Choosing cover
Compare Funeral Cover
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
To compare funeral cover in South Africa fairly, get quotes for the same cover amount and the same lives from two or three insurers, then line up the premium, waiting period, age limits, exclusions, cash-back and claims record side by side rather than comparing on price alone. Comparing on price alone is how people end up with a policy that disappoints.
This guide gives you a simple, fair checklist to compare funeral cover across insurers so you can shortlist with confidence.
Use the same cover amount
Quotes are only comparable if they are for the same cover amount and the same lives. Decide on a realistic cover figure first, then ask each insurer to quote that. Comparing a R20,000 plan with a R50,000 plan on premium alone tells you nothing useful.
Indicative provider comparison
This snapshot shows how a few well-known providers differ on the key structural features. Use it to shortlist, then confirm with each insurer.
| Provider | Typical cover range | Natural-death waiting period | Sold via |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVBOB | R10,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Branches and brokers |
| Sanlam | R5,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Advisers, branches, partner brands |
| Old Mutual | R5,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Advisers and branches |
| Capitec (Sanlam) | R10,000 to R100,000 | About 6 months | Capitec app and branches |
| Clientele | R10,000 to R75,000 | About 6 months | Direct, phone and online |
| Metropolitan | R5,000 to R50,000 | About 6 months | Advisers and branches |
Figures are indicative - confirm current terms with each provider before deciding.
The checklist
Compare these for each plan:
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Premium | Monthly cost for the same cover |
| Cover amount | Cash paid per insured life |
| Waiting period | Natural vs accidental death |
| Age limits | Entry and cover-ceasing ages |
| Extended family | Who you can add and at what cost |
| Exclusions | Suicide, pre-existing conditions |
| Cash-back | Amount and conditions |
| Claims record | Insurer reputation and Ombud complaints |
Weigh waiting periods and exclusions
A lower premium with a longer waiting period or more exclusions may be worse value. Read the wording for each plan and note when each life is covered and what is excluded in the early years.
Factor in the claims record
Funeral cover is the most-complained-about product at the National Financial Ombud. Favour established insurers with a solid claims reputation. A cheap policy that fights claims costs you more in stress and money when it matters.
Avoid comparison-site bias
Some comparison sites only show insurers that pay them. Get quotes directly from a few insurers too, and confirm details with each provider. We are an information site and do not sell or broker cover, so we have no quota to push a particular brand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare funeral cover fairly?
Quote the same cover amount and lives from a few insurers, then compare premium, waiting period, age limits, exclusions, cash-back and claims record side by side.
Should I just compare premiums?
No. A low premium can hide low cover, a long waiting period or a poor claims record. Compare the full picture, not price alone.
Are comparison sites reliable?
They are a starting point, but some only list insurers that pay them. Get direct quotes too and confirm details with each provider.
What matters most when comparing?
The claims record matters most, since a policy that does not pay is worthless. After that, weigh premium, cover, waiting period and exclusions.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough for a fair comparison, as long as each is for the same cover amount and lives.
Do you sell or recommend a specific policy?
No. We are an information site and do not sell or broker cover. We help you compare fairly and tell you to confirm details with the provider.
What is a fair way to score each plan?
Quote the same cover amount, then rank each plan on claims record first, then premium, waiting period, age limits and exclusions. A simple points or tick system across those columns keeps the comparison honest.
