At Dignity Insurance, we understand that thinking about funeral costs isn't easy. However, planning ahead can help ease the financial burden on your loved ones when the time comes. Let’s break down funeral insurance costs in Australia, covering what affects premiums and helping you make informed decisions for your end-of-life financial planning.
Types of policies
There are two main premium types for funeral insurance in Australia: level (fixed) and variable or stepped policies. Choosing between a level and stepped funeral insurance policy can significantly influence your premiums.
A level policy maintains a fixed premium throughout the coverage period, providing predictable costs but potentially higher initial payments. The reason for this is that the cost increases associated with getting older are spread out over a number of years under a fixed premium policy. This means that the premium normally starts out higher when compared to a stepped premium policy, but it may be lower at some point in the future, depending on how long you keep your policy.
In contrast, a stepped policy adjusts premiums over time and are based on your age each year. They typically start lower but increase with age, potentially becoming more expensive than a fixed premium policy in the future.
At Dignity Insurance, our cover is designed to be affordable,1 and we offer a level premium only. With Dignity Funeral Insurance, you can get a cash payout of up to $15,0002 to help cover funeral costs.
When deciding on a policy that’s right for you, it’s important to think about balancing financial stability with what you can afford now and in the future.
Optional add-ons
Adding extra cover options to your insurance policy can increase your premium. While these options offer you more protection, they also mean paying a higher premium.
With Dignity Funeral Insurance, terminal illness cover is included as part of your policy. If you're diagnosed with a terminal illness, you'll get a 100% early payout, which can help cover final wishes and ease financial stress.3 Plus, you’ll receive immediate double cover from day one for accidental death, meaning your loved ones will receive double your chosen benefit amount if your death is due to an accident.
What other factors affect the cost of funeral insurance?
The cost of a funeral insurance policy can vary based on several factors, including:
- Cover Amount: The higher the cover amount, the higher the premium. Dignity Funeral Insurance allows you to choose a cash payout of up to $15,000.2
- Age at application: Younger people usually pay lower premiums, as they are considered lower risk for the insurer. With Dignity Funeral Insurance, as long as you’re an Australian resident aged 50-80, you’re guaranteed to be accepted for cover.
- Gender: In some cases, gender can influence premium costs. Women normally pay lower premiums when compared to a man of the same age.
- Smoker Status: Smokers tend to pay higher premiums due to increased health risks. If you’re a non-smoker, you’ll enjoy lower premiums1 as a Dignity Funeral Insurance customer.
Understanding these factors and how they apply to you is very important when selecting the right funeral insurance policy that suits your needs and budget.
How much cover should I take out?
When deciding how much funeral insurance you need, it’s important to think about a few key things. Start by estimating the cost of your funeral, taking into account whether you want burial or cremation, service fees, and any unpaid debts. Remember that prices go up over time due to inflation, so the cover you choose today might not fully cover future costs.
Also, consider your savings and any other assets that could help. Think about how much financial support you’d like to leave behind for your family. Finally, make sure the premium fits your budget -not just now but in the future too. Finding the right balance between enough cover and affordability is key to easing the financial burden on your loved ones.
How do I reduce the cost?
You could lower the cost of funeral insurance by:
- Choosing a Lower Cover Amount: Consider opting for a cover amount that aligns with what you expect your actual funeral expenses to be, as a higher cover amount leads to higher premiums.
- Applying at a Younger Age: Often, the earlier you get a policy, the cheaper the premiums will be.
- Reviewing and Adjusting Coverage: Periodically assess your cover needs and adjust your policy accordingly to avoid overpaying.
The key to choosing cover that suits your needs is finding affordable coverage while ensuring you have enough to cover funeral costs.
Why choose Dignity Funeral Insurance?
At Dignity Insurance, we understand that everyone’s needs are different. We offer insurance policies that are designed to help your family cover funeral expenses. We take your trust in us seriously and will be there for you and your family when you need us, so you can get on with life.
Our easy application process means that you can get cover over the phone in a matter of minutes with no medicals or blood tests required. And with guaranteed acceptance for Australian residents aged 50-80, you can enjoy peace of mind and have more time with focusing on the more important things in life, like spending time with loved ones.