%
Last year, 69% of people made financial provisions for their funeral before they passed away 4
%
But only 59% of these people made enough provisions to cover the cost of the whole funeral 4
%
19% of families experienced notable financial concerns when paying for a funeral, using savings, borrowing from a friend or relative, or by using a credit card 4
Golden Charter Prepaid Funeral Plans Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to start thinking about my funeral and the cost of it?
If you don’t plan ahead for your funeral, your family may need to make financial arrangements very quickly when the time comes, as well as deal with the emotional strain of coming to terms with losing their loved one. By paying for the funeral director services included in your plan in advance, you can save your family some worry, while reassuring yourself that you and your loved ones can be certain of a truly personal service when it matters most.
I have enough money in savings, why do I need a funeral plan?
Unlike over 50s policies, a funeral plan gives you the opportunity to fix the cost of the funeral director’s services included in your plan at today’s prices. Once your plan is paid for 3 there will be nothing more to pay for these services – guaranteed.
Can I transfer my plan to someone else?
You can transfer the benefit of your funeral plan to a nominated family member or friend who passes away before you, once the total cost of the plan has been paid. Any change of arrangements following such a transfer (for example, a change of address for the nominated family member or friend leading to increased transportation costs) may mean that Golden Charter would have to appoint a different funeral director. It may also mean that you need to pay additional sums.
How can I be sure my money is protected until it's needed to pay for my funeral?
Your payments are held within the Golden Charter Trust. With £1.2 billion under management, 5 the Golden Charter Trust is operated by a Board of Trustees, completely independent of Golden Charter. Their role is to hold your funeral plan payments and ensure that the funeral director services included in your plan can be paid for at the time they are required – however far into the future that may be.
For more information on how your payments are protected, please visit goldencharter.co.uk/faqs/.
Can anyone apply for a Golden Charter funeral plan?
What if I die while in another country?
What happens once I've bought my plan?
You will also receive a customer statement which will be sent to you every three years using your preferred method of contact.
1. Based on a Golden Charter analysis and independent research of the funeral plan market size as at January 2023.
2. Correct at March 2023.
3. Or after 12 consecutive payments and as long as your payments remain up to date if you choose the instalment payment option.
4. SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2023
5. Confirmed by Golden Charter Trust’s audited accounts at 31 March 2022.