Does Martin Lewis recommend funeral plans in 2026?

Yes, Martin Lewis and MoneySavingExpert generally recommend funeral plans as a way to "lock in" today’s prices and protect against inflation. However, he advises only doing so if you can pay upfront or via a 12-month interest-free instalment plan. He cautions against plans that involve long-term high-interest debt or paying more in premiums than the funeral is worth.

Is a funeral plan better than over-50s life insurance?

Martin Lewis is famously "not a fan" of over-50s life insurance (like the SunLife plan) for funeral costs. These policies often require you to pay in for life, meaning you could pay far more than the eventual payout. A funeral plan is often better because it guarantees the service itself, whereas life insurance only provides a fixed cash sum that may be eroded by inflation.

What is the average cost of a funeral in the UK in 2026?

Current 2026 research shows the average cost of a traditional funeral is approximately £4,562. However, regional variations mean prices in London and the South East can be significantly higher.

Are funeral plans safe and regulated?

Yes, since July 2022, all funeral plan providers in the UK must be authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures your money is held in a secure trust or insurance policy. You should never purchase a plan from a firm that is not on the FCA register.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my funeral plan?

Most FCA-regulated funeral plans offer a "cooling-off" period (typically 30 days) where you can cancel for a full refund. After this period, you can still usually cancel, but the provider may deduct a cancellation fee from the amount returned to you.

What happens to my funeral plan if I move house?

This depends on the provider. Some local plans are tied to a specific funeral director and may charge a transfer fee if you move. National providers, such as Pure Cremation, typically allow you to use your plan anywhere in mainland Great Britain without additional relocation penalties or fees.

Is the money in a funeral plan safe?

Yes, since the 2022 FCA regulation update, your money is protected. Regulated providers must hold your funds in a secure, independent trust or a whole-of-life insurance policy. Additionally, because these firms are FCA-authorised, you are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If a provider goes bust, the FSCS can help ensure your funeral is still carried out or your money is refunded.

Why is direct cremation cheaper than a traditional funeral?

Direct cremation is significantly more affordable (often saving over £2,000) because it separates the cremation itself from the ceremonial service. By removing the need for a hearse, pallbearers, and an expensive coffin, providers can focus on high-quality care and cremation, allowing families to hold their own memorial or "celebration of life" at a time and place that suits them.

Is a prepaid funeral plan worth it?

A prepaid funeral plan is generally worth it if you want to "freeze" the cost of a funeral at 2026 prices and protect your family from future inflation. It is particularly valuable if you live in an expensive area where local fees are high. However, it is only "worth it" if you can afford the payment upfront or via interest-free installments; otherwise, the interest on a long-term plan could outweigh the savings from inflation protection.

What are the pitfalls of funeral plans?

Common issues to watch out for include plans that only provide "allowances" for third-party costs (which can leave a shortfall) rather than full guarantees. Other pitfalls include being tied to a single local funeral director who may charge extra if you move, or high-interest payment terms on long-term installments. To avoid these, look for a plan with a "price promise" that guarantees all essential costs and offers national coverage for flexibility.

Does Martin Lewis recommend funeral plans? 2026 guide

When it comes to making important financial decisions, Martin Lewis is Britain's most trusted voice. As the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE), his advice has helped millions navigate everything from household bills to long-term planning.

Thinking about funeral plans can raise some questions. You may want to choose a plan that really will protect your family from costs, or you just may want to know more about what happens when the time comes. So, what does Martin Lewis have to say about funeral plans? And how can you tell whether one is right for you?

This article explains his advice, the cautions he raises, and what to look for if you’re considering a plan.

Does Martin Lewis recommend funeral plans?

Yes, Martin Lewis recommends funeral plans if you want to lock in today's prices and protect your family from future funeral inflation. He recommends them provided:

you can pay upfront or over 12 months interest-free
you understand exactly what's included and excluded
you're not going into debt to buy a plan.

His website, MoneySavingExpert also points out: “While things like a coffin and burial/cremation fees are usually covered, plans often DON'T cover all funeral costs, so check what's included.”

A Pure Cremation funeral plan, for instance, comes with the Pure Price Promise, which means everything you need is included, with no extra costs to pay.

Martin advises against long-term, high-interest payment plans and over-50s life insurance, noting that many people pay far more than they receive and that these products can be misleading about how much they will actually cover towards funeral costs. In fact, of over 50s plans, MoneySavingExpert says “We’re not a fan”.

When Martin Lewis says a funeral plan is "worth it"

Martin Lewis's key point is on "locking in" the price and protecting against inflation.

According to our latest research, the average cost of a funeral across England, Scotland and Wales is currently £4,562. Other research shows that since 2004, funeral costs have risen by over 134%, far outstripping general inflation at 75%.

Therefore, a funeral plan may be worth considering when:

You want to protect against inflation

If funeral prices rise by 5% a year but your savings only earn 3% interest, you are losing money in real terms. A plan "stops the clock" on those price hikes.

You want to ease the burden on your family

Lewis notes that the emotional burden of choosing a funeral director, comparing prices, and arranging logistics is often as heavy as the financial burden. A funeral plan removes these decisions from your family during their most difficult time.

You want the peace of mind of knowing who will conduct the funeral

In some parts of the UK — particularly London and the South East — local cremation fees can be much higher than the national average. A national plan with a guaranteed price can help avoid those regional differences, and means you know in advance which company will conduct the funeral. Pure Cremation, for instance, has award-winning service and its team work to the highest standards.

To find out more about local funeral prices, our free funeral costs calculator can show you the cost a funeral director would charge for a traditional funeral in your area.

The areas Martin Lewis urges caution on

Before arranging any funeral plan, Martin Lewis advises looking closely at three common problem areas.

Long-term instalments and debt

Paying monthly over several years can be a very affordable way to buy a plan, but may mean you pay more in total, due to interest charges. Martin Lewis advises checking the total amount payable, not just the monthly figure, and avoiding interest wherever possible

Life insurance presented as funeral cover

Martin Lewis is particularly critical of over-50s life insurance policies (also known as “over 50s plans” or “The Guaranteed Over 50 Plan” by SunLife) that are often marketed as for funeral costs. These require ongoing payments and can cost more than they ever pay out. And, if you stop paying, your cover ends and the company keeps all the money - no refunds.

A funeral plan works differently. Once paid for, the funeral is arranged and guaranteed.

Pure Cremation plans are regulated by the FCA and the money for your funeral is paid into a Trust which is reinsured for even greater security.

What happens if you move home?

Some funeral plans are tied to a local funeral director. If you move, you may need to transfer the plan or pay additional fees.

As a national provider with our own crematoria and private ambulances, Pure Cremation's funeral plan works across all of mainland Britain. There are no relocation penalties if you move. We will bring someone into our care from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. You don't need to find a new funeral director or transfer your plan, and there are no extra costs.

Pure Cremation vs. the Martin Lewis checklist

To help you decide, we have mapped our service against the strict criteria set out by MoneySavingExpert and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Requirement	Martin Lewis / MSE Advice	Pure Cremation standard
FCA authorised?	Essential. Never buy from an unauthorised firm.	✅ Fully authorised & regulated by the FCA.
Price lock-in?	Should protect against inflation.	✅ Prices are frozen at today’s rate.
Cremation fees?	Check if "allowances" or "guarantees" are used.	✅ Fully guaranteed (no "allowance" caps).
Cancellation?	Should have a fair cooling-off period.	✅ 30-day "cooling off" period applies for a full refund on single payments. After this period, a cancellation fee is deducted from the refund.
Third-party fees?	Should be guaranteed, not capped.	✅ Pure Price Promise - guarantees no hidden costs.

Who is the ‘best’ funeral plan provider?

Martin Lewis avoids naming a “best” provider. Instead, he suggests looking at independent reviews, trust arrangements, and transparency.

At Pure Cremation, we have more five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Reviews.io and Google than any other funeral plan. It’s why thousands of families trust us to provide a dignified, professional send-off.

Alternatives Martin Lewis discusses (and why they carry risk)

If you decide a funeral plan isn't for you right now, MSE suggests several alternatives. However, Martin Lewis highlights the risks associated with each.

Saving the money yourself

You may choose to set aside money in a savings account specifically for funeral costs and leave instructions for your family to use it when needed. While this offers flexibility, savings can be affected by inflation, inheritance tax, or delays caused by probate. You may also be tempted to dip into savings for other things, leaving you short of the money needed for the funeral.

What’s more, bank accounts are often frozen when someone dies, which means your family may still need to pay funeral costs upfront. Relying on savings tends to work best if you have substantial, easily accessible savings and are not concerned about inheritance tax.

Paying from the estate

Another option is for your executor to pay funeral costs from your estate after you die. Funeral expenses are usually paid first, but accessing funds can take time, particularly if money is tied up in property or investments.

This can lead to delays or require family members to cover costs temporarily. This approach is most suitable when an estate is well organised and has cash readily available.

Government support

Some people rely on the Funeral Expenses Payment, which is available to those on certain low-income benefits and currently contributes up to £1,000 towards burial or cremation costs. The payment is means-tested and rarely covers the full cost of a funeral.

The application process can also add pressure at an already difficult time. Even when support is available, additional costs often fall to the family.

Should you listen to the ‘Money Saving Expert’?

Yes - Martin Lewis gives his clear view without any commercial endorsements or bias. He explains that funeral plans have some key advantages but are not for everyone. A funeral plan can give you peace of mind, protect you and your family from rising costs (because you’re paying for a funeral at today’s prices) and, if you choose the right plan, means there’s nothing more for the family to arrange or pay for.

A Pure Cremation plan reflects that approach. Compared to a traditional funeral you save over £2,000, everything you need for a respectful cremation is included in the price, and when the time comes, our team will take care of everything. This protects the people you love from the financial burden and emotional stress of arranging a send-off during their most difficult moments.

If you’re thinking about your future, or about easing the load on the people you love, having reliable information is a good place to start. There’s lots more about a Pure Cremation funeral plan on our plan page. And if you have any questions, please call us free on 0800 470 23 93.