Funeral plans are available from a range of different firms and providers. You should start by deciding on the type of funeral you would like, how much you want to spend and whether you want to pay in one lump sum or in monthly instalments.

Use this checklist to make sure you understand how the plan operates and what it covers:

• Can you choose the funeral directors?
• What happens if the funeral director you have chosen is no longer in business?
• What happens if you die away from home, or abroad?
• Can the funeral director arrange a funeral of a different standard from the one you have chosen?
• Is it possible to buy a funeral plan for someone else?

• Does the funeral plan guarantee to cover the funeral director’s expenses and other expenses with nothing more to pay, or are there any expenses that your next of kin will still have to meet?
• If you pay by instalments, how long do you do this for, and do you have to pay interest?
• What happens if there are outstanding instalments at death?
• Are there any charges for cancelling the funeral plan?
• What freedom do you have to change the details of your funeral plan?