Choosing cover
Best Funeral Cover in South Africa
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 7 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
There is no single best funeral cover in South Africa: the best plan depends on your age, family, budget and the insurer's claims record, so you should compare a few plans on premium, cover amount, waiting period and reliability rather than chase one brand name. The right approach is to compare a few plans on the factors that matter, not to chase one brand name.
This guide sets out what separates good funeral cover from a policy that lets you down, so you can shortlist sensibly and avoid the common traps.
Price is not the only thing
The cheapest premium can hide a low cover amount, a long waiting period or a poor claims record. Look at the premium together with the cover, the waiting period and how reliably the insurer pays. A slightly higher premium from a solid insurer is often better value than the cheapest advert.
How some well-known providers compare
Use this indicative snapshot to start a shortlist, then get quotes for the same cover amount. It is a general guide, not a quote.
| Provider | Typical cover range | Natural-death waiting period | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVBOB | R10,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Free funeral benefit if AVBOB conducts the funeral |
| Sanlam | R5,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Large insurer, cash-back on some plans |
| Old Mutual | R5,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Established insurer, extended-family options |
| Metropolitan | R5,000 to R50,000 | About 6 months | Affordable, cash-back on some plans |
| Capitec (Sanlam) | R10,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | App-based, underwritten by Sanlam |
| Clientele | R10,000 to R75,000 | About 6 months | Direct family cover on one premium |
Figures are indicative - confirm current terms with each provider before deciding.
Waiting periods and exclusions
Most plans have a waiting period of around six months for natural death. Check exclusions too - some plans limit suicide cover in the early years or exclude pre-existing conditions. Read the wording so you know exactly when each life is covered and what is excluded.
Claims reputation matters most
Funeral cover is the most-complained-about product at the National Financial Ombud, mostly over declined claims and premium disputes. Favour established, regulated insurers, and remember that honest disclosure and keeping premiums paid are the two biggest factors in a claim being paid.
Match cover to a realistic funeral cost
A simple funeral can start around R15,000, while larger services cost much more. Decide on a realistic figure for your family, then cover that. Over-insuring at a premium you cannot sustain is a common mistake that leads to lapsed policies.
Cash policy or parlour package
Some providers pay only cash, while others, like AVBOB, Two Mountains, Icebolethu and Doves, also run their own funeral services. A parlour package adds value only if you actually use that company for the funeral. If you want to choose your own undertaker, a cash policy suits you better.
How to compare properly
Get quotes from two or three insurers, then line up the premium, cover amount, waiting period, age limits, exclusions and any cash-back. Use the same cover amount across quotes so the comparison is fair. We are an information site and do not sell cover - always confirm details with the provider before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
Which funeral cover is the best in South Africa?
There is no single best. The best plan for you balances price, cover amount, waiting period and a strong claims record. Compare two or three options on those factors.
Is the cheapest funeral cover a good idea?
Not always. The cheapest premium can mean low cover, a long waiting period or a poor claims record. Weigh price against cover and the insurer's reliability.
How do I compare funeral cover fairly?
Get quotes for the same cover amount from a few insurers, then compare premium, waiting period, age limits, exclusions and cash-back side by side.
Why is funeral cover complained about so often?
Most complaints to the National Financial Ombud are about declined claims and premium disputes, often linked to non-disclosure or lapsed policies. Honest disclosure and paid premiums reduce the risk.
Should I pick a cash policy or a parlour package?
A parlour package only adds value if you use that company for the funeral. If you want to choose your own undertaker, a cash policy is more flexible.
How much funeral cover do I need?
Enough for a realistic funeral, often from around R15,000 to R50,000. Use a calculator approach and avoid over-insuring at an unaffordable premium.
Is AVBOB or Sanlam better for funeral cover?
Neither is automatically better. AVBOB adds a free funeral benefit if you use its branches for the service, while Sanlam is a large insurer with cash-back on some plans. Compare both for the same cover amount and weigh the claims record.
