Goodbyes are hard enough

Be confident that you've made the right decision in providing your family with the funeral they deserve.

The global pandemic has highlighted how fragile and unpredictable life can be. While we cannot predict the future, we can prepare for it and protect our loved ones from unnecessary stress and trauma if the worst should happen.

"Nobody ever wants to talk about funeral policies," says Sanlam Branch Manager David Kaukungwa. "Yet the pain and time involved in ensuring you have the right cover is nothing compared to the pain and stress that grieving loved ones are left with when a family member passes away and no funeral cover is in place."

Indeed, while we will all experience the loss of a loved one at some point in our lives, far fewer people understand how simple and effective the right type of funeral policy can be. Funeral insurance is one of the most accessible and affordable policies available, allowing those left behind to focus on grieving and planning a fitting funeral and send-off rather than worrying about the unexpected and steep financial costs.

With more than a decade of experience in this industry, here are three of David’s top tips for ensuring your loved ones receive the proper farewell.

1.????First, consider what, who, and when

WHAT: Before purchasing a cover, ensure that it meets your specific needs and budget. Furthermore, different funeral policies may include additional benefits that will make things easier for you, such as body transportation, lodging for a family member traveling with the body, a grocery benefit, and so on. Make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.

WHO: "Many people buy insurance and assume it covers everyone they care about," says David. "This is not always the case; read the fine print to ensure you understand exactly who is covered." When purchasing a new funeral policy, it is critical to select and write down the name of a beneficiary if you do not want any payouts to be delayed.

WHEN: Find out when you and the lives you protect will be fully covered. "It's also important to understand the length of the waiting period," says David. "This is how long a person has to be on a policy before all of the benefits kick in."

?2.????Make sure your cover is always up to date

?If you fail to make a payment and your policy lapses, you will lose everything you've already paid into it. If you or a loved one dies unexpectedly, the unexpected financial costs for those left behind may be overwhelming. However, as Kaukungwa explains, "make sure all the necessary paperwork is done, the details are correct, and all the right documents have all been submitted so that future payouts can be made without delay." Something as simple as an incorrect birth date or a misspelled name could lead to a payout issue later on.

3.????Learn how to file a claim before you need to

"Sanlam pays funeral claims within seven hours," says David. "Most providers of cover have an agreed turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours once all documentation is received."

To ensure that a claim is paid as soon as possible, he recommends that only the policyholder or the nominated beneficiary complete the claims form, including all of the necessary information such as the policy number, full name, cellphone number, address, and bank account.

Include all other certified supporting documentation, such as:

• ?Certificate of Death
• Identification documents for the deceased and the beneficiary
• Beneficiaries or policyholders must provide a bank statement from which the funds will be paid
• If the death was the result of an accident, police will file a report.

By making wise decisions today, you can be confident in your family's future, no matter what the future holds.

Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.

For more information and advice on this topic, speak to an accredited Financial Adviser or Broker, email [email protected], with any queries.