Aura Prepaid Funeral Plans Review (2026)

Aura is a UK provider focused on prepaid cremation plans, including unattended and attended options. It positions itself as a family-run service with “all-inclusive” pricing and a simplified planning process. 

With funeral costs continuing to rise across the UK, prepaid funeral plans aim to protect families from unexpected expenses and stress.

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By Sue Schaum

Updated September 2026

Disclaimer: Prices and ratings correct at time of writing.

Aura Prepaid Funeral Plans: At a Glance

  • What Aura sells: Prepaid funeral plans built around direct cremation, with both unattended and attended options available.

  • Starting price: Aura’s unattended direct cremation plan starts from £1,795.

  • Payment options: Lump sum or spread the cost over 12 or 24 month instalments with no additional costs. Always check the latest terms before purchasing.

  • Regulation: funeral plans by Aura Life Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

  • Protection: Eligible customers may be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the provider fails.

  • Customer rating: Trustpilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 from around 1,400 reviews, as of July 2026.

Who Is Aura Best Suited For?

Aura may suit people seeking a straightforward prepaid cremation plan with transparent pricing and a choice of unattended or attended services. It may also appeal to customers who value highly rated service and the flexibility to amend or cancel their arrangements. 

It may be less suitable for someone wanting a traditional funeral with a hearse, procession, viewing or funeral director-led ceremony. Other providers may also offer a wider range of burial and traditional funeral plans or operate their own crematoria.

How Aura’s Prepaid Funeral Plan Works

  • You select an unattended or attended cremation plan

  • Choose whether to pay in full or over 12 or 24 months

  • Aura holds the funeral funds in an independently managed trust, with some instalment payments initially covering setup and management costs. 

  • When the planholder dies, their nominated representative contacts Aura, which arranges the cremation according to the plan terms.


What's Included in Aura's Funeral Plan? 

The precise services depend on whether you choose an unattended or attended plan. The following information is based on Aura’s current terms.

Included:

  • Collection from anywhere in mainland Great Britain

  • A simple coffin

  • Care and preparation at a mortuary care centre

  • Administration and funeral arrangements

  • Transport to the crematorium

  • Removal of medical devices where necessary 

  • Cremation fees

  • An unattended or attended cremation, depending on the plan

  • Hand-delivery of the ashes within 21 working days

  • Free plan amendments and cancellation

Excluded:

  • Repatriation if the person dies outside mainland Great Britain

  • Burial costs

  • Embalming or viewing of the person who has died

  • A traditional hearse, procession or limousines

  • Flowers

  • A minister or celebrant

  • Catering or a separate wake

  • Additional personal requests that are not written into the agreement

An unattended plan does not include mourners, a service or a choice of crematorium. Attended plans include a crematorium service, although the available time, duration and location depend on the selected plan and crematorium.


How We Rated Aura

Aura Scorecard

Category

Rating

Notes

Price & Value

4.0 / 5

Entry plan stars at £1,795 with the main cremation services included. 

Flexibility

3.6 / 5

Focused primarily on direct cremation rather than traditional funeral plans.

Service Quality

4.6 / 5

Trustpilot sentiment strongly positive.

Transparency

3.8 / 5

Educational resources available; check contract for inclusions.

Coverage & Availability

4.0 / 5

Serves families across mainland Britain.

Customer Satisfaction

4.6 / 5

Trustpilot rating 4.9/5 with large share of 5★ reviews.

Final Rating: 

4.1 / 5

Our rating considers price, inclusions, payment options, transparency, flexibility, customer feedback and ease of arranging the plan 

Customer feedback forms part of the assessment, including Aura’s overall Trustpilot rating and recurring review themes. However, ratings are not based on customer reviews alone. We consider what is excluded, when an additional payment might arise and how Aura compares with other prepaid funeral plan providers.

Pricing Example

Aura states prepaid plans start from £1,695 for an unattended cremation plan. Exact pricing varies depending on plan options and promotions, so quotes are typically personalised.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very strong Trustpilot rating: 4.9/5 from 1,196 reviews.
  • Published starting price from £1,695.
  • 12–24 month instalments without added admin fees (according to Aura).
  • All-inclusive positioning for direct cremation plans.

Cons

  • Primarily focused on direct cremation rather than traditional funeral services.
  • Direct cremation means family are typically not present.
  • Traditional elements such as flowers, embalming or procession may not be included.
  • If paying by instalments, the remaining balance may need to be settled if death occurs during the payment term.


Why People Typically Choose Aura

  • Simplicity: Straightforward direct cremation planning.
  • Perceived value: Transparent starting price and all-inclusive messaging.
  • Customer experience: Very strong Trustpilot rating and positive feedback themes.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Aura Funeral Plan 

  • What the plan includes: Check which core services Aura will arrange, such as collection, care of the deceased, transport and return of the ashes.

    Third-party costs: Confirm which external charges are covered. Aura includes the crematorium fee, but the plan documents should explain whether any limits or exceptions apply. 

    What costs extra: Optional services such as flowers, a celebrant, a procession, embalming, repatriation and personal requests are excluded or cost extra.

    Cancellation and changes: Aura currently allows amendments and cancellation without an administration fee, although upgrades may cost more.

    Who needs to know: Tell your nominated representative or family about the plan and where the documents are stored.

    How it compares: Compare the price, cover, exclusions and payment options with other FCA-authorised providers.

What Do Customers Say About Aura?

Aura holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5 from 1400 reviews at the time of writing.

“I felt I was being treated as an individual not just another client… I did not feel rushed in making decisions… The company stood by its word that it was there to help.” - Mrs F/Gerald (5★)

“Such a lovely lady answered my phone call and all my questions… they were completely transparent about costs… buying the funeral was easy and straightforward.” — Adele Etheridge (5★)

“While you are grieving you don't need to be worried about sorting arrangements… this funeral plan removes that burden and lets family focus on grieving.” — Dawn F (5★)

Across the reviews. Customers frequently mention:

  • Feeling treated as individuals, rather than sales targets

  • Clear explanations and cost transparency

  • No-pressure approach to sales

  • Compassionate staff

  • Simple setup process

Across reviews, customers frequently mention:

  • Feeling treated as individuals rather than sales targets
  • Clear explanations and transparency around costs
  • No-pressure sales approach
  • Compassionate staff
  • Simple setup process


Comparison: Aura vs Memoria Funeral Plans

Criteria

Aura

Memoria

Prepaid plan starting price

From £1,795

From £1,595

Plan focus

Unattended and attended direct cremation plans

Direct cremation and a broader selection of attended plans

Payment options

Upfront or 12 or 24 months instalments

Upfront payment; check whether instalment options are available

Trustpilot rating

4.9/5 from 1,400 reviews

4.9/5 from 4,133 reviews

Crematoria ownership

Partner network

Operates own crematoria

Cancellation

Cancellation at any time with no administration fee

Full refund within 30 days. After 30 days, refunds are subject to a cancellation fee.

Plan flexibility

Choice of unattended, intimate attended or fully attended cremation

Direct cremation and attended options with different service levels

Regulation

Aura Life Ltd is FCA authorised and regulated

Memoria Funeral Plans Ltd is FCA authorised and regulated

Best suited to

Customers prioritising straightforward pricing, free cancellation and short interest-free payment terms

Customers wanting a lower starting price, broader attended options or a provider with its own crematoria

Overall value

Strong value where the included services, free amendments and no-cost payment options justify the higher starting price. 

Strong value at the lower starting price, although customers should weigh the broader plan choice against cancellation fees and payment terms. 



Key Differences Explained

Aura: Simplicity and FlexibilityAura emphasises straightforward cremation planning, with unattended and attended options delivered through partner crematoria. 

Memoria: Choice and Provider-Owned FacilitiesMemoria combines a lower entry price with a broader range of attended services and access to crematoria operated by its wider group.

Final Verdict: Aura or Memoria?

Aura is a strong option if you want a competitively priced prepaid direct cremation plan with a streamlined setup process and strong customer feedback.

Memoria may be more suitable if you prefer a provider that operates its own crematoria facilities and offers more traditional attended funeral options.

Both operate within the FCA-regulated funeral plan framework, meaning regulatory standards apply across the market. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you prioritise simplicity and cost transparency (Aura) or operational control and broader funeral options (Memoria).

Yes. Aura Life Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for funeral plan contracts.