B73 6AP. Telephone No. 0121 354 1557. Fax No. 0121 355 808. Part of Dignity plc. A British Company. Dignity is not authorised or regulated for this activity by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority but is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors.
Who provides the Funeral Plans?
The funeral services are arranged by a funeral director selected by Golden Charter Ltd. Golden Charter Ltd are not required to be authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority in relation to funeral plans but are registered providers with the Funeral Planning Authority.
If you choose to pay for your funeral in one go, with a single payment, you will have a contract with Golden Charter. The funeral services will be arranged by a funeral director selected by Golden Charter Ltd.
If you choose to pay for your funeral with a life insurance policy, the policy will be provided by Phoenix Life Limited, trading as SunLife. The funeral services will be arranged by a funeral director selected by Golden Charter Ltd.
Who provides My Smarter (ISA)?
My Smarter (ISA) is provided by Scottish Friendly Asset Managers Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details can be found on the Financial Services register, registration No. 188832. Member of The Investment Association. Registered Office: Scottish Friendly House, 16 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4HJ.
Who provides the Will writing services?
Hugh James is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number:303202).
The information contained on this website is based on Hugh James' understanding of the law of intestacy in England and Wales only as at April 2014. The law in Scotland and Northern Ireland is significantly different. This is for information purposes and is not intended to be legal advice.
Who provides Family Life Insurance?
SunLife Family Life Insurance is provided by Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details can be found on the Financial Services register (registration number 110002). Registered Office: Scottish Friendly House, 16 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4HJ.
Who provides SunLife Pet Insurance
SunLife Pet Insurance is arranged and administered by BDML Connect Limited. BDML Connect Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 309140). Registered in England and Wales Number 02785540. Registered Office: 45 Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2QB.
Who provides SunLife Home Insurance
SunLife Home Insurance is arranged and administered by BISL Limited and underwritten by a panel of insurers. BISL Limited are an intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England no. 03231094. Registered office Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YS.
Who provides SunLife Car Insurance
SunLife Car Insurance is arranged and administered by BISL Limited and underwritten by a panel of insurers. BISL Limited are an intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England no. 03231094. Registered office Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YS.