By life stage
Funeral Cover for Over 65
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Funeral cover for over 65 is available from several South African insurers, with entry typically possible up to 65, 75, 80 or 85 depending on the plan, higher premiums than for younger people, and a waiting period of about 6 months for natural death and none for accidental death. The key is finding a plan that accepts the entry age and that you can keep paying.
This guide covers which providers tend to accept over-65s, the premiums and waiting periods to expect, and how to avoid plans that look good but pay poorly.
Which insurers accept over-65s
Many insurers accept entrants up to 65, and some go to 75, 80 or 85. Providers that openly market older-age cover, such as Assupol and certain retailer plans, are common starting points. Bank and direct insurers also cover over-65s, though the entry age cap varies, so confirm it first.
Which providers tend to accept over-65s
These providers are common starting points for over-65 cover. Entry age limits vary by plan, so this is indicative only.
| Provider | Typical max entry age | Natural-death waiting period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assupol | Often up to about 80, varies | About 6 months | Markets older-entrant and pensioner cover |
| Pep | Pensioner plans, in store | About 6 months | Low-cost, insurer-underwritten |
| Old Mutual | Varies by plan | About 6 months | Established insurer |
| Metropolitan | Up to a set age | About 6 months | Affordable everyday cover |
| Sanlam | Varies by plan | About 6 months | Large insurer, often markets over-65 plans |
Figures are indicative - confirm current entry age limits and terms with each provider.
What premiums to expect
Premiums rise with age, so over-65 cover costs more than the same cover for a younger person. For modest cover you might pay from around R100 a month upwards, with higher cover costing more. These are indicative figures - get a quote, because pricing depends on the exact age and cover amount.
Waiting periods at older ages
Expect a waiting period of about six months for natural death, with accidental death covered from day one. Be cautious of plans promising no waiting period at older ages, and read exactly what is and is not covered in the early months.
Choosing a sustainable plan
The biggest risk is a policy lapsing because the premium becomes unaffordable, which can reset the waiting period. Choose cover you can sustain for years. It is better to insure a realistic funeral amount at a payable premium than to over-insure and risk a lapse.
Standalone or family plan
An over-65 can be insured on a standalone policy or added to a family plan that covers extended family. A family plan can simplify admin, but check the per-life cover and the age cap. Standalone cover gives you control over the exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get funeral cover at 65 in South Africa?
Yes, many insurers accept entrants at 65, and some go higher. Premiums are higher than for younger people, so compare a few options.
How much is funeral cover for over 65?
For modest cover, premiums often start around R100 a month and rise with the cover amount and exact age. Get a quote for accurate pricing.
Is there a waiting period for over-65 cover?
Usually about six months for natural death and none for accidental death. Be cautious of plans claiming no waiting period at older ages.
Which insurers are best for over-65s?
Those that openly cover older entrants, such as Assupol and some retailer plans, are common starting points. Compare entry age limits and claims records.
Should an over-65 take standalone or family cover?
Either can work. Standalone cover gives control over the amount, while a family plan simplifies admin. Check per-life cover and the age cap.
What if the premium becomes too expensive later?
A lapsed policy can reset the waiting period, so choose a sustainable premium from the start rather than the highest cover you can stretch to.
