The answer might surprise your family.
The average UK funeral plan covers £4,285. The average cost of dying is £9,797. That's a £5,512 gap your family will need to find — often within days of losing you.
And here's what most people don't realise: that gap doesn't stay at £5,512. It compounds. Every year. At current inflation rates, a 50-year-old's family could face a shortfall of over £30,000 by the time they need it.
We built this calculator because we believe families deserve to know the complete picture — not just the funeral director's bill.
Funeral plans are marketed as "peace of mind." And they do provide certainty for one part of the cost — the funeral director's fees. But dying costs more than a funeral.
When SunLife publishes their annual "Cost of Dying" report, they're not being dramatic. They're being accurate. The total cost — funeral plus everything else — reached £9,797 in 2024. That's the number your family actually needs.
Consider two scenarios:
You're 55. You buy a £4,285 funeral plan. It grows with inflation. By 83, it's worth around £17,000.
But the total cost of dying has also grown with inflation — to around £39,000.
Your family receives £17,000 towards a £39,000 bill. They find the £22,000 shortfall while grieving.
Same age, same timeline. But you fund the complete £9,797 from day one.
By 83, your provision has grown to match the full cost.
Your family focuses entirely on saying goodbye.
The difference isn't just financial. It's the difference between your family dealing with money stress during their worst week — or not.
Our calculator lets you build your actual wishes, project forward with real inflation data, and compare every funding option side by side.
Launch the Calculator ↓We've built the most comprehensive funeral cost planning tool available. It lets you:
Not a generic package. Your coffin choice, your flowers, your wake, your memorial. See exactly what your send-off costs today.
Using real inflation data (ONS RPI feed) and adjustable growth assumptions, see what your family will actually face at different ages.
Side by side. Same assumptions. Clear shortfalls or surpluses. No hidden gaps.
Our "Top-Up" mode shows exactly what's missing and how to cover it. You don't need to start again.
Our calculator compares these options using your numbers:
The industry standard — but only part of the picture
Covers: Funeral director fees (~£4,285)
Doesn't cover: Probate, wake, memorials, cemetery fees
Day 1 payout: Yes — funeral happens smoothly
The gap: Family covers the rest (£5,512+ today, compounding annually)
Protection: FCA regulated, FSCS protected to £85,000 (since July 2022)
Best for: Those on limited budgets who accept family will cover remaining costs
Complete coverage with FCA protection
Covers: Full cost of dying (£9,797)
Growth: Investment-linked, adjustable risk profile (RPI + 2% to RPI + 5%)
Access: Typically 2 weeks
Protection: FCA regulated, FSCS protected to £85,000
Flexibility: Can adjust, withdraw, or transfer
Best for: Those wanting complete, protected coverage with growth potential
Guaranteed payout plus inheritance efficiency
Covers: Full cost of dying
Structure: You loan money to a trust, which buys a WOL policy
On death: Policy pays out, loan is repaid, only the loan appears in your estate
Protection: FSCS protected at 100% (life insurance, no limit)
Access: You can access via loan repayments if needed
Best for: Those with IHT concerns wanting guaranteed coverage plus estate efficiency
The simple solution for couples
Structure: Each spouse opens an ISA in the other's name
On first death: Surviving spouse has immediate access — no probate, no wait
Growth: Same investment options as Multi-Fund
Protection: FSCS protected to £85,000
Important: Prior to second death, funds need to be withdrawn and utilised in paying funeral costs
Best for: Married couples wanting immediate access without probate delays
For those who already have a funeral plan
Purpose: Bridge the gap between your existing plan and the full cost
Investment: Only the shortfall amount (typically £5,512)
Same options: Multi-Fund, Loan Trust, or Spouse ISA structures available
Outcome: Your existing plan + Top-Up = Complete coverage
Best for: Anyone with an existing funeral plan who's just discovered the gap
Based on SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2025:
That 44% coverage means families find 56% of the cost themselves. Often at short notice. Often while grieving. Often going into debt.
This calculator exists because we believe in informed decisions.
We won't pretend a funeral plan is "peace of mind" when it covers 44% of the cost. We won't hide the gap and hope families don't notice. We won't push you toward the most expensive option.
We will show you the complete picture. We will let you adjust every assumption. We will present options that genuinely fit different situations and budgets.
What you do with that information is entirely your choice.
Takes about 3 minutes. Shows you everything. No obligation.
Now that you've seen the complete picture, take the next step. Build your personalised plan with our menu builder.