Can you take out a funeral plan for someone else?

Yes, it’s possible to take out a funeral plan for someone else, whether that’s a parent, partner, or another loved one.

Funeral plan providers generally allow one person to purchase a plan on behalf of another, as long as the individual named meets the provider’s age requirements.

Most UK funeral plan providers allow plans from age 18 or over, although some set a minimum age of 50 for certain products*.

Arranging a funeral plan on behalf of someone else is a thoughtful and practical way to reduce stress, ensure their wishes are respected, and protect family members from rising costs.

It can also be a compassionate step when a loved one is unable or unwilling to make funeral arrangements themselves.

This guide explores who you can buy a funeral plan for, how the process works and the key considerations.

Can you get a funeral plan for your parents?

Yes, you can take out a funeral plan for one or both of your parents. This is one of the most common scenarios, especially when parents are elderly or living with health conditions that make planning difficult.

Buying a funeral plan for a parent can:

• Ensure their funeral wishes are documented
• Reduce or prevent future family disagreements
• Protects you from future increases in funeral costs
• Peace of mind arrangements are taken care of reducing difficult decision when the time comes

If you’re able to discuss the funeral plan with your parent, it can be reassuring for everyone involved. But if discussing the topic would cause distress, some providers (such as Simplicity) allow you to set up the plan without informing the parents.

Can you get a funeral plan for your partner?

Yes, you can take out a funeral plan for your partner, whether you share finances or prefer to keep arrangements separate. Some couples choose to buy funeral plans together, while others prefer one partner to manage both plans.

Buying a funeral plan for your partner can help ensure:

• Ensure their funeral wishes are respected
• You’re not left making difficult decisions at an already emotional time
• Funeral costs are covered at today’s prices, protecting against future inflation

Your partner can choose the same type of funeral plan or a completely different arrangement depending on personal preference.

We have created a funeral plans for couples guide if you and your partner require more information.

Can you get a joint funeral plan?

No, whilst one person can purchase two separate funeral plans (for example, for you and your spouse), unfortunately no national providers offer a single funeral plan which names two different people.

Whilst no national providers offer joint funeral plans, certain smaller regional providers may.

Lastly, some providers offer discount incentives when two funerals plans are purchased together, but each funeral still requires its own individual plan**.

5 Benefits of taking out a funeral plan for someone else

Arranging a funeral plan for someone else can offer several key practical and emotional benefits.

1. Peace of mind for everyone involved

Knowing that arrangements are in place can be a huge relief - both for the person the plan is for and the family who’ll eventually need to activate it. Planning a funeral in advance helps avoid rushed or ill thought through decisions during a time of grief.

2. Protection from rising funeral costs

The average cost of a funeral has climbed from £3,953*** in 2022 to £4,510**** in 2025, reflecting a notable rise in recent years.

A prepaid funeral plan locks in today’s prices, shielding loved ones from inflation and becoming a financial burden on the family.

3. Clarity around funeral wishes

More than half of people in 2025 didn’t know whether their loved one preferred a burial or cremation****.

However, a funeral plan ensures these important decisions are made in advance, reducing uncertainty and potential family conflict.

4. Reduced stress at a difficult time

With a funeral plan in place, the family only needs to make one phone call when the time comes. The funeral director/provider will then guide you through the process and carry out the pre-agreed arrangements.

5. Financial security and budgeting flexibility

Most funeral plan providers offer:

• Pay‑in‑full options
• Monthly instalments (usually incurring an instalment fee)
• Fixed pricing
• FSCS protection of funds

This makes it easier to budget and ensures your money is safeguarded until required.

Why buy a funeral plan for someone else?

People choose to buy funeral plans for others for many reasons:

• A loved one has asked for help - especially if they find the process overwhelming
• You want to relieve future financial pressure on yourself or other family members
• You’re acting on advice from social services or a care provider
• You want to ensure someone vulnerable is protected
• You want to avoid funeral poverty, where families struggle to cover costs at short notice

Whatever the motivation, the goal is usually the same: to ensure dignity, clarity, and financial security.

Who should you tell about a funeral plan?

This depends on your personal circumstances, but generally it’s wise to tell:

• Close family members
• The executor of the Will
• Anyone likely to be involved in arrangements
• Healthcare or care‑home staff (if relevant)

Some providers will not inform the plan holder unless you ask them to, which can be helpful if discussing the topic would cause distress.

However, keeping the funeral plan completely secret can cause delays at a later date. As a minimum, ensure someone knows:

• The funeral plan exists
• Which provider it’s with
• Where the documents are stored

What information do you need to provide

• Basic personal details of the person the plan is for
• Whether they have expressed funeral wishes
• Whether they already have a will or prepaid arrangements
• Any medical or capacity considerations

Do you need the person’s permission to take out a funeral plan?

This is a key question that people my worry about. Providers like Simplicity allow you to set up a funeral plan without informing the person it’s intended for, if discussing it would cause distress.

However, we would always encourage open and honest discussion where possible.

How do I take out a funeral plan for someone else?

Buying a funeral plan for someone else is usually straightforward and similar to buying one for yourself.

Here’s a simple step‑by‑step example:

1. Confirm eligibility requirements - Check the provider’s minimum age and any health or residency criteria for the person the funeral plan is for.

2. Discuss wishes if appropriate - Talk through preferences such as burial, cremation, or direct cremation unless doing so would cause distress.

3. Compare funeral plan providers – Research different providers and review what each plan includes, excludes, and guarantees.

4. Choose the right funeral plan type - Select a plan that matches the person’s wishes and budget, such as attended, unattended, or direct cremation.

5. Set up payment arrangements - Decide whether to pay upfront or via monthly instalments, ensuring payments are manageable and protected.

6. Record and share funeral plan details - Store documents safely and inform key family members or executors so the plan can be activated quickly when needed.

Final thoughts

Taking out a funeral plan for someone else is a compassionate and practical choice to make.

It can ensure your loved ones final wishes are respected, protects loved ones from rising costs, and can remove a significant emotional burden at an already difficult time.

Whether you’re planning for a parent or a partner, choosing a reputable provider can make the process straightforward.

If you are considering purchasing a funeral plan for someone else, Simplicity offer a low-cost direct cremation funeral plan from just £1,799.

For more information on our simple, fuss-free funeral request a free guide.

Sources:

*https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/prepaid-funeral-plans/

**https://aura.life/

***https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2023.pdf

****https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2026.pdf