What are the best prepaid direct cremation plans?

In this guide: Direct cremation plans are around 60% cheaper than the average traditional cremation plan. To help you compare simple prepaid cremation plans, we look at how they work, what they cost and review leading plan providers.

We list the UKs leading prepaid direct cremation plans
Learn about the pros and cons so you can compare plans
Read our prepaid cremation plan reviews
See how you can pay for a direct crematiom in advance

By Ashley Shepherd

Checked & updated 9th January 2024

What is a prepaid direct cremation plan?

Prepaid direct cremation plans let you arrange and pay for your cremation in advance. Choosing to prepay this way means you can arrange the direct cremation services you want and pay for them at today’s prices.

Prepaid plans typically include the services required for a direct cremation, such as collection and care of the deceased, a simple unattended cremation and return of the ashes. Some low cost funeral plan providers also allow between 10 and 12 people to attend the committal for an additional fee.

For more information read our direct cremation reviews.

Is a prepaid cremation a good idea?

A prepaid cremation plan could be a good idea if you prefer a fuss free simple cremation and would like to prepay and arrange everything in advance. The price you pay is fixed and based on today’s prices, avoiding future inflation. So, a prepaid plan could save you money if funeral prices increase.

To be sure your money is handled responsibly, it’s also a good idea to check your chosen plan provider is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. And in addition to reviewing the benefits of having a plan in place, it’s also worth considering the drawbacks before deciding if a prepaid cremation plan is a good idea for you.

Compare prepaid cremation plans

Comparing the best prepaid cremation plans can help you consider the cost and services included in each plan. Some pre-paid direct cremation funeral plans may look cheap but to make a true comparison, it also helps to compare how each plan works and the services it does and doesn’t include.

This table lists the UK's FCA authorised providers, who provide national coverage.

Provider	Single payment	Monthly option	Collection fully covered	Ashes delivered	Cremation fees	Doctors fees
Golden Leaves	£1,450				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Coop	£1,350				Guaranteed	Not included
Dignity	£995				Guaranteed	Not included
Pure Cremation	£1,795				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Golden Charter	£1,785				Allowance	Allowance
Distinct Cremations	£1,699				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Avalon	£1,785				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Memoria	£1,490				Guaranteed	Not included
Affordable Funerals	£1,490				Guaranteed	Not included
Ecclesiastical	Not known				Guaranteed	Not included
Plan with Grace	£1,440				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Crystal Cremations	£1,395				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Celebration of Life	£1,450				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Aura Life	£1,695				Guaranteed	Guaranteed
Open Prepaid Funerals	£1,845	Not known	Not known	Not known	Allowance	Not included
This is a summary of some of the key features, before deciding on the right plan you should read the full product details. Over50choices is an independent source of information and is not associated with any provider. Prices correct as at 11th March 2024.

Which is the best direct cremation funeral plan?

The best cremation funeral plan should include a dignified simple cremation, provided by a company you can trust. Prepaid plans guarantee a fuss free, unattended cremation, but there may be associated costs not included in the plan. These can include collection out of hours or from home and the return of the ashes.

Each plan provider will have their own key features document, which explains the services included and excluded from the plan, to help you choose the best direct cremation funeral plan for you.

Are prepaid direct cremation funeral plans regulated?

Prepaid cremation funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Plan providers must be FCA authorised and demonstrate that they adhere to their strict rules and principles.

Through the FCA, customers also have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. An independent body set up by the government to protect consumers when financial firms fail.

What are the pros and cons of a prepaid direct cremation plan?

There are several benefits in having a prepaid direct cremation plan however they are not suitable for everyone. Our pros and cons will help you understand if a prepaid cremation plan could be right for you.

Prepaid cremation plan pros

It can save you money if funeral costs increase
The services included in the plan are guaranteed
It could help with potential cashflow issues at the time of need
Your family can say goodbye their way, at a time and place they prefer
60% cheaper than the average traditional funeral
Exempt from inheritance tax
Not classed as savings so won’t count in care home means tested assessments
Monthly plans provide services after the initial waiting period, even if you haven’t completed the payments
Some companies let family attend the committal

Prepaid cremation plan cons

Could be more expensive if funeral prices go down
May not cover all of your funeral costs
You can not visit the chapel of rest
The location of the crematorium may not be local
Your family may prefer a traditional funeral service
The company decides on the date and time of the cremation
You may need the money now
You will have to pay more to attend the comital

Top tips for comparing prepaid direct funeral plans

The services included in a plan are guaranteed however there may be some associated costs that are not included, which are highlighted in our top tips. For example, some plans:

Charge extra for collection out of hours
Don't include doctor’s fees, if required
Charge extra for collection from home or a nursing home
Only include an allowance for the cremation fees that could leave family with more to pay
Operate from a single location
Charge extra for return of the ashes

At the end of the day the cheapest prepaid cremation plan may not be the best if there are additional services to pay for when the time comes.

Is it cheaper to prepay for cremation?

A prepaid cremation can be cheaper, as you are fixing the cost at today’s prices, avoiding future inflation if funeral costs increase. Once your prepaid direct cremation plan is in place, the services guaranteed in your plan will be carried out when the time comes at no extra cost to your family, no matter when that is in the future.

Direct cremation reviews

Take a look at our reviews - national providers under the spotlight:

Simplicity

Golden Leaves

Affordable Funerals

Golden Charter

Crystal Cremations

Ecclesiastical

Distinct Cremations

Avalon

Pure Cremation

Celebration of Life

Coop

Plan with Grace

Open Prepaid Funerals

Read review

Dignity

Read review

How much does a prepaid cremation cost?

The cost of a prepaid direct cremation plan is typically between £1,500 to £2,000. However, the overall cost of a prepaid cremation will depend on the company you choose, the services included and how you prefer to pay for your plan.

How can I pay for a direct cremation in advance?

You can pay in advance for a prepaid direct cremation plan either with a single payment or monthly instalments over a number of years.

Single payment direct cremation funeral plans

Paying in one go is the cheapest way to buy a prepaid direct cremation plan and many low cost funeral plan providers let you spread the cost over 12 months without incurring additional fees.

Monthly payment direct cremation funeral plans

If you prefer to pay monthly for your cremation only funeral plan, instalment options are available. You do incur additional charges for the benefit of spreading your payments, however the total cost will be made clear to you at the outset.

What should I do now?

For more information on this simple fuss free alternative to a traditional funeral, take a look at our direct cremation guide.

Alternatively if you think you may prefer a plan that includes a funeral service, our guide to prepaid funeral plans may help.

*The Sunlife cost of dying report average funeral costs - £4,141

**Depending on the plan provider

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my family decide they want a funeral service?
- If your family decide they don’t want direct cremation, they can cancel the plan and receive a refund minus the cancelation fee.
Can viewing at the chapel of rest be arranged?
- Viewing is not usually available with a direct funeral however families could always agree a collection time that allows for visiting first.

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