Complete guide to funeral costs in the United Kingdom
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Understanding funeral costs in the UK is essential for planning ahead and ensuring your family isn't left with unexpected financial burden. The average funeral costs between £3,795 and £5,077 depending on burial or cremation.
Compare Life Insurance Quotes »The average cost of a funeral in the UK currently stands at £3,795 for a cremation and £5,077 for a burial.
Funeral costs have risen significantly over the past decade, making it increasingly important to plan ahead and ensure your family isn't left with an unexpected financial burden.
Understanding the breakdown of funeral costs can assist you in making informed decisions about how to prepare for this inevitable expense.
The costs vary depending on several factors:
The below table provides a breakdown of basic funeral costs for cremation, burial, direct cremation and direct burial:
| Type of Funeral | Average UK Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cremation | £3,795 | Funeral director fees for a traditional funeral, plus third-party fees (minister/celebrant fees, cremation fees, doctors' fees for medical certificate) |
| Burial | £5,077 | Funeral director fees for a traditional funeral, plus third-party fees (minister/celebrant fees, burial fees including plot and interment, church or chapel fees) |
| Direct Cremation | £1,498 | Funeral director fees for basic services, coffin and transport, return of ashes, plus third-party fees (cremation fees, doctor's fees) |
| Direct Burial | £1,657 | Funeral director fees for basic services, coffin and transport, burial fees |
Several factors can significantly impact the final cost of a funeral.
Location
Funeral costs vary considerably across different regions of the UK. London and the South East tend to have the highest costs, while other regions may be more affordable.
Type of service
Traditional funerals with a full ceremony are more expensive than direct cremations or burials. The level of ceremony and personalisation you choose will directly impact the cost.
Optional extras
Additional costs can include: flowers, funeral cars, catering for the wake, order of service printing, memorial headstones or plaques, and obituary notices.
There are several ways to ensure your funeral costs are covered, preventing financial burden on your family.
Over 50s life insurance
This is a type of life insurance specifically designed to help cover funeral costs. It offers:
Funeral plans
Funeral plans allow you to pre-pay for your funeral at today's prices, potentially saving money if costs continue to rise.
Savings
Setting aside money specifically for funeral costs is another option, though this requires discipline and the funds may be used for other purposes.
If you're concerned that you or your family couldn't cover the cost of your funeral, why not consider over 50s life insurance?
Any UK resident aged 50 - 85 is eligible to obtain a policy and you could be covered for up to £20,000.
Cover will last for the rest of your life, guaranteeing a pay out to your family when you pass away.
LifePro can assist you in securing cover with a SunLife or OneFamily policy. The below are quotes based on a non-smoker for £5,000 of cover:
| Age | SunLife | OneFamily |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | £17.41 | £15.00 |
| 55 | £19.59 | £18.00 |
| 60 | £21.92 | £20.00 |
| 65 | £26.59 | £25.00 |
| 70 | £35.25 | £35.00 |
| 75 | £48.85 | £51.00 |
| 80 | £67.70 | £75.00 |
| 85 | £74.00 (max £3,703 cover) | N/A (max age 80) |
To lock in your premium rate, simply contact LifePro.
We can compare quotes from some of the UK's leading providers. Quotes are personalised, fee-free, no-obligation and could start from just 20p-a-day.
Our friendly, UK based teams are here to assist to see if we can help you save money on your life insurance.
Compare Over 50 Life Insurance Quotes »If the deceased has no money or assets, family members may need to cover the costs. However, if no one can afford it, the local council may arrange a 'public health funeral' (also called a pauper's funeral). This is why having life insurance or a funeral plan is so important.
Direct cremation is typically the cheapest option at around £1,498 on average. This involves cremation without a ceremony, with ashes returned to the family. You can then hold a memorial service separately if desired.
Yes, you can either take out a funeral plan (pre-paying for funeral services) or over 50s life insurance (which pays out a lump sum when you pass away that can be used for funeral costs). Both options help ensure your funeral is paid for.
For a basic cremation, around £3,795-£4,000 should be sufficient. For a burial, you may want £5,000-£6,000. Many people choose £5,000-£10,000 of cover to ensure all funeral costs and some additional expenses are covered.
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Don't leave your family with the financial burden of funeral costs. LifePro can assist you in comparing over 50s life insurance quotes from leading UK providers. With guaranteed acceptance, no medical questions, and cover from just 20p-a-day, protecting your family's future has never been easier. Get your free, no-obligation quote today.
