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If you’ve been considering a prepaid funeral plan but had a few questions about what it involves, this article provides a brief overview of prepaid funerals in Sydney and surrounding suburbs of New South Wales.
Thinking about your funeral, let alone prearranging it, is a difficult thing to do. However, it’s a really important thing to do, so you’ve made a good decision to look into options for preplanning your funeral.
This guide is designed to help you purchase a prepaid funeral plan in Sydney and greater New South Wales.
For general information about prepaid funerals, our Complete Guide to Preplanning Your Funeral is a great place to start. It explains everything you need to know about purchasing a prepaid funeral plan.
What is a prepaid funeral?
A prepaid funeral is one of the most convenient and financially sensible ways for you to plan your funeral ahead of time. You’re paying for your funeral in advance, locking in today’s price and committing to the funeral director you wish to carry out the service. That funeral director then takes on the risk of rising costs, as they’ve made a legal commitment to you to carry out the service for no additional cost in the future.
Preplanning a funeral means everything is taken care of in advance, so your family won’t have to make difficult decisions about the funeral when the time eventually comes.
Benefits of a prepaid funeral in Sydney.
Prepaying your funeral will ensure you are guaranteed the service you want with nothing further to pay when the time comes.
Not only does prepaying your funeral give you peace of mind that the complete cost of your funeral will be paid for – regardless of price increases over time – it also prevents your family from the extra stress later. Planning a loved one’s funeral is a difficult task that comes at an already emotional time following a loss. Being lumped with a mountain of debt only adds to that.
Another major benefit of prepaying your own funeral is the ability to clearly articulate your wishes before your death. You can let your family know whether you prefer cremation or burial, for example. A prepaid funeral also allows you to outline what type of memorial best reflects your wishes. You can also separately write out your final wishes with Bare's free online template.
Unlike funeral insurance, a prepaid funeral plan doesn’t require extensive health checks or come with an age limit – it’s available to anyone and the price of instalments remains unchanged for the duration of the contract period.
Our article 7 benefits of a prepaid funeral explains the advantages in more detail.
The cost of a prepaid funeral in Sydney.
A prepaid funeral plan enables you to pay for your preferred funeral arrangements at today’s prices. Once your funeral has been arranged and paid for, there are no further costs, and no further worries.
The average cost of a funeral in Australia is $7,499, according to Finder. The price comparison website estimates the average cost of a burial in Sydney is $8,225 and the average price of a cremation in Sydney is $7,607.
The price of a funeral in Sydney can quickly climb upwards of $10,000 with added extras like a more expensive coffin, floral arrangements and other inclusions to the funeral service. You don’t want your loved ones to be financially burdened just because you’ve slipped from the mortal coil and that's why considering a Bare Prepaid Cremation could be a good option. This proactive step can make a difficult time just a little bit easier, ensuring that your wishes are honoured while also providing peace of mind for you and your family.
How to buy a Bare Prepaid Cremation.
Some funeral directors offer prepaid funeral plans for people looking to make arrangements and pay in advance. To purchase a prepaid funeral in Sydney, you’ll need to start by contacting your preferred funeral provider and finding out if they offer this service option.
Bare offers affordable prepaid cremations in Sydney, which can be arranged online, or over the phone, in minutes. A prepaid cremation with Bare costs a fraction of the price traditional funeral homes charge.
To arrange a Bare Prepaid Cremation in Sydney, follow these simple steps:
- Go to: https://bare.com.au/prepaid-funerals.
- Select the button that says 'Prepay now'.
- Select 'Myself - I want to prepay for my own funeral' if you are signing up for yourself or ‘For a loved one - I am prepaying for someone else’ if you are signing up for someone else
- Fill in the required details and press ‘Continue’.
- Select payment type: Monthly or Upfront. Here, you also have the option of having the quote emailed to you if you wish.
- Enter your personal details and add your Next of Kin contact information.
- Review your prepaid arrangement.
- Click on the “Click here to sign” box to generate an auto signature.
- Add your bank details and click the Confirm Payment button. You may pay either by credit card or direct debit from your bank account.
- You’re all set! Your funds will be debited in line with your nominated billing cycle (upfront or monthly).
If you don't want to make the purchase online, or you still have questions, you can give our friendly Prepaid team a call on 1800 202 901.
What’s included with a Bare Prepaid Cremation?
- Establishment and administration of Trust account
- Transfer into our care at time of death
- Private, dignified cremation
- Simple, eco-friendly coffin
- Death registration and official certificates
- Return of ashes to the family
Regulation of prepaid funerals in NSW
New South Wales state laws require funeral directors to adhere to strict regulations with their management of prepaid funerals, to ensure a consumer’s funds are safely and securely managed.
In New South Wales, the management of prepaid funeral funds is governed by Part 4 of the Funeral Funds Act 1979 (NSW). Prepaid funeral providers must adhere to the strict investment rules outlined in this legislation to ensure a consumer’s prepaid funeral funds are safely and securely managed.
Requirements of prepaid funeral providers in NSW
Under the Funeral Funds Regulation 2006 (NSW), The funeral provider must invest this payment into a registered funeral fund within 10 days of receiving the money.
In New South Wales, funeral providers must provide the customer with a prepaid contract that outlines details of the investment including full details of each component of the funeral service; the existence of a 30-day cooling-off period. The arrangements that will apply if the customer dies outside the area serviced by the funeral service supplier and any associated additional transaction costs must also be disclosed in the contract.
The funeral provider must also disclose the arrangements that will apply if the business of the funeral service supplier is sold to another person before the service is supplied.
FAQs about Bare Prepaid Cremation.
Am I eligible to purchase a prepaid cremation?
Yes. Unlike other funeral planning products, anyone can purchase a Bare prepaid plan, regardless of their age or health.
Who holds onto the money I pay?
When you pay the funeral director, they are required to deposit this money with an authorised and independent institution (such as a friendly society or investment manager). While timing requirements vary between states, a funeral provider is generally required to arrange this payment within 7 days of receiving the money.
When the holding entity receives the funds, they are required to notify you in writing, and should detail the exact amount of the funds received. If you do not receive such a confirmation you should follow up with your funeral director.
With Bare, the investment value of your prepaid contract is invested in a regulated Fund with the Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society. The funds are held in your name and we can only access the funds on your passing as part of the pre-paid contract.
What is a direct cremation?
Simply put, a direct cremation is a simple cremation without a formal ceremony and no family or friends are present during the process. It is an affordable option that allows families to personalise the memorial service at a later date whenever they are ready.
How much is a Bare Prepaid Cremation?
The price of a prepaid cremation in Sydney with Bare starts at *$3,269, but personalised quotes are recommended due to differences in your choice of payment frequency and specific location.
*This is the prepaid price correct as of February 2024, for metropolitan Sydney. Please note that prices vary depending on location and are subject to increase over time, however once a prepaid plan is locked in, it will remain that price for the duration of the instalment plan. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, please head here.
Are there instalment options available?
Yes, we offer monthly instalments to allow everyone access to affordable cremation services.
Prepaying your funeral will ensure you are guaranteed the service you want with nothing further to pay when the time comes.
What if instalments are not fully paid before death?
We will commence your service and undertake collection and the paperwork process to minimise unnecessary suffering for your loved ones. We will then coordinate with your Next of Kin to pay the balance due – at the price you locked in when you began your instalments.
Are there any extra fees?
There are no extra fees once you have locked in your prepaid cremation. The only instance where there would be additional fees is if you pass away in a different region to your address. In this scenario, there may be additional transport fees payable.
Do you provide an itemised breakdown of the services?
Yes. Your contract will provide a line-by-line breakdown of each service and its cost.
Should I let my Next of Kin know once I have my contract?
Yes. By ensuring your Next of Kin knows and understands your wishes, you will be able to prevent any unnecessary pain and suffering when you pass. If you are in an aged care facility or hospital, it is also a good idea to let someone know that you have a contract with Bare and pass on our contact details so they can contact us straight away.
What if I change my mind?
There is a 30-day cooling-off period during which time you may change your mind. If you cancel your contract within this 30-day period, you will receive a full refund.
Is the Bare process simple?
Absolutely. Arrangements can be made in as little as five minutes with no visits to a funeral home required. We collect the deceased from their place of passing and our support team is on deck 24/7 to help the family with any questions they might have. Afterwards, we return the ashes by registered mail or hand-delivery and register the death as well as obtain copies of the death certificate on their behalf.
What if I die away from home?
In this instance, your family will need to touch base with us to arrange for transport to ensure timely collection. We will make all the necessary arrangements, but there may be some additional costs to cover transportation.
What if you go out of business?
We hold all prepaid funds in a Trust with the Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society (a part of Australian Unity). It is held on your behalf and we do not have access to these funds. They are invested to cover the cost of the service you purchased. In the very unlikely event that we are not in business when you pass away, your money is protected by the Trust and will be transferred to another funeral director at no additional cost.
We hope this guide to prepaid funerals in Sydney has provided you a better understanding of the process.
You can also find out more information about crematoriums and scattering ashes in New South Wales here. For some inspiration on what can be done with cremated remains, see our article 10 memorial ideas with Ashes in NSW you may not have thought of.
Want to see what our direct cremation service will cost in your area? To get a free quote for a prepaid cremation visit Bare Prepaid Services here or call 1800 202 901.
*This is the prepaid price correct as of February 2024, for metropolitan Sydney. Please note that prices vary depending on location and are subject to increase over time, however once a prepaid plan is locked in, it will remain that price for the duration of the instalment plan. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, please head here.
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