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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 Melbourne and surrounding suburbs of Victoria.
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 Melbourne and greater Victoria.
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 Melbourne.
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 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 Melbourne.
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.com.au. The price comparison website estimates the average cost of a burial in Melbourne is $7,961 and the average price of a cremation in Melbourne is $7,324.
The price of a funeral in Melbourne 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.
How to buy a prepaid funeral in Melbourne.
Some funeral directors offer prepaid funeral plans for people looking to make arrangements and pay in advance. To purchase a prepaid funeral in Melbourne, you’ll need to start by contacting your preferred funeral provider and finding out if they offer this service option.
Bare offers affordable prepaid funerals in Melbourne, 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 prepaid funeral in Melbourne with Bare, follow these simple steps:
- Go to: bare.com.au/plan-ahead.
- Select the button that says 'Prepay your funeral now'.
- Select 'Myself - I want to prepay for my own funeral' if you are signing up for yourself
- Fill in your details
- Select payment type: Monthly or Upfront. Here you also have the option of having the quote emailed to you if you wish.
- Add your Next of Kin contact information.
- 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 funeral?
- 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 Victoria.
Victorian state laws require funeral directors to adhere to strict regulations with their management of prepaid funeral funds to ensure a consumer’s funds are safely and securely managed. Prepaid funerals in Victoria are governed by the Commonwealth Life Insurance Act 1945 (Cth).
Under the Funerals Act 2006 (Vic), funeral pre-payments must be invested with a company registered under the Life Insurance Act 1945 under which there is a guaranteed payment on the death of a person. This is commonly a friendly society. The funeral provider must invest this payment within 7 days of receiving the money.
In Victoria, funeral providers must provide the customer with receipts for any money paid under the prepaid funeral contract, and a copy of any documents relating to the investment.
Funeral directors cannot ask the customer for further pre-payments, or other amounts that are not set out in the contract.
FAQs about Melbourne prepaid funerals with Bare.
Am I eligible to purchase a prepaid funeral plan?
Yes. Unlike other funeral planning products, anyone can purchase a prepaid funeral 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.
What is a direct cremation?
Simply put, a direct cremation is a simple cremation without a formal ceremony, funeral director or viewing. It is an affordable option that allows families to personalise the memorial service. You can collaborate with those closest to you to create your own narrative and celebrate a life in a unique way according to your preferences.
How much is a Bare prepaid funeral?
The price of a prepaid funeral in Melbourne with Bare starts from *$2,699, 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 July 2023, for metropolitan Melbourne. 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.
How can I personalise my service?
There are no limits. You can choose to hold a service wherever you like and with how many people you like. Why not take advantage of Australia’s natural beauty, your own backyard or somewhere your loved one adored? There is no government or private fee to scatter ashes or you can choose to keep your loved one close by in an urn. For tips on arranging a funeral without a funeral director, read our 10-step DIY guide to planning a funeral.
Is the Bare process simple?
Absolutely. Get a quote in seconds and arrangements can be made in as little as five minutes with no visits to a funeral home or phone calls required. We collect the deceased from their place of passing and our support team is on deck 24/7 to help you with any questions you 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 your behalf.
Are there instalment options available?
Yes, we offer monthly instalments to allow everyone access to affordable funeral services.
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 funeral. 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.
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.
We hope this guide to prepaid funerals in Melbourne has provided you a better understanding of the process.
You can also find out more information about crematoriums and scattering ashes in Victoria here. For some inspiration on what can be done with cremated remains, see our article 9 memorial ideas with Ashes in Victoria 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 cremation visit Bare Prepaid Services here or call 1800 202 901.
*This is the prepaid price correct as of July 2023, for metropolitan Melbourne. 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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