Understanding family Funeral Cover

A lump sum will be paid out for all burial-related expenses to relieve this burden from family members.

Some policies have a six-month waiting period, which means that if a family member passes away within six months from the start date of the policy, they’ll only be covered for an accidental death.

How to claim for Funeral Cover

Funeral Cover generally pays out upon proof of death of a family member. You need to report the death in order to receive an official death certificate. Your Funeral Cover company will then provide you with documents to complete in order to submit the claim.

Once the documents have been completed, submitted and approved, you will be paid out within 24 to 48 hours. This ensures that you have the funds to cover the financial obligations that arise during this time.

If you are unsure which cover is the right one for you and your family, then your next step is to do research. Compare quotes on Hippo.co.za to see what different companies can offer you and find the best Funeral Cover policy for your family.

Please note: not all partners on Hippo currently offer Family Funeral Cover. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, medical, or legal advice.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Family Funeral Cover?

Family Funeral Cover is a funeral policy that pays out a lump sum if you, your spouse, children or parents pass away. The payout is intended to help cover burial and other funeral-related expenses so that your loved ones do not have to carry the full financial burden while they are grieving.

Who can be covered under a Family Funeral Cover policy?

A Family Funeral Cover policy usually allows you to cover yourself, your spouse or partner, your children and, in many cases, your parents or other nominated family members. Each person you add to the policy is listed as a life assured, and the benefit amount for each person can often be chosen according to your needs and budget.

How do I claim from Family Funeral Cover?

To claim, the death must first be reported and an official death certificate obtained. The insurer will then provide claim forms and a checklist of supporting documents such as copies of IDs and the policy details. Once all documents are submitted and the claim is approved, many providers pay out within 24–48 hours so that funeral costs can be covered as quickly as possible.

Why is Family Funeral Cover important in South Africa?

Funerals in South Africa can be costly, especially where cultural expectations include catering, transport, tents, flowers and larger family gatherings. Without funeral cover, these expenses can easily run into tens of thousands of rands and place extra financial pressure on the family at an already emotional time. Family Funeral Cover helps ensure these costs can be managed without going into debt or relying heavily on loans and donations.

What costs can Family Funeral Cover help pay for?

The lump sum from a Family Funeral Cover policy can be used for a range of funeral-related costs, such as undertaker’s fees, burial or cremation, the coffin, venue hire, catering, transport, flowers and other arrangements. Some policies may also include value-added benefits like groceries, airtime, repatriation of remains, or grief counselling services, depending on the provider and the specific plan you choose.

Is there a waiting period on Family Funeral Cover?

Most Family Funeral Cover policies include a waiting period for death due to natural causes, typically between six and twelve months from the policy start date. During this period, accidental death is usually covered, but natural causes are not. It is important to check the exact waiting periods, exclusions and limitations in the policy wording or with your chosen provider before you buy.

Does getting a Funeral Cover quote mean I’m committing to a policy?

No. Comparing Family Funeral Cover quotes on Hippo.co.za is obligation-free. After you choose a quote to learn more, a consultant from that provider will contact you to explain the benefits, costs and terms. You only commit to a policy once you formally accept the provider’s terms and conditions and your application has been accepted.

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*Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates 2025.

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