What a funeral plan covers
A funeral plan lets you arrange your funeral in advance and pay for the essentials at today's prices. This guide explains what our plans include, how the four plans differ, what sits outside a plan, and how your money is protected.
- 5 minute read
- 2 September 2026
What a funeral plan is
A funeral plan is a way of arranging your funeral in advance and paying for the essentials now, at today’s prices. It records what you want, and it means your family are not left guessing or paying unexpected costs.
When the time comes, they make one phone call. Your local or nearest Dignity funeral director takes it from there.
What every attended plan includes
Every attended funeral plan covers:
- collection and care of the person who has died
- your funeral director’s support throughout
- a service for the family and friends at either the crematorium or graveside
- third-party fees, such as the cremation fee or if you choose burial this includes the opening and closing of the grave and the interment of the deceased, as set out in your plan
- your choice of date, time and location for the ceremony
- dressing in personal clothes
- viewing in a private chapel, by appointment
- a coffin and hearse
See our funeral plans
Compare the four plans and what each one costs, or speak to a funeral plan specialist by phone, online or at your local Dignity branch.
How the four plans differ
Each plan covers the essentials. What changes is the detail on the day.
If none of the four is quite right, we can build a bespoke plan around what you want – from a horse-drawn carriage to a personalised coffin.
Room to make it personal
You can add a financial contribution towards the touches that matter to you, such as flowers, stationery, live music or an alternative hearse. Those choices are recorded with your plan, so your family know what you wanted. Please note that we guarantee the value of your contribution, not the specific services it may be used towards, as these may change over time.
What sits outside a plan
Some costs are not part of the plan itself. Depending on the funeral you choose, these can include buying a burial plot, a memorial or headstone, a wake, and any personal touches beyond the contribution you have set aside.
Your plan documents set out exactly what is and is not covered. Read them before you buy, and ask us about anything that is not clear.
How your payments are protected
The funds supporting your funeral plan are held in an independent trust established under UK law and separate from the provider's own assets, providing important protection for customers.
The selling and administering of funeral plans is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Services Compensation scheme (FSCS) can also offer additional protection to eligible customers whose providers have failed to meet their obligations. Arranging a funeral without a plan is not covered by FCA regulation.
See our funeral plans
Compare the four plans and what each one costs, or speak to a funeral plan specialist by phone, online or at your local Dignity branch.
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- Included:Over 200 years of caring for families
- Included:Local service from over 500 branches
- Included:Funerals, plans, probate and more
Frequently asked questions
We’re here to answer all your questions. If anything isn’t clear, please ask us.
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Related guides
Personalising your funeral plan
Adding your own wishes to a funeral plan – hymns, readings, a coffin, transport – how much you can specify, and changing it later at no charge.
Buying a funeral plan for someone else
Taking out a funeral plan for a parent or partner – how old they must be, who pays, how the plan is activated, and what happens if they die away from home.
Funeral plan costs
What a Dignity funeral plan costs and what shapes the price, whether you can spread the payments, and what happens if you change your mind.