Funeral Insurance for Seniors πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Protect your family from unexpected funeral costs with dedicated funeral insurance. Compare plans from New Zealand's leading providers with guaranteed acceptance, no medical exams, and coverage from $29/month.

Ease the Burden on Your Loved Ones

Funeral costs in NZ average $10,000-15,000. Funeral insurance covers these expenses so your family doesn't face financial stress during a difficult time. Claims paid within 24-48 hours.

Compare Funeral Insurance Providers - 2025

Compare New Zealand's leading funeral insurance providers. All offer guaranteed acceptance for seniors with no medical exams required.

Tower Insurance

🌐 tower.co.nz | πŸ“ž 0800 808 808
(1,532 reviews)
BEST VALUE
$29
per month (estimated)

Key Features:

Cultural services support
Nationwide coverage
Premium freeze options
Early payout benefits
Estate planning assistance

Pros & Cons:

βœ“ Long-established NZ insurer
βœ“ Cultural sensitivity options
βœ“ Affordable premium rates
βœ— Basic coverage levels
βœ— Limited customization options

Fidelity Life

🌐 fidelitylife.co.nz | πŸ“ž 0800 88 22 88
(1,876 reviews)
$31
per month (estimated)

Key Features:

Flexible coverage amounts
Quick claims process
Pre-planning services
Family counseling support
Payment flexibility

Pros & Cons:

βœ“ New Zealand owned company
βœ“ Competitive premium rates
βœ“ Pre-arrangement options
βœ— Waiting period for natural death
βœ— Maximum age restrictions

AIA New Zealand

🌐 aia.co.nz | πŸ“ž 0800 942 942
(2,134 reviews)
PREMIUM SUPPORT
$34
per month (estimated)

Key Features:

Immediate acceptance
Fixed premiums
No medical questions
24/7 claims support
Family assistance program

Pros & Cons:

βœ“ Established insurance provider
βœ“ Guaranteed acceptance policy
βœ“ Comprehensive family support
βœ— Coverage limits apply
βœ— Initial 12-month waiting period

πŸ’‘ What to Consider

  • Coverage amount: Ensure the payout covers current funeral costs ($10,000-15,000 in NZ)
  • Waiting periods: Most policies have 12-24 month waiting periods for natural death (accidental death covered immediately)
  • Premium stability: Look for fixed premiums that won't increase as you age
  • Pre-planning services: Some providers help you document funeral wishes in advance

What Does Funeral Insurance Cover?

Funeral insurance provides a lump sum payment to help cover the costs associated with your funeral. Here's what typical funeral expenses include:

Average NZ Funeral Costs Breakdown

Funeral Director Services $3,500-5,000

Professional services, transportation, coordination

Casket or Coffin $2,000-4,000

Range from basic to premium materials

Burial or Cremation $2,000-3,500

Plot purchase, grave digging, or cremation fees

Service Venue & Catering $1,500-2,500

Venue hire, refreshments for attendees

Headstone or Plaque $1,000-2,000

Memorial marker engraving and installation

Other Costs $500-1,500

Flowers, death certificates, obituaries, etc.

Total Average Cost
$10,500 - $18,500
Typical Coverage
$10,000 - $15,000

βœ“ What's Typically Covered

  • β€’ Funeral director professional fees
  • β€’ Casket, coffin, or urn
  • β€’ Burial plot or cremation
  • β€’ Transport of the deceased
  • β€’ Venue hire for service
  • β€’ Flowers and memorial cards
  • β€’ Death certificates
  • β€’ Basic catering

Additional Benefits

  • β€’ Family counseling: Grief support services
  • β€’ Pre-planning: Document funeral preferences
  • β€’ Legal assistance: Help with estate matters
  • β€’ 24/7 support: Immediate claims assistance
  • β€’ Fast payout: 24-48 hour claim processing
  • β€’ Cultural services: Māori, Pacific Island traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does funeral insurance typically cover?

Funeral insurance provides a lump sum payment (typically $10,000-15,000) to cover funeral-related expenses including:

  • β€’ Funeral service costs: Director fees, venue, celebrant
  • β€’ Burial or cremation: Plot purchase, digging, crematorium fees
  • β€’ Casket or urn: From basic to premium options
  • β€’ Transportation: Hearse, transfer of deceased
  • β€’ Memorial items: Flowers, memorial cards, obituaries
  • β€’ Catering: Refreshments for attendees
  • β€’ Documentation: Death certificates, legal paperwork

Some policies also include additional benefits like:

  • β€’ Family counseling and grief support services
  • β€’ Legal assistance with estate matters
  • β€’ Pre-planning services to document your preferences
  • β€’ 24/7 claims support hotline
πŸ’‘ Important: The insurance pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries - they can use it for funeral costs or any other expenses. It's not restricted to specific funeral items.
How quickly are claims paid?

Most New Zealand funeral insurance providers process claims within 24-48 hours of receiving all required documentation. This quick turnaround helps families manage immediate funeral expenses.

Typical Claims Process:
  1. 1. Notification: Contact insurer as soon as possible after death
  2. 2. Documentation: Submit death certificate and claim form (usually 1 day)
  3. 3. Processing: Insurer reviews claim (usually 24-48 hours)
  4. 4. Payment: Funds transferred directly to beneficiary's bank account
Required Documents:
  • β€’ Original or certified copy of death certificate
  • β€’ Completed claim form (provided by insurer)
  • β€’ Proof of identity for beneficiary
  • β€’ Bank account details for payment

πŸ’‘ Tip: Some providers offer advance payments or direct payment to funeral directors if needed. Ask about these options when comparing policies.

Can I pre-plan my funeral with this insurance?

Yes, most providers offer pre-planning services. Pre-planning allows you to document your funeral preferences, making things easier for your family and ensuring your wishes are followed.

What You Can Pre-Plan:
  • β€’ Type of service: Burial or cremation
  • β€’ Venue: Church, chapel, funeral home, or other location
  • β€’ Casket/urn: Style and material preferences
  • β€’ Ceremony details: Music, readings, speakers
  • β€’ Cultural/religious: Specific traditions or customs
  • β€’ Memorial: Type of headstone or memorial plaque
  • β€’ Catering: Post-service refreshments preferences
  • β€’ Burial plot: Location and specifications
Benefits of Pre-Planning:
  • βœ“ Reduces stress and decision-making burden on family
  • βœ“ Ensures your wishes are known and respected
  • βœ“ Helps family understand costs and budget accordingly
  • βœ“ Can lock in current prices (if you pre-pay)
  • βœ“ Prevents family disagreements about funeral arrangements
Funeral Insurance vs Pre-Paid Funerals:

There's a difference between the two:

  • β€’ Funeral insurance: Pays lump sum to beneficiaries who arrange funeral
  • β€’ Pre-paid funeral: You pay funeral home in advance, they provide service
  • β€’ Insurance flexibility: Family can use money as needed
  • β€’ Pre-paid locked in: Service is pre-arranged with specific provider
What happens if I stop paying premiums?

If you stop paying premiums, your funeral insurance policy will eventually lapse, but there are safeguards and options:

Grace Period (Usually 30 days):
  • β€’ Coverage continues during grace period
  • β€’ Claims are still paid (minus any owed premiums)
  • β€’ Simply pay the missed premium to keep policy active
  • β€’ No penalties or additional fees
After Grace Period:
  • β€’ Policy lapses and coverage terminates
  • β€’ No refund of premiums paid (these are not savings)
  • β€’ Family receives no payout if death occurs after lapse
  • β€’ May be able to reinstate within certain timeframe
Options If You're Struggling:
  • β€’ Premium holiday: Some insurers allow temporary pause
  • β€’ Reduce coverage: Lower your sum insured to reduce premiums
  • β€’ Change payment frequency: Annual payments often cheaper than monthly
  • β€’ Financial hardship: Contact insurer to discuss options
πŸ’‘ Prevention Tips:
  • β€’ Set up automatic payments to avoid missed premiums
  • β€’ Review your budget regularly to ensure affordability
  • β€’ Choose coverage amount you can sustain long-term
  • β€’ Contact insurer immediately if you anticipate payment difficulties

NZ Funeral Insurance Provider Pricing (2025)

Tower Insurance

Age 65 | $10k cover
$29/mo
Age 70 | $10k cover
$38/mo
Age 75 | $10k cover
$52/mo
  • βœ“ No medical questions
  • βœ“ 24-hour claims
  • βœ“ Up to age 79

Fidelity Life

Age 65 | $15k cover
$42/mo
Age 70 | $15k cover
$56/mo
Age 75 | $15k cover
$78/mo
  • βœ“ Higher coverage options
  • βœ“ Fast online quotes
  • βœ“ Up to age 80

AIA NZ

Age 65 | $12k cover
$35/mo
Age 70 | $12k cover
$46/mo
Age 75 | $12k cover
$65/mo
  • βœ“ Grief support included
  • βœ“ Premium freeze option
  • βœ“ Up to age 75

πŸ’° Cost Comparison Over 10 Years

70-year-old senior with $10,000 cover:

Tower ($38/mo): $4,560 paid over 10 years
Fidelity ($40/mo for $10k): $4,800 paid over 10 years
AIA ($46/mo for $12k): $5,520 paid over 10 years

Remember: premiums increase with age. These are starting rates.

Is Funeral Insurance Worth It? Real Scenarios

βœ“ Sarah, 68 - No Savings

Situation: Limited savings, on NZ Super only

Tower Insurance $10k cover:

  • Premium: $35/mo ($420/year)
  • Pays for 12 years ($5,040 total)
  • Dies at 80, family gets $10,000

βœ“ Worth it - protected family from $10k debt

βœ— Michael, 72 - Has Savings

Situation: $50k in savings, house paid off

If he bought insurance:

  • Premium: $48/mo for $15k cover
  • Pays for 10 years: $5,760
  • Family gets $15k from insurance
  • Net benefit: $9,240

βœ— Better to save $48/mo = $5,760 in 10 years

Protect Your Family From Funeral Costs

Compare funeral insurance quotes and secure peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Coverage from $29/month with guaranteed acceptance.

$29
Starting from/month
(Tower Insurance)
24-48hrs
Typical claim
processing time
$15K
Typical coverage
amount

Get Quotes Today:

Tower Insurance
🌐 tower.co.nz
πŸ“ž 0800 808 808
Fidelity Life
🌐 fidelitylife.co.nz
πŸ“ž 0800 88 22 88
AIA New Zealand
🌐 aia.co.nz
πŸ“ž 0800 942 942