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Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Claiming on your funeral cover policy shouldn't add to the stress. At 1Life, every claimant is assigned a dedicated claims consultant who can help guide them through the process, answer questions and explain what documentation is required.
Understanding the funeral cover claim process in advance can help families feel more prepared when they need support most.
Need help now? Request a call me back from the claims team.
Step-by-step: How to claim on your 1Life Funeral Cover
Step 1: Notify 1Life of the death
As soon as possible after the death, contact 1Life to begin the claims process and understand all the requirements to submit a successful claim.
You can:
- Call the claims team: 0860 10 51 96
- Email [email protected]
- Request a call me back from the claims team.
- Submit a claims notification via WhatsApp.
A dedicated claims consultant will help guide you through the next steps and explain what documents are needed.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
To submit a funeral cover claim, you'll generally need:
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- A completed DHA 1663 Notification of Death form
- A certified copy of the deceased's ID document
- A certified copy of the beneficiary's ID document
- A certified bank confirmation letter or three months' bank statements for the beneficiary.
- The policy number (if available)
- A completed police report if the death was due to unnatural causes.
You will also need to submit a completed claims form to us. Depending on the circumstances, additional information may be required to process the claim.
Step 3: Submit your claim
Once you've gathered the required documents, you can:
- Upload them via the claims page
- Email them directly to your consultant.
- Submit them using the method recommended by your claims consultant.
Your consultant will confirm receipt and advise if any additional documentation is needed.
Step 4: Claim assessment
Once the required documents have been received, 1Life assesses the claim.
During this stage:
- Documentation is reviewed
- Policy information is verified
- Additional information may be requested if necessary
Your dedicated claims consultant will keep you informed and help ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
Step 5: Receive payment
Once the claim has been approved, the funeral insurance pay-out is paid via EFT.
The benefit can be used to cover funeral-related expenses, including:
- Coffin or casket expenses
- Transportation costs
- Catering
- Burial expenses
- Headstone costs
- Other funeral arrangements
This gives families the flexibility to manage immediate funeral costs and related expenses.
How long does it take?
One of the most common questions about how to claim on funeral insurance is how quickly the pay-out will be made.
For valid funeral cover claims:
- Claims are assessed as soon as all required information has been received.
- Once all the correct documentation has been submitted, valid claims are paid within 48 business hours of approval.
- Providing complete and accurate documentation upfront can help avoid delays.
If additional information is needed, your dedicated claims consultant will contact you as soon as possible.
What if you're missing a document?
Don't panic. Your dedicated claims consultant will explain what documentation is still required and help guide you through the process.
Remember:
- The death must be registered before a death certificate can be issued. Find the Home Affairs office closest to you to report the death. They will help you complete the necessary forms and issue the certificate to you or your undertaker might also be able to obtain a certificate for you.
- Certain documents may need to be certified.
- Additional information may be required depending on the circumstances of the claim.
The sooner you contact 1Life, the sooner the claims team can assist you.
Tips to make the claims process easier
While nobody likes to think about making a claim, a little preparation can make a significant difference.
Before you need to claim
- Keep your policy number accessible.
- Keep beneficiary details updated.
- Store important documents together in a secure place.
Make sure your loved ones know the policy exists, how to claim on the policy if you pass and where policy documents are stored.
When a claim happens
- Contact 1Life as soon as possible.
- Gather the required documents promptly.
- Stay in contact with your dedicated claims consultant.
- Ask questions if you're unsure about any part of the process.
You can also learn more in this step-by-step claims guide.
Looking for funeral cover that helps protect your family?
Understanding how claims work is an important part of choosing the right cover. With 1Life Funeral Cover, your loved ones can get the financial support they need to help cover funeral expenses when they need it most.
Learn more about funeral cover
Frequently asked questions about funeral cover claims
How do I claim funeral cover with 1Life?
Contact 1Life by phone, email or request a call me back from the claims team. You can also submit a claims notification on WhatsApp. A dedicated claims consultant will guide you through the process from start to finish. You will need to compile and submit the required documentation, as requested by your dedicated claims consultant.
What documents do I need to submit a funeral cover claim?
You'll generally need a completed claims form, a death certificate, DHA 1663 Notification of Death form, identity documents for the deceased and beneficiary and banking details for the beneficiary. Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances of the claim.
How long does it take for a funeral cover claim to be approved?
Approval times depend on the documents submitted and the nature of the claim. Providing all required documents upfront helps reduce delays. Valid claims are settled in 48 business hours. If you have questions about your funeral claim, contact the claims team on 0860 10 51 96 or [email protected].
How soon will the funeral cover pay-out be made?
Valid funeral cover claims are paid within 48 business hours of approval.
Who receives the funeral cover pay-out?
If the main member dies, the nominated beneficiary generally receives the funeral cover benefit. If no beneficiary has been nominated, the benefit may be paid into the deceased's estate. If an additional member dies, the main member will receive the funeral cover pay-out.
Can I claim funeral cover if I don't have the policy number?
Yes. While having the policy number is helpful, 1Life can often assist using the deceased's identification details and other policy information to start the claim and provide the policy number to you.
For assistance, contact the funeral claims team on [email protected] or call 0860 10 51 96.
Content Disclaimer
This 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. Claims requirements, supporting documentation, turnaround times, eligibility criteria, benefits, exclusions and policy terms may vary depending on the product and circumstances of the claim. Please refer to your policy documentation and the 1Life claims team for claim-specific guidance. 1Life is an authorised Financial Services Provider.