Compare Pre-Paid Funeral Plans (November 2025)

The cost of funerals has continued to rise in the UK, with the average cost of a simple attended funeral now £4,285 - up 25% in just five years, according to SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2025 .

As prices climb, more people are turning to pre paid funeral plans as a way to fix costs in advance and protect their family from unexpected bills later on.

A pre paid funeral plan lets you pay for the key elements of your funeral upfront, either in one payment or through monthly instalments at today's prices. Once paid, the provider works with a funeral director to deliver the service you have chosen, so your loved ones will not have to make difficult decisions or cover costs when the time comes.

Since July 2022, funeral plan providers have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), giving customers greater protection and peace of mind.

All providers included in this guide are FCA authorised and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which safeguards 100% of eligible claims if a firm cannot meet its obligations.

The purpose of this article is simple, to help you compare the best pre paid funeral plans in the UK (as of November 2025), what they include, how they differ, and how to decide which one offers the best value for your needs.

What Is a Prepaid Funeral Plan and How Does It Work?

A prepaid funeral plan is an agreement that allows you to pay for your funeral in advance, at today's prices. You can pay in full or spread the cost over several years, usually from 12 months up to 25 years. Once your plan is paid for, your chosen provider guarantees to cover the key services included, such as collection, care of the deceased, and the funeral service itself.

When the time comes, your family contacts the provider, who works directly with a local funeral director to arrange everything according to your wishes. This removes both the financial and emotional pressure from loved ones.

Pre paid plans can be a good way to lock in the cost of a funeral and avoid future price rises. However, coverage varies by provider, not all include third party fees such as cremation, minister or doctor's charges. That is why it is essential to always read the small print carefully before you buy.

Compare the Best Pre Paid Funeral Plans (November 2025)

Choosing a plan is not just about finding the lowest price, it is about understanding what is included, what is excluded, and how future costs are handled.

We have compared the leading FCA regulated UK funeral plan providers, using 2025 brochures, official websites and verified Trustpilot review data (November 2025).

Each provider was assessed on:

• Customer satisfaction, verified Trustpilot ratings.
• Price and payment options, one off payments versus instalments and any interest applied.
• Third party fees, whether these are guaranteed, capped or excluded.

Notes:

Doctor's fees: These are the fees charged by a doctor for completing the medical certification required for cremation. The average cost is around £164 (MoneyHelper, October 2025), and they are not included in all plans. Families may need to pay this separately at the time of need unless the plan clearly states it is covered.

"Dignity Promise": If you choose to pay by instalments and pass away after 12 months of payments, Dignity will cover any remaining balance so the funeral can still go ahead as planned.

You can check our comprehensive Co op Funeralcare review guide .

Sources: Provider brochures (2025), FCA Register, and verified Trustpilot ratings (November 2025).

At a glance: how the leading providers compare

• Aura and Pure Cremation lead for customer satisfaction and fully inclusive, fixed price direct cremations.
• Golden Leaves and Avalon offer traditional full service options with flexible payment terms but doctor's fees are excluded or only partly covered.
• Dignity guarantees cremation or burial fees but excludes medical certification costs. The Dignity Promise stands out as a real benefit.
• Co op Funeralcare remains a trusted national brand, though lower tier plans include only capped allowances for third party fees.

Ultimately, the best plan depends on the type of funeral you want, how you wish to pay, and the level of coverage you need.

What Is Included (and What Is Not)

Every plan covers the core funeral director services, but inclusions differ by provider. Knowing what is guaranteed, partially covered, or excluded helps you choose confidently.

✅ Typically included

• Collection and care of the deceased (within local distance).
• Professional funeral director services.
• Standard coffin (range depends on plan level).
• Hearse to crematorium or service venue.
• Organisation of the service and liaison with third parties.
• Guidance on certification and registration.
• 24 hour bereavement helpline.

⚠️ Sometimes included, check details

• Limousines for family members.
• Use of chapel of rest or viewing room.
• Cremation or burial fees (cap or allowance may apply).
• Minister or celebrant fees.
• Return of ashes to the family.

❌ Not usually included

• Flowers, catering or order of service.
• Obituary notices or printed materials.
• Headstones or memorials.
• Burial plots or interment fees.
• Doctor's fees for cremation certificates.

💡 Guaranteed vs Contribution Plans

• Guaranteed plans cover all funeral-director costs and third-party fees listed, no matter how prices rise.
• Contribution plans include a fixed allowance (e.g. £1 100 toward cremation and minister fees); if costs increase, your family pays the difference.

Guaranteed plans offer greater certainty that all costs are covered; contribution plans can be cheaper upfront.

Pros and Cons of Pre Paid Funeral Plans 

Tip: Pay upfront or over a short, interest free term for best value, echoing Martin Lewis' advice.

Alternatives to Pre Paid Funeral Plans

A funeral plan is not the only way to prepare for future costs. Here are four common alternatives and how they compare.

• Life insurance – Pays a cash lump sum on death, which loved ones can use toward funeral costs or other expenses. Does not fix prices, so rising costs may reduce its value over time.

➡️ You can check our comprehensive SunLife Over 50 Plan Review guide.

• Savings or ISA – Money set aside in a savings account or ISA gives flexibility and may earn interest, but discipline is needed to keep funds available for the funeral.
• Direct cremation or pay-as-you-go – A simple, unattended cremation arranged when needed. Usually the lowest-cost option, but no ceremony or service is included.
• Pay from your estate – Funeral costs can be reclaimed from your estate after death, but family may need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement once probate is complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking what is covered, look for "guaranteed" versus "contribution".
• Choosing long term payments with interest, best value comes from short, interest free terms or an upfront single payment.
• Not confirming FCA regulation and protection, only buy from listed firms.
• Not communicating with your family, share plan details and documents.
• Assuming you can transfer or cancel easily, penalties often apply.
• Buying without comparing like for like, always review coverage and customer ratings.

💡 Before signing up, ask: What is guaranteed? What might my family still pay? What happens if I die before finishing payments?

FAQs About Pre Paid Funeral Plans

What is a pre paid funeral plan?

A pre paid funeral plan lets you pay for your funeral in advance, at today's prices. You choose the level of service you want, from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional funeral, and pay either in one lump sum or by instalments. When the time comes, your provider works with a local funeral director to carry out the arrangements, meaning your family will not need to make difficult decisions or find money at short notice.

How does a funeral plan differ from life insurance?

A funeral plan pays directly for the funeral itself. A life insurance policy, on the other hand, pays a cash lump sum that your family can use for any purpose. While life insurance offers flexibility, it does not protect against rising funeral costs. A pre paid plan locks in the price of your chosen services, so you know exactly what is covered, regardless of inflation.

Are all funeral plans regulated?

Yes. Since July 2022, all UK funeral plan providers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This regulation means your money is held securely in a trust or insurance policy until it is needed, and you are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if the provider goes out of business. You can check whether a firm is authorised by searching the FCA Register online before you buy.

Can I pay monthly instead of upfront?

Most providers offer flexible payment terms ranging from 12 months interest free to long term instalment plans of up to 25 years. However, once interest is added, the total amount can end up significantly higher than the original cost. MoneySavingExpert and MoneyHelper both recommend paying upfront or within 12 months interest free wherever possible, as this usually offers the best value.

What happens if I die before finishing my payments?

Under FCA rules, most plans guarantee to provide the funeral if you have had the plan for at least two years. If you die sooner, your estate or family will usually receive a refund of the payments made so far, although this varies by provider. It is worth checking the terms carefully before signing up, especially if you plan to pay over several years.

Some providers, such as Dignity, operate differently. The Dignity Promise ensures that if you have been paying for 12 months or more, your funeral will still go ahead even if there is an outstanding balance, meaning your family will not have to cover the remaining payments.

Can I cancel my plan if I change my mind?

Yes. All regulated providers must offer a cooling off period, normally 30 days, during which you can cancel for a full refund. If you cancel later, you might have to pay an administration fee or receive less than you paid in. Always read the cancellation policy and make sure you are happy with it before committing.

Will my plan still be valid if I move home?

Most funeral plan providers allow you to transfer your plan to another area or funeral director if you move. Some may charge a small transfer or administration fee, so it is worth checking this in advance, especially if you expect to relocate in future.

Does my plan include cremation or burial fees?

That depends on the type of plan. Some are guaranteed plans, which include all third party fees such as cremation or minister's charges, no matter how prices change. Others are contribution plans, which provide a fixed allowance toward those costs. If prices rise, your family will need to pay the difference. This is one of the most important details to confirm before you buy.

What if my family want to add personal touches?

Most providers allow extra services, such as flowers, music, printed orders of service, or an upgraded coffin, to be added for an additional cost at the time of the funeral. Your family can discuss these directly with the funeral director when the time comes.

Are funeral plans right for everyone?

Not necessarily. They can be a great choice for people who want cost certainty and simplicity, but may not suit everyone. If you already have adequate life insurance or savings, a plan may not be essential. For others, especially those who want to fix prices and spare their family the stress, a regulated plan can offer genuine peace of mind.

💬 Need help deciding? Comparison sites like Over50Choices, recommended by Which?, provide side by side reviews of major UK funeral plan providers, making it easier to check coverage, fees and customer ratings before you choose.

Summary and Final Thoughts

A pre paid funeral plan is a practical way to protect your family and fix future costs. Choose carefully, check the details, and opt for an FCA regulated plan paid upfront or over a short term for best value.

For many people, the benefit is as much emotional as financial, knowing everything is in place and loved ones will not face difficult decisions.

A comparison site can also take the legwork out of finding the right plan. Sites like Over50Choices compare many of the UK's leading providers side by side, making it easy to check costs and reviews in one place.

💬 In summary:

• Funeral costs are rising, fixing today's price can save hundreds.
• FCA regulation ensures your money is protected.
• Comparison sites such as Over50Choices, as recommended by Which?, make it easier to find reputable plans.
• Paying upfront or over a short, interest free period offers the best value.

If you are considering a funeral plan, start by comparing providers side by side using our independent guide and verified customer ratings. A few minutes of research today can bring lasting peace of mind tomorrow.