Buying funeral cover is important. This is because it can prevent your family from financial stress if someone passes away. Based on your plan, it can cover things such as the end-of-life service (and all that goes with it, such as the officiant, venue, decor and catering), the burial or cremation and repatriation. In some cases, you can also get a payout or vouchers for necessities during this time, such as airtime and groceries.
Taking out this type of insurance, however, is a big responsibility. You need to know exactly what you are signing up for and what your package provides. As such, here are five crucial things your insurer needs to inform you of when you purchase this cover.
1. What your policy covers
Most funeral policies will have you as the main member and allow for additional members according to how you customise it. Everyone on the plan will have their own sum assured. Make sure you know if these are paid out in cash or directly to service providers. At 21st Century Funerals, policyholders are also entitled to monthly benefits with MYPrestige Rewards to make everyday life easier.
2. Info about your premium
Your premium is the amount of money you pay monthly to have coverage available when you or your family need it. This is usually debited from your bank account on a specific day each month. This can increase over the years. If there is going to be an increase, your insurer needs to let you know at least 31 days prior in writing so that you can have time to prepare.
3. Tell you the waiting periods
When you inform your insurer that someone covered by your policy has passed away, there will be a waiting period for the money to become available. This can be based on the cause of death or the company’s terms and conditions. They also need to let you know if there are any exclusions or situations where they will not pay out, such as death as a result of illegal activities.
4. Explain how you can claim
Making a claim should be uncomplicated and properly explained when you buy funeral cover. Ensure that you have the contact details of the claims department and know what documentation, such as a death notice, you will need to provide. Make sure other members of your policy also have these details in case anything happens to you, ensuring a quick, seamless process.
5. Give you the documentation
You need to be provided with all the documentation regarding your policy and its terms and conditions. This should be kept on file somewhere safe. If you are emailed your paperwork, print it out, file it and let your loved ones know where they are kept for easy access when someone needs them. Read through them carefully and make sure all your details are entered and spelt correctly.
