What’s included in a direct cremation funeral plan?
There are lots of funeral plans on the market, and it can be hard to choose between them. Find out more about direct cremations, and what's included with a direct cremation funeral plan.
A direct cremation funeral plan typically includes a funeral without a service at the crematorium. It offers a simple and more affordable way to plan ahead, ensuring your loved ones don’t shoulder the burden of last-minute decisions or unexpected costs.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a cremation without a ceremony at the crematorium. It’s also known as an unattended funeral or unattended cremation. Instead of visiting the crematorium, which some people find cold or impersonal, families can choose to say goodbye by arranging their own memorial, a celebration of life party or by gathering to scatter the ashes after the cremation. Others prefer to keep it simple, with a quiet day of reflection at home.
Direct cremations are sometimes described as a ‘no-fuss’ funeral, or a modern alternative to a traditional funeral. One of the few options available during the pandemic, their popularity has risen over the last 20 years, perhaps because they’re:
Simple: There are no complicated decisions for grieving families.
More affordable: Without the extra cost of things like flowers, an organist or procession of funeral cars, a direct cremation is typically the most budget-friendly choice.
Flexible: Families can honor their loved one in a way that feels more personal to them. If families are spread across the country, or live abroad, arranging a memorial or gathering at a later date also enables more people to attend.
What’s typically included in a direct cremation funeral plan?
Most direct cremation funeral plans are designed to cover the essentials for a straightforward, respectful, unattended cremation. That usually includes:
Collecting the person who has died and caring for them until the cremation
Transporting the person to the crematorium
The cremation fees and all the paperwork
A simple coffin and urn
The option to collect the ashes
As every funeral plan provider is different, there are some things which may not be included with a plan. If you’re investigating your options, these are some things to look out for:
Urgent collection: If someone dies at home or needs to be collected urgently, some providers will charge an additional fee.
Removal of a medical device: Certain implants or devices must be removed before a cremation, for example a pacemaker or ventricular assist device. Some providers offer this as part of the plan, others will charge extra.
Hand delivery of the ashes: If you are unable to collect the ashes from the crematorium, some plan providers will charge an additional fee to deliver them.
The Farewill Funerals plan, £1,595
The direct cremation funeral plan from Farewill Funerals covers all the essentials of a direct cremation. It’s a simpler, brighter way to say goodbye.
Things to consider when you’re buying a funeral plan
The simplest place to start is by deciding on the type of funeral you’re looking for. It’s a very personal decision, and what’s right for one person isn’t right for everyone. Once you’ve made your choice, these are some things to look out for to ensure you’re fully covered and help avoid any surprises further down the line:
Understand the terms and conditions: Carefully read the provider’s terms to ensure you’re clear on what’s included – and what’s not. If you’re not sure, talk to the provider directly and ask all the questions you need. Any reputable provider will be happy to talk it through with you.
Check the payment options are right for you: Some plans offer the option to pay up front or to spread the payments over 12 or 24 months. If you’d prefer to spread out your payments, there’s usually an additional fee to set up the plan.
Check the reviews: It’s easy to look up most providers on sites like Trustpilot, so read through the reviews – it could be useful to check not just for reviews of the funeral plan, but for the direct cremations the provider has carried out too. And don’t forget, all funeral plan providers in the UK must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), so you can look them up on the Financial Services Register too.
Discuss your wishes with loved ones: Make sure your family knows about your plan and understands your wishes to avoid confusion later. If they haven’t heard of a direct cremation, it could be helpful to talk them through it. You may also choose to talk through the ways you’d prefer to be remembered – for example, a celebration of life party or a picnic in the park.
"Exceptional kind service"
"Everyone at Farewill [Funerals] have made this very difficult time less stressful. From the first call to the very end , they have been exceptionally professional, kind and caring. I myself am taking out a plan with Farewill to ease the stress and pain for my family."
Find out about the Farewill Funerals plan
Talk to a funeral plan specialist
A direct cremation funeral plan can provide peace of mind and financial security for your family, but it’s essential to understand what’s included and what’s not. By carefully evaluating your options and being aware of potential additional costs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and ensures your loved ones are fully supported.
Find out more about the Farewill Funeral’s direct cremation plan: get a free guide, or talk to one of our friendly specialists.
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