Est. 1907 · LangenDepending on the provider, sums insured of up to €20,000 are available.
Roth Finanz › Funeral expenses insurance
Funeral expenses insurance: plan ahead on your terms.
Introduction
Why make provision?
The death of a loved one is difficult enough for those left behind. Funeral costs can add a financial burden. To protect your family, you should make provision in good time, as a death often occurs unexpectedly before sufficient reserves have been built up.
It used to be simpler: funeral benefits were included in German statutory health insurance for more than ten years. From 1998 onward, however, they were gradually reduced and were abolished entirely in 2004.
Preserving Heritage Across Generations
Preserving values across generations: Self-determined planning protects family heritage and relieves relatives.
Tax advantage
Pass on money free of inheritance tax with funeral expenses insurance.
The benefit from funeral expenses insurance is paid to the surviving family free of inheritance and income tax. Even if your savings are sufficient for the funeral you want, the tax advantage makes this insurance an interesting way to pass on money. You can, for example, leave your children an amount with which to pay any inheritance tax due on property. Children sometimes have to sell the family home because they do not have sufficient funds for the tax.
Cost examples
What costs should you expect?
The principal purpose of funeral expenses insurance is to pay for a dignified funeral. Ongoing grave maintenance should also be considered. A conventional funeral generally costs between €5,000 and €10,000, made up of several services.
A burial at sea costs at least €2,000. For a tree burial, allow around €3,350 for a family-use tree. In both cases, the undertaker, cremation, urn and memorial service are additional.
Depending on your wishes, there is virtually no upper limit. Choose an adequate sum insured and account for inflation.
| Item | Simple funeral | Elaborate funeral |
|---|---|---|
| Headstone | €600 | €3,000 |
| Coffin | €300 | €3,000 |
| Wreaths / flowers | €150 | €800 |
| Funeral speaker | €300 | €300 |
| Memorial service | - | €500 |
| Cards | €100 | €300 |
| Grave planting | €110 | €260 |
What you should know
Important details at a glance.
The permitted entry age also depends on the provider. Policies can often be taken out between ages 45 and 75.
Single-premium insurance can often still be taken out at age 80.
The contribution period may vary, for example ten years or for life.
Single-premium policies are also available; proceeds from a matured life insurance policy can be invested in this way.
Non-guaranteed bonuses may increase the agreed benefit or be used to reduce the contribution payable.
Some insurers provide active bereavement support through external service providers. You specify the details of your funeral during your lifetime and the provider later handles the arrangements, further relieving your family.
Cover is generally offered without a medical examination, but waiting periods apply. If death occurs during the waiting period, a lower amount is paid. Accidental death is generally covered in full. Waiting periods do not apply to single-premium policies.