Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

A lifeline in times of loss: Exploring funeral cover solutions

Home National A lifeline in times of loss: Exploring funeral cover solutions
A lifeline in times of loss: Exploring funeral cover solutions

Allan Johnson 

Life is full of financial decisions – from buying a home to investing in our children’s future. But one important decision we often overlook is preparing for the financial implications of our loved ones’ passing. 

As the cost of living continues to rise, comprehensive funeral coverage is becoming more crucial than ever. 

Let us delve into the pressing issue faced by families after a loss.

In Namibia, much like in other parts of Africa, there is a cultural responsibility to financially contribute to funeral expenses. 

Funerals are monumental life-cycle events that are considered more important than weddings in some societies. They preserve cultural traditions, while bringing communities together as a way to pay respect to those who have passed on. However, these funerals come with high costs. 

Traditional funerals can cost Windhoek families between N$15 000 and N$30 000 for an adult to cover expenses such as embalming, the grave, the hearse, the headstone and flowers. A standard casket alone can amount to N$8 000. Without proper planning, these expenditures can land families in financial instability or even debt. 

A local funeral undertaker, Tommy Jaarman Funeral Services, shares that while they offer all-encompassing funeral packages, they often need to exclude certain services to accommodate the family’s budget. 

They observe that ‘hidden’ costs associated with the event, such as catering for the memorial services, travel, accommodation for out-of-town family members and even the printing costs for obituaries and programmes are often overlooked. These can add up quickly and often take people by surprise.

In these times, funeral cover like Nedbank’s Extended Family Funeral Cover Plan can serve as a lifeline. It is a comprehensive plan, designed with cultural norms and financial realities in mind. The plan provides a lump sum benefit upon the unfortunate event of an insured life passing away. To ensure broad coverage, the plan covers up to four extended family members, each with individual premiums.

This cover extends to parents, parents-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, siblings and even children over 21. This wide-reaching umbrella of coverage maximises protection without diluting the benefits. 

With monthly premiums as low as N$23 for extended family members aged 19 and below, and N$79 for parents, aged 65 and older, the plan aims to make funeral coverage accessible to all.

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming. But by breaking it down into smaller steps, you can make the process more manageable while honouring your loved one’s memory. 

Firstly, determine your budget to avoid overspending. Decide on the type of service you want – whether it is traditional or personalised – and select a venue that feels appropriate.

 Next, seek out a reliable funeral director who can help you make arrangements and fill out the necessary paperwork. Then, decide between burial or cremation based on personal beliefs and traditions. 

Consider having a gathering or reception to bring loved ones together and seek comfort. Choose the right location for the service, such as a funeral home or place of worship.  

Arrange transportation for the deceased and guests and think about appropriate funeral products and floral arrangements that hold special meaning. Lastly, add personal touches to make the service unforgettable, such as displaying photographs or playing favourite music.

If you are religious, reach out to your pastor or spiritual leader’s assistance and take things step by step during this trying time.

Talking about death is an uncomfortable topic, but it is essential to plan for the inevitable. While honouring the departed is crucial, it is equally important to understand and address the financial burdens these traditions place on the living.

Ensuring that your affairs are in order, including a will, life insurance, and other relevant documents, is an integral part of supporting your loved ones. Have open conversations about these matters to save them from financial stress and confusion. Providing this level of care is the best way to support your loved ones, even after you are gone.

 

*Allan Johnson is a Nedbank Namibia sales manager with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry.