By life stage
Funeral Cover for Pensioners
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Funeral cover for pensioners is widely available in South Africa, with insurers such as Assupol and retailer plans like Pep accepting older entrants up to their age limits, charging higher premiums (often from around R80 to R150 a month for modest cover), with a roughly 6-month waiting period for natural death. The goal is cover a pensioner can afford on a fixed income that still pays a proper amount.
This guide covers which insurers suit pensioners, the premiums and waiting periods to expect, and how to pick cover that fits a pension budget without lapsing.
Which insurers suit pensioners
Insurers that openly market pensioner cover, such as Assupol and certain retailer plans like Pep, are common starting points. Banks and direct insurers also cover pensioners up to their entry age limits. Check the maximum entry age first, since this narrows your choices at older ages.
Providers that suit pensioners
These are common starting points for pensioner cover, compared on the key dimensions. Indicative only.
| Provider | Typical max entry age | Natural-death waiting period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assupol | Often up to about 80, varies | About 6 months | Markets pensioner and older-entrant cover |
| Pep | Pensioner plans, in store | About 6 months | Low-cost, insurer-underwritten |
| Metropolitan | Up to a set age | About 6 months | Affordable, cash-back on some plans |
| Old Mutual | Varies by plan | About 6 months | Established insurer, extended-family options |
| AVBOB | Commonly up to about 65 | About 6 months | Free funeral benefit on AVBOB-run funerals |
Figures are indicative - confirm current entry age limits and terms with each provider.
Premiums on a fixed income
Pensioner premiums are higher than for younger people, so affordability on a fixed income is the main concern. For modest cover you might pay from around R80 to R150 a month upwards. Choose a premium that fits the pension comfortably, because a lapse can reset the waiting period.
Waiting periods
Expect a waiting period of about six months for natural death, with accidental death covered from day one. Be cautious of pensioner plans promising no waiting period, and read exactly what is covered in the early months before signing.
Match cover to a realistic funeral
Insure a realistic funeral amount, often R15,000 to R40,000, rather than the maximum on offer. A sensible cover amount keeps the premium affordable and the policy sustainable, which matters most on a fixed income.
Standalone, family plan or society
A pensioner can take standalone cover, be added to a family member's plan, or join a burial society. Adding a pensioner to a family plan can be cost-effective, while a regulated policy gives a guaranteed payout. Many families combine a policy with a society for support on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Can pensioners get funeral cover in South Africa?
Yes, many insurers cover pensioners up to their entry age limits. Premiums are higher, so compare a few affordable options.
How much is funeral cover for pensioners?
For modest cover, premiums often start around R80 to R150 a month and rise with the cover amount and age. Get a quote for accurate pricing.
Which insurers are best for pensioners?
Those that openly market pensioner cover, such as Assupol and Pep, are common starting points. Compare entry age limits, premiums and claims records.
Is there a waiting period for pensioner cover?
Usually about six months for natural death and none for accidental death. Be cautious of no-waiting-period promises for pensioners.
Should a pensioner join a family plan instead?
Adding a pensioner to a family member's plan can be cost-effective. A standalone regulated policy still gives a guaranteed payout, so weigh both.
How much cover does a pensioner need?
Enough for a realistic funeral, often R15,000 to R40,000. Keep the premium affordable on a fixed income to avoid a lapse.
