What to consider before you buy a funeral plan from Choice

What type of funeral is right for you?

Perhaps the most obvious question, and one you will likely have given at least some thought already, is whether you wish to be cremated or buried.

If you wish to be cremated, you can choose between all three Choice plans, but only the Choice Essentials or Choice Plus Plan are suitable if you wish to be buried.

Another important question is whether you wish to have an attended or unattended funeral. An attended funeral is likely what comes to mind for most people when they think of a funeral – a traditional service that family and friends can attend to pay their respects. However, if you are simply looking for a dignified, low-cost cremation option, you may wish to consider our Unattended Cremation Plan.

An unattended cremation offers a simple cremation, without the formalities of a traditional funeral and without friends or family present.

Is there a funeral home to suit you?

If you buy a funeral plan from Choice, you’ll have access to the Funeral Partners network of Funeral Directors, which includes hundreds of local funeral homes across the UK.

We pride ourselves on the high standard of service our funeral homes offer, based on a commitment to providing compassionate care to every family.

Because our plans only cover funerals at our funeral homes, you should check whether this meets your needs. For instance, you’ll want to consider whether there is a branch within this network that is local to you – or the area where you’d like to be laid to rest – and suits your personal wishes.

Is a Choice Funeral Plan right for you?

Our prepaid funeral plans will fix the cost of Funeral Director Services and may reduce the financial burden on your family when the time comes.

We offer three different funeral plans to suit you, and they all provide you with the flexibility to add your personal wishes. Choice Essentials and Choice Plus do not include certain Third-Party Fees, which will need to be paid in addition to the funeral plan cost for the funeral to take place.

You may wish to do some research into the different funeral plans within the market. Doing this could help you to find a funeral plan that is right for you.

Some people choose to prepare for their funeral in other ways, such as putting money into a saving account, or take out an Over 50s life insurance plan. Both options can provide a sum of money which may be used towards the funeral.

One benefit of a Funeral Plan is the ability to record your personal wishes, which may ease the burden on your family at the time of need

What are your personal wishes for your funeral?

Before you choose your plan, it’s worth considering some of the finer details that matter to you when it comes to your funeral. Are there any hymns you’d like sung or music you want to be played? You may have a special outfit you wish to be dressed in for the funeral or a personal theme, and it’s worth considering whether you have a strong preference around the type of coffin you’ll have.

Our Choice Essentials Plan gives you the flexibility to personalise elements of your funeral to suit your funeral wishes. Choice Plus offers this customisation, along with some premium touches – such as professional embalming, a superior coffin and a chauffeured limousine – included as part of the plan.

While it’s a good idea to consider these personal elements when you begin funeral planning, rest assured that you can amend or add to your personal funeral wishes should you change your mind in the future. If your changes affect the cost of your plan, for example by adding additional voluntary contributions, you can make these changes once your plan has been paid in full.

Have you considered Third-Party Fees?

If you choose a Choice Essentials or Choice Plus Plan, there are certain Third-Party Fees which must be paid in addition to the funeral plan cost for the funeral to take place. You can contribute as much or as little as you like now, with the option to add more in the future.

Third-party costs are for things that are outside of the control of the Funeral Director. Examples include cremation and burial fees, a service before the committal, the minister or celebrant and doctor’s fees (if applicable).

You can also make contributions towards other products and services such as flowers, limousines, other vehicles, and funeral stationery.

Depending upon the amount of Voluntary Contributions you make this amount may or may not be sufficient to pay for Third-Party Fees and Additional Products & Services. Additional costs may need to be paid for when the Funeral Plan is redeemed. Prices will be charged at the prevailing rate at the time of redemption.

Who can buy a Choice plan?

You can buy a funeral plan from Choice if you are a UK resident, aged at least 18 years old. And so long as you meet these criteria, you can also buy a plan on someone else’s behalf.

How do you want to pay for your funeral plan?

When you buy a funeral plan from Choice, you can choose whether you’d prefer to pay upfront – via bank transfer; credit or debit card; or cheque – or in monthly instalments.

If you choose to pay in instalments, the cost of paying for the funeral plan over a 12-month term is the same as it would be to pay upfront. If paying over more than 12 months, the cost will be higher than paying upfront. Full payment for the Funeral Plan must also be made before the Covered Individual reaches the age of 85.

Where does your money go?

When you buy a funeral plan with Choice, we invest your money into a whole-of-life assurance policy which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

How is your money protected?

When considering a funeral plan from Choice, or anywhere else, it’s important to check your money will be safe.

Your money, up to the value of £85,000, is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). In the unlikely event that we go out of business, you may be entitled to compensation.