Funeral insurance can cost you a lot more than the benefit your family will receive. And if you stop making repayments, you lose what you've already paid.

How funeral insurance plans work

A funeral insurance policy gives your family a lump sum payment to pay for funeral expenses when you die.

You pay monthly or fortnightly premiums (ongoing payments) for a fixed amount of cover. Usually you can choose from $5,000 to $15,000 cover, which will be paid to your family when you die.

You are not saving for funeral costs with funeral insurance. You are buying insurance to meet those costs at some future date.

Funeral insurance costs a lot in the long run

You keep paying for funeral insurance until you die. If you're considering a funeral insurance plan, think about:

• How much you'll pay for the next 10, 20 or more years — It could add up to much more than your funeral costs.
• Your future income — You could struggle to afford premiums on the Age Pension.
• Whether you can afford higher premiums — They will go up after you turn 50 and every year with inflation.

Not all funeral insurance plans are the same. Shop around and compare funeral insurance quotes before you sign.

Pros and cons of funeral insurance

Pros

• Immediate cover, but with exclusions — Most policies will only cover accidental death in the first few years.
• Helps people who struggle to save — It may suit you if you aren't sure if you can save for funeral costs.

Cons

• Premiums can increase a lot over time — There can be big increases after you turn 50. Premiums can become unaffordable when you're living on a pension.
• No refund on premiums you've paid — If you cancel your policy or can't afford the premiums, you'll probably lose the money you've paid.
• Your premiums could cost you more than your funeral — If you live another five to 10 years you may end up paying more in premiums than the cost of the funeral.
• Exclusions apply in the first few years — If you die from a terminal illness in the first few years, you may not be covered. Check the policy's terms and conditions.
• You don't get the money right away — It can take a while for your family to receive the insurance payout to cover funeral costs.

Cheaper ways to cover funeral costs

There may be cheaper ways to help your family pay for your funeral. Consider alternatives to funeral insurance, including:

• a pre-paid funeral
• a funeral bond
• using your superannuation
• saving for your funeral using a high interest savings account

See paying for your funeral for more information about your options.