Adulting 101: Funeral Cover – South Africa’s Least Discussed Necessity

Why Funeral Cover Is Essential in South Africa

In Mzansi, we know how to celebrate life like nobody else. From shisanyamas to stadiums, every gathering is an event. But when life ends, the send-off is just as big—sometimes even bigger. Funerals here aren’t just a goodbye; they’re a full production with catering, convoys, and crowds that would make a music festival jealous.

And while we all joke about “two things in life being guaranteed: tax and death,” one of them doesn’t come with a SARS-branded marquee tent and 200 guests asking for second helpings. A proper funeral is a cultural rite of passage—and a costly one.

That’s why funeral cover isn’t just another box to tick; it’s an essential adulting move. For a small monthly premium, you’re saving your family from financial stress and giving them the space to honour you properly—without anyone scrambling to crowdfund a cow.

Read more: The funeral checklist: what you need to do step by step if a loved one passes.

The Real Cost of a Send-Off in South Africa 💸

A funeral in South Africa can easily range between R20,000 and R100,000 (or even more, depending on traditions). Without funeral cover, that’s a lump sum that many families simply don’t have lying around.

Here's what typically adds up:

✅ Coffin & Burial Costs: Quality coffins can range from a few thousand rand to over R50,000.

✅ Catering & Venue Hire: Funerals are big. Feeding mourners? Bigger. Like R10,000 and upwards big.

✅ Transport Costs: From hearses to family members traveling in, transport adds up. A fancy hearse can cost thousands for the day, not to mention getting everyone there and back.

✅ Tombstones & Memorials: The final resting place comes at a cost too - from about R9,000 upwards.

With funeral cover and proper planning with hippo.co.za these expenses are handled, giving your loved ones the space to grieve and celebrate your life without having to scramble for cash.

South Africans Speak: The Importance of Funeral Cover

South Africans know exactly how big funerals can get—and how expensive they are. As one Twitter user put it:

and to those who aren’t being rude lol and genuinely interested. African families in South Africa have big funerals. on average about 60 - 100 people and the family of the deceased takes care of the food, alcohol, and sometimes an animal is slaughtered. it’s very expensive ☹️

— Danilo (@odedanilo) January 5, 2025

That’s why having a solid funeral policy isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Another user stresses the importance of planning ahead:

Maybe this is not the right time to say this but guys please prioritise getting things like funeral covers. There are multiple affordable ones. There are covers that cover you with money and some with service like Amathole. We’re not kids anymore. Unfortunately.

— Zuleika (@somuhleomuhle) July 31, 2024

And while having some cover is crucial, many South Africans are over-insured, paying for multiple policies without realising it:

I wonder how many people in South Africa are over insured re: death and funeral cover because there's way too many people selling policies and not enough people to take up these policies with all these companies.

— dee™ (@DeeIsASinner) September 21, 2022

This highlights the importance of comparing funeral cover options—so you’re paying for what you actually need, not five different policies that do the same thing. 

Read more: About funeral coverage for your parents

The Funeral Myths That Keep People Unprepared

🚩 "I’m too young to need funeral cover."

Funerals don’t wait for the right time. A small monthly payment now saves your family financial hardship later.

🚩 "I’ll just save for it myself."

Unless you have a separate, untouched fund that grows faster than funeral costs (which increase every year), funeral cover protects your family from the unexpected.

🚩 "My family will cover my funeral."

Maybe. But wouldn’t you rather spare them the stress? Funeral cover lifts that burden, so no one has to scramble to raise funds.

Read more: Understand the difference between life insurance and funeral cover

How Funeral Cover Saves the Day

A good funeral policy doesn’t just pay out fast, it covers exactly what you need:

💡 Lump Sum Payouts – Funds are available within 48 hours to cover immediate expenses.

💡 Covers the Whole Family – Many policies allow you to add family members under one plan.

💡 Affordable Premiums – Starting from as little as R50 per month, it's cheaper than a single takeaway meal.

💡 No Medical Exams – Unlike life insurance, funeral cover is quick and easy to set up.

Got more questions? Read our funeral cover FAQS

Final Thought: This Is One Adulting Task You Can’t Skip

You wouldn’t leave most of your life uninsured, so why leave your final send-off to chance? Funeral cover isn’t just a policy—it’s a necessity.

Take 2 minutes on hippo.co.za and compare policies from 7 trusted providers. Because when the time comes, the last thing your family should worry about is money.