Let’s be honest — nobody likes talking about funeral plans. It’s one of those topics that makes people suddenly “busy” or remember they left the kettle boiling. But here’s the thing: funerals are expensive. And if there’s one thing life guarantees (besides Eskom load-shedding, unfortunately), it’s that we all eventually have to go.
Now, that’s where Absa Funeral Cover comes in — a way to make sure your loved ones don’t have to scramble for money when the inevitable happens. But how much does it actually cost? What do you really get for the price? And is it worth it compared to other options out there?
Let’s unpack that — with a bit of humour, real talk, and a few lessons I learned the hard way.
A Personal Story: When I Learned the Hard Way
A few years ago, my aunt passed away unexpectedly. She was the kind of woman who’d always say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got everything sorted.” Except… she didn’t.
When it came time to arrange the funeral, we realized she didn’t have any funeral cover. None. Zip. Nada. The family had to pool money together, some people even borrowing from loan sharks (at insane interest rates) just to cover basic costs — coffin, transport, catering, and burial site fees.
That experience stuck with me. Because when you’re grieving, the last thing you want to think about is where to find R25,000 overnight.
So, when I later started researching funeral policies, Absa’s offering caught my eye — partly because they’re a well-known bank, but also because their prices were surprisingly reasonable compared to what I expected.
What Is Absa Funeral Cover? (For Those New to This)
Simply put, Absa Funeral Cover is a type of insurance that pays out a lump sum when the insured person dies. The payout helps cover funeral costs, and depending on the plan, you can also include your spouse, children, and even extended family members.
It’s not a savings plan. You don’t “get your money back” if you don’t claim — but it’s there as a financial cushion when it matters most.
Absa offers several variations of funeral cover under its Absa Life insurance division, giving people flexibility based on income, family size, and specific needs.
Absa Funeral Cover Prices (2025 Overview)
Alright, let’s talk numbers. Because that’s what you came for, right?
In 2025, Absa Funeral Cover premiums start from as little as R25 per month, depending on age, cover amount, and the number of people included. Here’s a general breakdown based on data from Absa’s official product listings and client reports:
Cover Amount Estimated Monthly Premium (Main Member) Age Group
R10,000 R25 – R35 18–35 years
R20,000 R45 – R70 18–45 years
R30,000 R70 – R95 26–55 years
R50,000 R100 – R150 36–65 years
R100,000 R190 – R250 36–75 years
(Note: Prices vary based on the plan type, age, and number of dependents.)
And yes, you can add family members for a small extra cost. For example:
Add a spouse: about R20–R50 more per month.
Add a child: around R10–R25 per month.
Add extended family (like parents): roughly R50–R100 each, depending on their age.
What You Actually Get for the Price
Here’s what Absa’s funeral plans typically include:
✅ Immediate accidental death cover from the moment your first premium is paid.
✅ Payout within 48 hours (once all documents are submitted).
✅ Cover for up to 21 family members — yes, even your gogo and your cousin who still owes you money.
✅ Optional benefits, like grocery or unveiling cover.
✅ Premium waiver — if the policyholder dies, the family may not have to continue paying premiums.
There’s also a cashback option on certain plans, where you get a portion of your premiums back after a few claim-free years. It’s Absa’s way of saying, “Thanks for not dying (yet).”
Different Absa Funeral Plans Explained
Absa doesn’t just have one funeral cover. They’ve designed a few different ones, depending on how much flexibility or simplicity you want.
1. Absa Flexi Funeral Plan
This is the budget-friendly option. You choose your cover amount, who to include, and you can increase or decrease your cover as your income changes.
Minimum cover: R10,000
Maximum cover: R100,000
Premiums: Start from around R25/month
Ideal for: Young adults, single people, or small families just starting out.
2. Absa Family Funeral Plan
This plan lets you cover your whole family — spouse, kids, parents, and sometimes even siblings.
Cover for up to 21 members.
Flexible cover options (R10,000 – R100,000).
Great for larger or extended families.
3. Absa Comprehensive Funeral Plan
This one’s for people who want “all the bells and whistles.” It includes extra benefits like grocery cover, memorial assistance, and cashbacks.
Includes premium waiver and accidental death benefit.
Premiums are higher — from around R150/month and up.
Ideal if you don’t want your family stressing about any detail.
How to Apply for Absa Funeral Cover
Applying is straightforward — and thankfully, you don’t have to visit a branch if you don’t want to.
Here’s the process:
Online: Visit Absa’s official website
and fill in the funeral cover form.
In-person: Walk into any Absa branch and speak to a financial advisor.
Phone: Call the Absa Life team directly.
Via the Absa App: Yes, you can even apply straight from your mobile banking app.
Once your details are verified, you’ll get your policy documents by email or SMS confirmation. Coverage starts immediately for accidental death, and after a waiting period (usually 6 months) for natural causes.
Waiting Periods (And Why They Exist)
If you die from natural causes within the first 6 months of taking the policy, your family won’t get the payout — that’s called the waiting period.
It might sound unfair, but it’s actually a common rule across the insurance industry. Without it, people could buy funeral cover only when they’re terminally ill — and that would make premiums skyrocket for everyone.
Accidental deaths, however, are covered immediately after your first premium.
How Absa’s Prices Compare to Other Funeral Covers
Let’s be real — South Africans love comparing. Whether it’s cellphone data, taxi fares, or meal portions, we want to know we’re getting value. So how does Absa stack up against other big players like Old Mutual or Sanlam?
Company Starting Premium Max Cover Payout Speed Family Members Allowed
Absa Funeral Cover R25 R100,000 48 hours Up to 21
Old Mutual R33 R70,000 48 hours Up to 18
Sanlam R40 R100,000 48 hours Up to 21
Clientèle R99 R100,000 24–48 hours Up to 13
Overall, Absa offers one of the most affordable entry-level plans while keeping flexibility high.
What People Like About Absa Funeral Cover
When I talked to a few friends and colleagues who have Absa funeral policies, a few things came up repeatedly:
“It’s easy to manage everything through the Absa app.”
“Claims were paid really fast — less than two days!”
“Adding family members was simple.”
“It’s cheaper than my old policy with another company.”
The ease of claiming stood out the most. Funerals move quickly in South Africa — sometimes within 3–5 days — so fast payouts aren’t just convenient, they’re essential.
Things to Keep in Mind (Fine Print Stuff)
Every policy has fine print, and Absa’s is no different. A few things to note:
Premiums can increase annually due to inflation.
You must keep payments up to date — a missed payment could cancel the policy.
Claims require valid documents like death certificate, ID, and proof of relationship.
Cover for extended family might have different waiting periods.
Why Absa’s Prices Make Sense
Here’s where a lot of people get it wrong — they think funeral cover is just “another monthly bill.” But in reality, it’s a protective investment.
Let’s do a quick example:
Imagine you’re paying R80 per month for R40,000 cover.
That’s R960 a year.
If you keep that policy for 10 years, you’ll have paid R9,600 total.
But if something happens and Absa pays out R40,000 — your family gets over four times what you paid in premiums. That’s a powerful safety net.
Now imagine you didn’t have cover and had to raise that money through loans or family contributions — it’d be chaos.
Anecdote: The Day I Convinced My Friend to Get Funeral Cover
A friend of mine — let’s call him Sipho — used to joke that he’d “sort out funeral cover when he turned 40.” I told him, “My guy, do you think death checks ID?”
After a long coffee chat, I showed him Absa’s calculator on their website, and he realized he could get decent cover for less than what he spends on Netflix and takeaway lunches combined.
A week later, he signed up. A few months later, his father passed away, and his family had to use the policy. He called me afterward and said, “You know what, bro — that funeral cover saved us.”
That’s when I realized — this stuff isn’t about money. It’s about peace of mind.
Practical Tips Before You Choose a Plan
Calculate your real needs.
Do you want the policy to cover just the coffin and transport, or also catering and tombstone? Choose your cover amount accordingly.
Include the right people.
Don’t overload your plan with every cousin — premiums will rise fast. Focus on immediate dependents first.
Review your plan yearly.
As your income or family size changes, adjust your cover.
Ask about add-ons.
Things like grocery or unveiling benefits can make life easier later.
Read the fine print.
It’s boring, yes — but it’ll save you headaches later.
A Few Things I Love About Absa’s Funeral Plans
They don’t require medical exams. You just need to answer a few basic questions.
The application process is digital, so you can do it during your lunch break.
Their customer service (at least in my experience) is quick and friendly.
Payouts are reliable and fast — a big deal when time matters.
The Emotional Side of Funeral Cover
You know what’s strange? The first time I paid for my funeral policy, it felt weird — like I was planning for something I didn’t want to think about.
But then I thought about my aunt, and the stress our family went through. Suddenly, that monthly debit order didn’t feel like a loss. It felt like a gift to my loved ones.
Because really, funeral cover isn’t for you — it’s for the people you leave behind.
Final Thoughts: Is Absa Funeral Cover Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking for something affordable, reliable, and easy to manage, Absa’s funeral cover prices make a lot of sense. Starting from R25 per month, you can secure a payout that genuinely helps your family in difficult times.
It’s not glamorous, and it’s not something you’ll brag about at a braai. But it’s one of those quiet, responsible decisions that speak volumes when life gets tough.
So, whether you’re 25 or 55, married or single, earning a little or a lot — it’s worth taking a few minutes to check out your options. You’ll thank yourself later (and so will your family).