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Funeral cover for families: who can you cover?
When you take out funeral cover, you're not only protecting yourself. For many South Africans, the goal is to protect the people who depend on them and the loved ones they may be called on to support.
With funeral cover for families, you can cover qualifying family members under a single policy, helping to simplify your finances and reduce the financial impact of funeral costs when they arise.
One policy. Your whole family. Sorted.
Funerals affect entire families, and so do the costs that come with them.
With 1Life funeral cover, you can cover up to 16 family members under one policy, making it easier to protect the people who matter most. With cover of up to R50 000 per qualifying family member and additional policy benefits available, it's a practical solution for families looking to manage funeral expenses under one policy.
Instead of managing multiple policies, your family can benefit from:
- One policy
- One monthly premium
- One provider
- One claims process
Who can you cover on a 1Life funeral policy?
Understanding who can you cover on funeral cover is one of the most important factors when choosing a policy.
1Life funeral cover allows qualifying family members to be included under a single policy, subject to policy rules and eligibility requirements.
Main member
- Entry age: 18 to 64
- Cover of up to R50 000
Spouse or partner
- Up to two spouses can be covered
- Cover of up to R50 000 per spouse
- Includes qualifying customary and polygamous family structures, subject to policy rules
Children
You can include biological, step and legally adopted children.
Cover limits include:
- Children aged 0 to 5 years: up to R10 000 cover
- Children aged 6 to 13 years: up to R15 000 cover
- Children aged 14 to 21 years: up to R50 000 cover
- Full-time students may qualify for extended cover until age 25
This makes it easier for families looking for funeral cover for children to include younger family members on the same policy.
Parents and parents-in-law
Many South Africans provide financial support to ageing parents and relatives.
With funeral cover for parents, qualifying parents and parents-in-law can be added to the policy, subject to age limits and policy requirements.
- Parents: up to age 75
- Parents-in-law: up to age 65
- Up to R50 000 cover available per qualifying member
Extended family
If you're looking for extended family funeral cover, qualifying extended family members can also be included.
This may include:
- Siblings
- Aunts
- Uncles
- Cousins
- Other qualifying family members
Up to nine qualifying extended family members can be covered, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Cover amounts at a glance
| Family member | Maximum cover amount | Entry age requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Main member | Up to R50 000 | 18–64 |
| Spouse (up to 2) | Up to R50 000 each | Eligible adult spouse |
| Children 0–5 | Up to R10 000 | Up to age 5 |
| Children 6–13 | Up to R15 000 | Ages 6–13 |
| Children 14–21 | Up to R50 000 | Up to age 21 |
| Full-time students | Up to R50 000 | Up to age 25 |
| Parents | Up to R50 000 | Up to age 75 |
| Parents-in-law | Up to R50 000 | Up to age 65 |
| Extended family | Up to R50 000 | Up to age 65 |
Why cover everyone on one policy?
There are practical advantages to having family funeral cover under a single policy.
Simpler budgeting and policy management
One monthly premium and one place to manage your policy is easier to keep tack on who is covered and that your premium is paid, than multiple funeral policies.
Better value for families
Covering qualifying family members under one policy is often more cost-effective than taking out separate funeral policies for each person.
One provider to contact
When support is needed, your family knows exactly who to contact and where to submit a claim.
Continuation option
If the main member passes away, qualifying family members may be able to continue the policy, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.
Built-in benefits that help the whole family
Beyond the funeral cover benefit itself, eligible 1Life funeral policies include additional benefits designed to support families during difficult times, such as:
- Grocery benefit of R6 000
- Headstone benefit of R5 000
- Repatriation service
- Additional value-added benefits available on qualifying policies, such a free rewards program
Together, these benefits can provide up to R16 000 in additional value, depending on the policy and eligibility requirements.
What about waiting periods?
Waiting periods are an important part of most funeral cover policies.
For 1Life funeral cover:
- Accidental death cover applies immediately once the policy is active and the first premium has been received
- Natural death claims are subject to a six-month waiting period and six paid premiums
Understanding waiting periods helps ensure you know when cover becomes active for different claim events.
Adding or removing family members is easy
Families change over time.
You may welcome a new child, get married, need funeral cover for parents, or wish to include additional relatives.
Policyholders can manage their cover through available digital channels, including the online policyholder portal and WhatsApp service centre.
For newly added members, waiting periods may apply in accordance with policy terms and conditions.
Read more about affordable funeral cover for extended families
Ready to cover your family?
Protecting multiple generations under one policy can help simplify your finances while giving your loved ones valuable support when they need it most.
With 1Life funeral cover, you can cover up to 16 qualifying family members on a single policy and save 40% on your monthly premiums when you buy qualifying cover online.
Looking for more comprehensive protection? Pure Life Plus Cover combines life cover and funeral cover on one policy, providing up to R12 million life cover and funeral cover for up to 16 family members. It also offers a saving of 28% compared to purchasing separate life and funeral cover policies.
Whether you're protecting your spouse, children, parents or extended family, 1Life makes it easy to get cover that matches your family's needs.
Get a family funeral cover quote
Frequently asked questions about family funeral cover
What is the maximum number of family members I can cover on one 1Life funeral policy?
A qualifying 1Life funeral cover policy can cover up to 16 family members, subject to policy limits and eligibility requirements.
Can I add family members after taking out my policy?
Yes. Family circumstances may change over time and additional qualifying family members can be added subject to policy rules. Waiting periods may apply to newly added members.
Can full-time students remain covered after age 21?
Yes. Qualifying full-time students may remain covered up to age 25, subject to the relevant policy requirements.
Do all family members have the same cover amount?
No. Cover limits may differ depending on the relationship to the main member and the age of the insured family member.
Can I buy family funeral cover online?
Yes. You can get a quote and buy qualifying funeral cover online, saving 40% on your monthly premiums. 1Life also offers a WhatsApp sales journey for customers looking to purchase cover for a single person, or you can speak to a consultant for assistance with your application.
Can I save money by covering my family on one policy?
Often, yes. Covering qualifying family members under one policy can be more affordable and easier to manage than maintaining multiple separate policies. If you buy qualifying funeral cover online directly from 1Life, you also save 40% on your monthly premiums.
What if my family needs both life cover and funeral cover?
Some families need protection against both funeral expenses and the long-term financial impact of losing a breadwinner. In these cases, Pure Life Plus Cover combines life cover and funeral cover in one policy, offering up to R12 million life cover and funeral cover for up to 16 family members.
Content disclaimerThis content was developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and reviewed, edited and approved by 1Life's content specialists and subject matter experts prior to publication. The information provided is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to purchase any financial product. Benefits, premiums, exclusions, eligibility criteria, waiting periods, age limits, cover limits, terms and conditions may apply and may change from time to time. Please consult the relevant policy documentation for full details. 1Life is an authorised Financial Services Provider.