Some of the main reasons people choose a funeral plan is to ensure their final wishes are known and followed, and to avoid their loved ones burdening the rising costs of funerals. Through us, your pre-paid funeral plans freezes the current funeral costs, protecting you and your loved ones from any rises in prices.
Each plan varies – from a simple cremation service to a comprehensive burial. You can find more details about the funeral plans available here:
Cremation Only Plan
Cremation with Service Funeral Plan
Standard Funeral Plan
Plus Funeral Plan
Premium Funeral Plan
Anyone who is over 18 years old can apply for a funeral plan. You can also buy a plan for someone else, such as a relative or close friend. We are on hand to help guide you through the process.
No medical is required to take out a funeral plan with Soteria.
Yes, on selected plans you can pay an additional supplement to go towards your wishes. The ‘Funeral Wishes’ form also allows you to leave special requests, such as songs, hymns, readings, attire, etc, that you’d like your loved ones to follow.
Of course. You can choose a variety of optional extra when you take out your plan or add them at any time later. Simply speak to one of the team to discuss the options available to you. You can also specify any personal requests, such as the flowers you’d le on your wreath, or a hymn or song that is special to you for the service. You can also use the ‘Funeral Wishes’ form to note any special requests you may have.
Whether you have paid for your funeral plan in one lump sum, or monthly instalments, the monies are paid into a secure Trust Fund that is completely independent from Soteria and Avalon.
The money in the plan will go to the Funeral Director in order to cover their costs. The allowance will be used for any third part fees (disbursements).
Third party fees, also referred to as disbursements, are costs associated with the funeral arising from third parties. Such third party fees include, fees payable to a doctor or coroner for the issues of a death or cremation medical certificates, or coroner’s certificates, cremation or burial fees, the service at a crematorium or cemetery and the fees for the minister or celebrant to perform the service at the crematorium, cemetery or graveside.
In general, a burial is more expensive, and it varies according to where you wish to be buried. Plots and memorial stone costs can also vary widely in price.
Yes, you can contribute towards a Church service, or a particular venue to have a celebration after the funeral, including any refreshments, entertainment and any other special requests you may have.
Avalon works with the National Funeral Service (as well as other Funeral Directors) to ensure there is a nationwide coverage of local reputable Funeral Directors, to whom your plan will be allocated. This ensures a high quality service and that your wishes will be followed according to your plan. If you wish to nominate a chosen Funeral Director, there may be additional costs for your next of kin.
When you have purchased your funeral plan you’ll receive a welcome pack in the post. In it you’ll find your plan certificate and a clear guide for your next of kin to follow. When you have passed away, they will need to contact the 24-hour helpline to notify the team of the death, along with the plan reference number which can be found on your plan certificate. The Funeral Director will be notified and they will take care of everything according to the requests in the chosen plan and help guide your next of kin throughout the arrangements.
Should you change your mind after purchasing your plan, you will have 21 days to cancel from the date you took out the plan. If you cancel your plan after 21 days, there will be a cancellation charge.
If you do pass away before all your instalment payments have been made, your next of kin will need to pay the balance of the plan price before the Funeral Director is instructed.
Yes, you can choose either the Traditional, Royal or Imperial Plan. As long as the deceased is still at the hospice, hospital or home. Please note, full payment will be required for an immediate funeral.
The cost of bringing the deceased home varies according to where in the world they have passed away, but help will be provided for the necessary repatriation arrangements to provide comfort at this difficult time.