Best Funeral Cover Plans in South Africa
Flexible, affordable funeral cover for families and pensioners. No medical tests, plan-specific cover limits and claim benefits paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received.
How does Ubuntu Life funeral cover work?
Ubuntu Life funeral cover pays a cash benefit when a covered person dies. Premiums start at R60 a month. The Advanced Family and Advanced Pensioner Plans cover up to 18 people per policy; Golden Care covers up to 11. There is a 6-month waiting period for natural death and 12 months for suicide. Accidental death has no waiting period once the first premium is received. Claim benefits are paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received.
Last reviewed
- Premiums
- From R60 a month
- Advanced Family
- Up to 18 people: main member, up to 7 dependants (max 1 spouse), and up to 10 extended family members
- Advanced Pensioner
- R152/month; ages 60–84; up to 18 people per policy
- Golden Care
- From R60/month; ages 60–79; main-member cover up to R20,000 depending on age and option; up to 11 people
- Waiting periods
- 6 months for natural death; 12 months for suicide; no accidental-death waiting period once the first premium is received
- Claim benefit
- Paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received
- Underwriter
- African Unity Life Ltd (FSP 8447)
Why You Need a Funeral Policy
The average funeral in South Africa costs between R15,000 and R30,000. For many families, this unexpected expense creates devastating financial hardship at the worst possible time. Ubuntu Life funeral cover pays a cash benefit to help your family with funeral costs. Claim benefits are paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents have been received.
Cash Payout
Receive funds directly—use them for the funeral or any expenses your family needs
Whole Family
One policy covers you, your spouse, children, parents, and extended family
Fast Claims
Claim benefit paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received
Cover that fits every family.
One clear price, no medical tests, no hidden fees. Choose the plan that suits your family and start covered in minutes.
Advanced Family Plan
Cover for individuals, couples and families who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.
- Main member cover up to R30,000
- Main member + up to 7 dependants (max 1 spouse)
- Up to 10 extended family members
- Up to 18 members per policy
- No waiting period for accidental death, provided first premium is received
- 6-month waiting period for natural death
- 12-month waiting period for suicide
- Claim benefit paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received
- 31-day cooling-off period
Advanced Pensioner Plan
Funeral cover for pensioners aged 60–84 with flexible cover options and optional add-ons.
- Main member cover across Blue, Green, Red or Black tiers
- Entry age: 60–84 years
- Covers natural, unnatural and suicide death
- Optional accidental death benefit (ADB)
- Optional dependant children cover
- Optional extended family plans (0–65 years)
- Up to 10 extended family members
- Up to 18 members per policy
- No waiting period for accidental death, provided first premium is received
- 6-month waiting period for natural death
- 12-month waiting period for suicide
- Claim benefit paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received
- 31-day cooling-off period
Golden Care Plan
Cover for main members aged 60–79, with extended family options.
- Primary main-member cover up to R20,000, depending on age and option
- Entry age: 60–79 years
- Optional accidental death benefit (ADB)
- Cash benefit payable for covered death events
- Extended family cover up to 10 members
- Up to 11 members per policy
- No waiting period for accidental death, provided first premium is received
- 6-month waiting period for natural death
- 12-month waiting period for suicide
- Claim benefit paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received
- 31-day cooling-off period
Use our funeral cost calculator to see how much you could save.
What Funeral Cover Includes
Your plan provides a cash benefit to help your family manage funeral expenses. The cover amount, eligible members, premiums and benefits depend on the plan you choose, so review the policy terms before applying.
Waiting Periods
Natural death has a six-month waiting period and suicide has a twelve-month waiting period. Accidental death has no waiting period once the first premium is received.
Simple Claim Support
When a family member passes away, our team explains the documents needed and helps the nominated beneficiary submit a claim. See the full funeral cover claims process.
A Digital-First Experience
Get a quote online, view your policy information in the app and ask questions before you choose. Visit our funeral cover FAQfor common plan and payment questions.
Ubuntu Life vs Traditional Funeral Insurance
Ubuntu Life is funeral cover you arrange online: from R60 a month, up to 18 people on the Advanced Family and Advanced Pensioner Plans or up to 11 on Golden Care, no medical exams, and claim benefits paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received. Traditional funeral insurance more often means branch visits, separate policies for different relatives and longer waits for support. Compare the two below, then use our funeral cost calculator to work out the cover your household needs.
| What matters | Ubuntu Life | Traditional funeral insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Signing up | Apply online or over the phone in minutes. No branch visit, no paperwork to post. | Branch visits and paper application forms are still common. |
| Medical requirements | No medical exams. A few simple health questions at sign-up. | Medical questionnaires or tests may be required before cover starts. |
| Family on one policy | Up to 18 people on the Advanced Family and Advanced Pensioner Plans; up to 11 on Golden Care. The Advanced Family Plan allows up to 7 dependants (max 1 spouse) plus up to 10 extended family members. | Extended relatives often need separate policies of their own. |
| Starting premium | From R60 a month for the whole family policy. | Priced per policy, so covering more relatives multiplies the cost. |
| Waiting periods | Six months for natural death and 12 months for suicide. No waiting period for accidental death once the first premium is received. | Waiting periods apply and vary by insurer. |
| Claim turnaround | Claim benefits are paid between 48 and 72 hours after all required documents are received. | Turnaround varies by insurer and can stretch out considerably. |
| Checking your policy | View your cover, members and payments in the Ubuntu Life app, any time of day. Changes are made by our team on the phone or by email. | Usually office hours, by phone or in person. |
| Cancelling | Cancel any time with no penalty, plus a 31-day cooling-off period. | Cancellation terms differ and penalties are possible. |
| Underwriter | African Unity Life Ltd, a licensed life insurer (FSP 8447). | Varies — check who carries the risk before you sign. |
The right-hand column describes the experience commonly reported with traditional funeral insurance in South Africa. Terms differ between insurers — always check the policy schedule before you compare.
Who Can You Cover?
South African families are big. Your cover starts with you and reaches outward — tap anyone on the web to see how they fit in.
Main member
1 per plan
The policyholder the plan is built around. Everyone else on the web is added to this person's cover.
Natural death: 6-month waiting period. Suicide: 12 months. No waiting period for accidental death once the first premium is received.
Let us help you choose the right cover.
Leave your cellphone number and a consultant will call you back to match a plan to your family and budget.
Ready to get covered?
Protect your family today with Ubuntu Life's affordable funeral cover.
- Up to 18 People on Selected Plans
- Claim Benefit in 48–72 Hours of Required Documents
- Whole Family Cover
- Cancel Anytime