T. Rumyantseva "Isifo Sikashukela: Inkhulumomphendvulwano ne-Endocrinologist", eSt. Petersburg, "Nevsky Prospect", 2003 How to choose the right funeral plan FOR many South Africans, choosing a funeral policy is the first experience they have with insurance products. “A positive experience with funeral schemes can encourage consumer confidence in the insurance industry”said Sonja Visser, CEO of African Unity Life, a registered insurer that underwrites a large selection of well-known funeral schemes. “It is potentially disastrous if the policyholder may find out at some stage that there is no financial or institutional support to pay out claims to beneficiaries of the insured”.Acquiring a funeral policy is the first step people take to ensure that they and their families can afford a dignified funeral.“Choosing the right funeral policy can prove a challenge as there are many options and providers — and not all of them are reliable,” said Visser. “It is crucial that consumers are sure that the policy they purchase,is with a registered and trustworthy service provider.”When choosing a policy, consumers need to carefully consider their family’s needs. The chosen cover should include the appropriate range of benefits required, such as the required casket, transport services for family and friends to the funeral, a grocery benefit (to support the family for a short while), airtime to contact relatives and friends. Benefits will vary according to the funeral plan and level of cover chosen.“It is important to note that there are no medical examinations when taking out a funeral policy,” said Visser. “However, there is usually a waiting period, generally of about six months.” It is of utmost importance to confirm that the person who is selling the policy has a license from the FSB (or works with an FSP), which must be presented upon request. Additionally, funeral policies are often administered and sold by third party funeral administrators, so it is important to know who the insurer is that underwrites the risk.