At a Glance

• Best value Funeral Plans: Pay upfront in full, or within 12 months interest-free.

• Grey areas: Moving house, care cost assessments, and plans with restrictions can complicate things.

• When not worth it: If paying puts you in debt, if instalments stretch too long, or if the plan doesn’t provide the funeral you want.

• Martin Lewis’ key point: Don’t sign up unless you understand the exclusions and can either pay in one go or over 12 months (interest-free).

Planning ahead for a funeral can ease both emotional and financial pressure on loved ones when the time comes. A funeral plan lets you pay in advance for key services, fixing today’s prices and ensuring arrangements are in place. But are these plans always worth it?

Who is Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert?

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has long examined funeral plans and their pros and cons.

His advice is widely trusted, but like many financial products, funeral plans are not one-size-fits-all. In this article, we explain Martin Lewis’ views, break down what’s included, and provide our own perspective, including how providers like our partner Golden Leaves compare.

What does Martin Lewis say about funeral plans?

Martin Lewis and the team at MoneySavingExpert take a balanced approach to funeral plans. Rather than recommending them for everyone, they encourage consumers to carefully weigh up the benefits, costs, and alternatives before making a decision.

One of the key points highlighted by MoneySavingExpert is that funeral plans can be worthwhile if they help lock in funeral costs and reduce the burden on family members. This can be particularly beneficial for people who are concerned about rising funeral prices or who want to make sure their wishes are clearly documented in advance.

However, Martin Lewis has also warned consumers not to assume that all funeral plans represent good value. Before buying a plan, it is important to understand exactly what is covered, what exclusions apply, and whether any additional costs could fall to family members later.

MoneySavingExpert generally suggests that funeral plans offer the best value when they are paid for upfront in full or over a short, interest-free payment period. This avoids the additional charges that can significantly increase the overall cost of a plan when payments are spread over many years.

Another area Martin Lewis has highlighted is the importance of comparing providers carefully. Funeral plans can vary in terms of the services included, how third-party fees are handled, and what happens if circumstances change after the plan has been purchased. Reading the terms and conditions and asking questions before signing up can help avoid surprises later.

Since July 2022, prepaid funeral plans have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing consumers with greater protection. This regulatory change addressed many of the concerns that previously existed in the market and means consumers now have stronger safeguards when purchasing a plan from an authorised provider.

Martin Lewis has also pointed out that funeral plans are not the only option available. Depending on personal circumstances, some people may prefer to save money in a dedicated account, while others may choose funeral insurance or rely on existing savings to cover funeral expenses. The right solution will depend on individual financial circumstances and funeral preferences.

Ultimately, the central message from Martin Lewis is that funeral plans should be approached as a practical financial decision rather than an emotional purchase. If a plan provides the funeral you want, is affordable, and comes from a reputable FCA-regulated provider, it may offer valuable peace of mind. If not, alternative ways of setting aside money for funeral costs may be worth considering.

Martin Lewis’ Advice in Detail (Side-by-Side Comparison)

Funeral Costs: What to Expect

Notes: According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, the average cost of a direct cremation is now £1,597, while a simple attended funeral averages £4,285. Burials remain the most expensive option. Once you add send-off costs and professional fees, the total ‘cost of dying’ in the UK has risen to £9,797.

Important to Know

• FCA regulation: Since July 2022, all prepaid funeral plans must be regulated by the FCA, giving customers more protection.

• Instalments: Paying monthly can spread the cost but usually adds fees, making the total higher.

• What’s not included: Most plans don’t cover flowers, embalming, catering, or headstones.

• Refunds: Most providers offer a 30-day cooling-off period for a full refund; after that, cancellation fees may apply.

Our View on Funeral Plans

Based on our research, provider reviews, and guidance from consumer experts such as Martin Lewis and MoneySavingExpert, we believe funeral plans can be a sensible option for many people, but only when they are chosen carefully.

One of the biggest advantages of a funeral plan is certainty. Funeral costs have increased significantly over the past decade, and paying for key funeral services in advance can help protect against future price rises. For many families, knowing that the main funeral arrangements have already been organised can provide valuable peace of mind during what is often a difficult and emotional time.

However, not all funeral plans are the same. The level of cover, payment options, cancellation terms, and treatment of third-party costs can vary considerably between providers. This is why comparing plans and understanding the small print is so important before making a commitment.

We generally recommend looking for providers that:

• Are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

• Clearly explain what is and is not included.

• Offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

• Provide flexibility if your circumstances change.

• Have a strong track record of customer service and positive reviews.

It's also important to think about your personal circumstances. If you have sufficient savings set aside specifically for funeral costs, a prepaid funeral plan may not be essential. Equally, if paying for a plan would put pressure on your finances or require borrowing money, it may be worth considering alternative options.

The Bottom Line

Martin Lewis has consistently highlighted that funeral plans can provide value in the right circumstances, particularly when purchased from a regulated provider and paid for upfront or over a short interest-free period.

The key message is not that everyone should buy a funeral plan, but that consumers should understand exactly what they are buying. Comparing providers, checking exclusions, and understanding the total cost can help ensure the plan meets your needs and offers genuine value for money.