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Our WishesPre-paid funeral vs. funeral insurance
A pre-paid funeral (sometimes called a funeral plan) allows you to plan and pay for your funeral ahead of time at today's prices, either through a lump-sum payment or instalments.
Funeral insurance pays a lump sum benefit to your family when you pass away regardless of how much you’ve paid or how long you’ve held the policy for. Other covers may also apply that would pay the benefit to you, such as the diagnosis of a terminal illness.
While both options can be a handy way to help take care of funeral costs, they can work out rather differently depending on your plans and financial position. It’s a good idea to speak with your family or a financial adviser to understand how each option could help.
This table compares a typical pre-paid funeral option with OneChoice Funeral Insurance. Keep in mind that every funeral insurance provider is different so we can’t speak for the rest. Most pre-paid funeral plans are organised by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ).
| OneChoice Funeral Insurance | Pre-paid funeral | |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Fixed amount between $3,000 and $30,000, which is paid to your family or nominated beneficiaries regardless of premiums paid1 | Can be as much or as little as you like, depending on the type of funeral you want to have. Your contributions are transferred to a trust account which accrues interest. Any difference between the actual cost of your funeral and the amount you’ve paid, (plus interest) is returned to your estate |
| Can be used for | Funeral costs or anything else | Funeral costs only |
| Eligibility | New Zealand residents aged 18–79 are guaranteed acceptance | No restrictions to set up |
| Medical/blood tests required | No | No |
| Tax implications2 | Benefit amount is usually tax-free in New Zealand | You may be required to pay tax on any earnings over the amount you paid. |
| Trustworthy | Yes | Yes |
Pros and cons of funeral insurance and pre-paid funeral plans
Both funeral insurance and pre-paid funerals can be suitable options if you’re concerned about the cost of your final farewell. Make sure you consider your personal needs before making a decision as each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of funeral insurance
- The benefit amount is paid as a lump sum and can be used however you or your family decide, like paying for your funeral costs or other end-of-life expenses (outstanding debts, legal fees etc.)
- Simple and easy to apply for cover
- Some policies offer extra cover for accidental serious injury, accidental death, or cover for diagnosis of a terminal illness
Cons of funeral insurance
- Your chosen benefit amount may not be enough to cover the future cost of a funeral, either due to inflation or change of circumstances
- Total premiums could potentially exceed your benefit amount
Pros of pre-paid funerals
- The cost of your funeral is locked in at today’s prices, regardless of the future cost of funerals
- You make arrangements for your funeral in advance, so your family doesn’t need to make these decisions at a difficult time
- Any leftover funds after the funeral will go back to your family or estate
- Some providers may also help document your final wishes
Cons of pre-paid funerals
- Benefit can’t be redeemed for cash or any other purpose if your needs change
- Only accessible when you pass away.
OneChoice Funeral Insurance charges no premiums for your policy after you turn 85.
Other ways to pay for a funeral
If you’re not feeling either of the above options, there are still other fish in the sea. You can also pay for a funeral using:
- your personal savings
- a Funeral Grant from Work and Income (Te Hiranga Tangata) if you’re eligible3
- favours/donations from your friends or community – don’t be ashamed to ask for help!
Read more about options to pay for a funeral >
Take it slow
While it’s always a smart move to plan ahead, don’t rush into it. You should make a decision after speaking to your family/whanau and considering all the available options. Getting some personalised financial advice from an expert can’t hurt either.
Whichever option you go with, we’re here cheering for you to have the best funeral possible. It’s the least you deserve after the performance of a lifetime.
Why not?
What you get with OneChoice Funeral Insurance:
Your cover, your way
Don’t settle for cover that doesn’t fit right. With OneChoice Funeral Insurance, you can choose a level of cover that works just for you, from $3,000 up to $30,000.
Guaranteed acceptance for New Zealand residents aged 18 – 79
Just ask. We won’t say no. There are no medicals or blood tests needed either.
Fast payout to your family
We pay most claims within 1 business day after receiving the required paperwork. When it’s time for a funeral or tangi, your loved ones can focus on honouring your memory — not paying for it.
Happy 85ᵗʰ birthday
You’re only 85 once, so for reaching the big milestone, we’ll add 25% Bonus Cover to your policy at no additional cost.
No more premiums after age 85
Keep the celebration going, as you’ll no longer have to pay to stay covered (hip-hip, hooray!).
Cover for terminal illnesses
Be ready for life’s curveballs with your benefit amount paid in full if you’re diagnosed with 12 months or less to live (cover is for accidental serious injury and accidental death only in the first 12 months).
Level premiums with no annual increase
There’s no guesswork with OneChoice. Your premiums won’t go up every year1 so you know exactly how much you need to pay. You can’t get a refund on premiums after the cooling-off period – sorry.
Triple benefit for accidental death
If life catches you by surprise, your loved ones will receive a triple payout of up $90,000. It’s our way of helping you expect the unexpected.
Early Cash Out Option
If you’d rather go your own way, you can end your policy any time after you turn 85 and get 75% of your benefit amount paid to you — no hard feelings. Keep in mind that this payout won’t include Bonus Cover, and you’ll no longer be able to claim as this option will cancel your policy.
Guaranteed cash payout for an even happier 100ᵗʰ birthday
At age 100, we’ll end your cover and give you 125% of your benefit amount to spend any way you like. Not a bad way to celebrate the last century.
Triple benefit for accidental serious injury
You’re covered until the age of 75 if you suffer an accidental serious injury and we’ll triple your benefit amount (up to $90,000). Use it for medical bills, recovery costs, or to turn life’s lemons into lemonade.
- The total amount of premiums payable over the life of the policy has the potential to exceed the cover amount.
- This article is for general information purposes and shouldn’t be considered or relied upon as professional or personal advice. If you have legal, tax, or financial questions, you should contact an appropriate professional.
- Funeral Grant - Work and Income New Zealand
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Our WishesMake the call
If you’re keen for a chat, call us on 0800 640 004 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. If you’re too busy enjoying life, we can call you instead, or why not request a quote now?