Buy online
Funeral cover for parents: How to extend protection to loved ones
They supported and protected you throughout your life now it is your turn to protect them. Funeral cover for parents ensures your family can afford a beautiful send-off without financial stress, helping you safeguard family finances and honour your parents’ legacy.
Why funeral cover for parents matters
Planning ahead with funeral cover for parents protects your family from costly funeral expenses. Funerals in South Africa can cost from R15 000 to over R50 000, depending on burial plots, undertaker fees, catering and venues. Without funeral cover, these costs often come from savings or loans.
Funeral policies pay out faster than life insurance and are designed to help families manage immediate expenses, from the coffin and transport to burial fees. This reduces financial pressure, eases emotional stress and allows your family to focus on honouring your loved one.
Having funeral cover for parents is not just a financial decision, it is a compassionate step toward long-term planning and peace of mind for your entire family.
Looking for a funeral quote?
We'll call you!
How funeral cover for parents works with 1Life
As the principal member, you can include your parents, parents-in-law and other relatives on your policy, ensuring your family is protected when they need it most.
Who can be covered?
1Life Funeral Cover allows you to cover:
- Up to 2 spouses
- Up to 5 children (under 21 years)
- Up to 9 extended family members, including parents and parents-in-law
Parents can be covered up to the age of 75, and parents-in-law up to the age of 65. You can cover a maximum of 16 family members on one policy.
What is insurable interest?
The principal member must have an insurable interest in the additional members, including parents and immediate and extended family members. Insurable interest means there must be a valid personal, emotional or financial relationship between the principle and extended family members. In simple terms, they must stand to suffer a loss – emotional or financial – if you pass away.
How much cover can parents get?
Each parent or parent-in-law can be covered for a maximum of R50 000, providing financial security and helping your family avoid debt during a difficult time.
Key benefits of having funeral cover for parents
Adding your parents to your funeral policy offers emotional and financial benefits:
Protects their dignity
A funeral cover policy ensures your parents receive the respectful and beautiful send-off they deserve, without financial compromise.
Reduces surprise costs
Funeral expenses add up quickly – from coffins and burial plots to catering and transport. Funeral cover helps offset or fully cover these costs.
Helps maintain generational stability
Planning ahead protects your savings and prevents unexpected debt, helping your family maintain financial stability and bringing peace of mind for you and your siblings.
What to consider: costs, waiting periods and age limits
Typical funeral costs in South Africa
Actual costs vary, but here are typical expenses many families face:
| Funeral Cost Item | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Burial plot (municipal) | R2 200 – R11 000 |
| Burial plot (private memorial park) | R14 000 – R50 000+ |
| Coffin (standard) | R3 000 – R10 000 |
| Undertaker services | Around R10 000 |
| Catering per person | R80 – R150+ |
Waiting periods
- Accidental death: No waiting period – cover begins as soon as first premium is paid.
- Natural death: Waiting period of 6 completed months and 6 paid premiums.
No medical tests or exams
No medical assessments are required for funeral cover – parents can be added without health tests or medical history.
How to add your parents to your policy
Adding parents to your 1Life Funeral Cover policy is easy. Here is how:
Step-by-step
- Contact the 1Life call centre to speak to a skilled consultant.
- Provide your parent’s full name and South African ID number.
- Choose the cover amount (up to R50 000).
- Confirm the additional premium amount.
- Receive confirmation of cover.
Your parents will be covered once the first premium is paid and the waiting period is complete (for natural causes).
Why choose 1Life for funeral cover for parents?
With 1Life, you can cover up to 16 family members on one policy with benefits to the value of R16 000 including a R5 000 headstone benefit and repatriation service for all policy members plus a R6 000 grocery benefit should the main member pass.
You can also manage your policy online or on WhatsApp. Valid claims are paid quickly, often within 24 business hours. 1Life Insurance has nearly two decades of experience and was awarded the Life Insurance Category winner in the 2023/2024 Ask Afrika Icon Brands Benchmark survey.
Give your parents the gift of protection – add them to your 1Life funeral policy today.
Funeral cover for parents protects your family from unexpected costs, secures a dignified send-off and helps preserve your parents’ legacy. It is a mindful and compassionate act of love that brings financial security, peace of mind and lasting dignity.
FAQs
Can I get funeral cover for my parents even if they do not live with me?
Yes, as long as you have an insurable interest and can provide their South African ID number.
Is there an age limit for parents on a funeral policy?
Yes, parents can be covered up to age 75 and parents-in-law up to age 65.
How much funeral cover can I get for my parents?
You can insure each parent for up to R50 000.
What happens if my parent passes during the waiting period?
Accidental death is covered immediately. For natural causes, the waiting period applies.
Are medical tests required to add my parents?
No, there are no medical exams or tests required.