Prepaid funerals Sydney

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 Sydney and surrounding suburbs of New South Wales.

Learn more about Bare Prepaid Cremation

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 Sydney and greater New South Wales.

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 Sydney.

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.

Prepaid funeral plans generally do not require extensive health checks or come with an age limit – it’s available to most people.

Unlike funeral insurance, where you pay ongoing premiums for the duration of the policy, a prepaid funeral involves a one-time or fixed-term payment that locks in costs. With funeral insurance, your family typically receives a payout when you pass away, but that payout may not cover the full cost of a funeral, especially if prices rise.

Benefits for pensioners

A prepaid funeral plan can also offer financial benefits for pensioners. In Australia, fully paid prepaid funeral plans are often exempt from the Centrelink income and assets tests. This means the money you’ve set aside for your funeral isn’t counted as an asset, which may help you maintain your pension payments.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has similar arrangements, and prepaid plans may also be excluded from income and assets assessments.

For more information, contact Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) directly to confirm how a prepaid funeral plan may affect your specific circumstances.

Other benefits of planning ahead

Prepaying your funeral ahead allows you the opportunity to clearly express your wishes ahead of time. You can let your family know whether you prefer cremation or burial, taking into account your personal values, family traditions, and budget.

A cremation is typically less expensive and offers greater flexibility for memorialisation.

A prepaid funeral also gives you the freedom to plan the type of memorial or celebration of life that best reflects your wishes. You can choose the location of the service, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches.

Taking the time to record these details helps your family make arrangements that feel right when the time comes.

The cost of a prepaid funeral in Sydney.

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. Prepaid funeral funds are usually held in regulated accounts and may accrue minimal interest over time. Alternatively, some people choose funeral bonds, which allow the funds to grow until they’re needed and offer another way to cover some future funeral costs.

The national average funeral cost is around $9,076 according to the Australian Seniors The Cost of Death Report 2.0. Figures from Gathered Here, a funeral price comparison website, estimate the average cost of a burial in Sydney is $5,482, while the average cost of cremation in Sydney for a single-service is $6,419.

The price of a funeral in Sydney can quickly climb upwards 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 and that's why considering a Bare Prepaid Cremation could be a good option. This proactive step can make a difficult time just a little bit easier, ensuring that your wishes are honoured while also providing peace of mind for you and your family.

How to buy a Bare Prepaid Cremation.

Some funeral directors offer prepaid funeral plans for people looking to make arrangements and pay in advance. To purchase a prepaid funeral in Sydney, you’ll need to start by contacting your preferred funeral provider and finding out if they offer this service option.

Before committing to a prepaid funeral plan, take time to research and choose a reputable funeral director. Check that they are licensed and compliant with NSW funeral regulations, and review their experience and customer feedback. You should also ask for a clear contract that outlines the inclusions, costs, payment options, and any terms related to cancellations or transfers. For instance, if you move outside the provider’s service area or the business is sold, your contract should clearly state whether your plan remains valid and under what conditions it can be transferred.

In NSW, some prepaid plans allow instalments over several years. The good news with Bare is you have the flexibility to make affordable monthly payments for up to two years or pay the full amount upfront or in a lump sum. This makes it easier to plan ahead without a long-term financial commitment.

Bare offers affordable prepaid cremations in Sydney, 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 Bare Prepaid Cremation in Sydney, follow these simple steps:

Go to: https://bare.com.au/prepaid-funerals.
Select the button that says 'Prepay now'.
Select 'Myself - I want to prepay for my own funeral' if you are signing up for yourself or ‘For a loved one - I am prepaying for someone else’ if you are signing up for someone else
Fill in the required details and press ‘Continue’.
Select payment type: Monthly or Upfront. Here, you also have the option of having the quote emailed to you if you wish.
Enter your personal details and add your Next of Kin contact information.
Review your prepaid arrangement.
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 Cremation?

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

Regulation of prepaid funerals in NSW

New South Wales state laws require funeral directors to adhere to strict regulations with their management of prepaid funerals, to ensure a consumer’s funds are safely and securely managed.

In New South Wales, the management of prepaid funeral funds is governed by Part 4 of the Funeral Funds Act 1979 (NSW). Prepaid funeral providers must adhere to the strict investment rules outlined in this legislation to ensure a consumer’s prepaid funeral funds are safely and securely managed.

Prepaid funeral funds are released to the funeral director after the contracted funeral service has been provided. The disbursement ensures that funds are used exactly as intended, for your funeral arrangements, and are paid directly to the provider performing the service.

While prepaid funeral funds are regulated, transparency around how each provider allocates funds to funeral directors can vary. According to consumer group CHOICE, it is worth confirming how your prepaid funds are managed and which party ultimately controls them. This ensures you know exactly where your money is held and how it will be applied.

Requirements of prepaid funeral providers in NSW

Under the Funeral Funds Regulation 2006 (NSW), The funeral provider must invest this payment into a registered funeral fund within 10 days of receiving the money.

In New South Wales, funeral providers must provide the customer with a prepaid contract that outlines details of the investment including full details of each component of the funeral service; the existence of a 30-day cooling-off period. The arrangements that will apply if the customer dies outside the area serviced by the funeral service supplier and any associated additional transaction costs must also be disclosed in the contract.

The funeral provider must also disclose the arrangements that will apply if the business of the funeral service supplier is sold to another person before the service is supplied.

FAQs about Bare Prepaid Cremation.

Am I eligible to purchase a prepaid cremation?

Yes. Unlike other funeral planning products, anyone can purchase a Bare prepaid 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.

With Bare, the investment value of your prepaid contract is invested in a regulated Fund with the Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society. The funds are held in your name and we can only access the funds on your passing as part of the pre-paid contract.

What is a direct cremation?

Simply put, a direct cremation is a simple cremation without a formal ceremony and no family or friends are present during the cremation process. It is an affordable option that allows families to personalise the memorial service at a later date whenever they are ready.

How much is a Bare Prepaid Cremation?

The price of a prepaid cremation in Sydney paid upfront with Bare is $3,469* but personalised quotes are recommended due to differences in your choice of payment frequency and specific location.

*This is the prepaid upfront price correct as of October 2025, for metropolitan Sydney. Please note that prices vary depending on location and payment frequency, and are subject to increase over time. However, once a pre-paid 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.

Are there instalment options available?

Yes, we offer monthly instalments to allow everyone access to affordable cremation services.

Prepaying your funeral will ensure you are guaranteed the service you want with nothing further to pay when the time comes.

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 cremation. 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.

Is the Bare process simple?

Absolutely. Arrangements can be made in as little as five minutes with no visits to a funeral home required. We collect the deceased from their place of passing and our support team is on deck 24/7 to help the family with any questions they might have. Afterwards, we work with the family to receive the ashes and register the death as well as obtain copies of the death certificate on their behalf.

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.

What if you go out of business?

We hold all prepaid funds in a Trust with the Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society (a part of Australian Unity). It is held on your behalf and we do not have access to these funds. They are invested to cover the cost of the service you purchased. In the very unlikely event that we are not in business when you pass away, your money is protected by the Trust and will be transferred to another funeral director at no additional cost.

Final thoughts on Prepaid Funerals in Sydney.

Before signing any prepaid funeral contract, it’s advisable to seek independent legal or financial advice. A professional can help you fully understand your obligations, rights, and the fine print of your agreement.

Keep a copy of your prepaid funeral contract in a safe but accessible location and let your Next of Kin or executor know where to find it. This will make it easier for them to contact your funeral provider and access the necessary paperwork when the time comes. It’s also important for executors or family members managing an estate to know how to access prepaid funeral fund details. In most cases, they can request confirmation statements or contact the registered fund manager to verify where the funds are held and the balance remaining at the time of need.

We hope this guide to prepaid funerals in Sydney has provided you a better understanding of the process.

You can also find out more information about crematoriums and scattering ashes in New South Wales here. For some inspiration on what can be done with cremated remains, see our article 10 memorial ideas with Ashes in NSW you may not have thought of.

Prepaid funerals allow people to plan ahead and ease the worry of future costs for their families. Having this in place offers reassurance, while also recognising that sometimes a farewell may need to be arranged sooner than expected. If you are arranging an immediate farewell for a loved one, we support families across Australia with options such as direct cremation for the people of Sydney and Blue Mountains, providing thoughtful guidance every step of the way.

To get a free quote for a prepaid cremation visit Bare Prepaid Services here or call 1800 202 901.