Life is full of uncertainties, and one of them is when and how we will say goodbye to our loved ones. While it can be an uncomfortable thought, it is important to think about how we want to arrange and finance our funeral.
Funeral insurance can play a crucial role in this regard. In this article, we discuss the usefulness of funeral insurance, the different types of funeral insurance and we highlight the three major funeral insurers in the Netherlands To: Monuta, DELA and a.s.r.
Why take out funeral insurance?
Funeral insurance is designed to cover the cost of a funeral or cremation. In the Netherlands, these costs can range from €6,500 to €10,000, depending on personal wishes and choices. Here are some key reasons why it can be useful to take out funeral insurance:
Easing financial burdens: Having funeral insurance ensures that relatives do not face unexpectedly high costs during an emotionally difficult time.
Certainty and peace of mind: By arranging the funeral in advance, policyholders can save their loved ones the burden of making difficult choices. This can offer peace of mind, knowing that everything has been properly arranged.
Flexibility and choice: Many funeral insurance policies offer the option of recording personal wishes. This means the funeral can be tailored to the preferences of the insured, whether it is the choice of music, location or other specific details.
Capturing cost increases: Funeral costs can rise over the years. Funeral insurance can provide protection against inflation, as some policies adjust the benefit in line with rising funeral costs.
Types of funeral insurance
There are different types of funeral insurance policies available, each with their own features and benefits:
Capital insurance: With this insurance, a predetermined amount of money is paid to the next of kin or the funeral director. This amount can be used to cover the cost of the funeral. It gives the most flexibility as the money can be spent as you see fit.
Natura insurance: This insurance does not reimburse a sum of money, but covers the cost of specific services and products, such as the coffin, funeral cards and ceremony. The funeral is usually performed by the funeral director selected by the insurer.
Combination insurance: As the name suggests, this insurance combines elements of both capital and in-kind insurance. Part of the cost is covered by specific services, while another part is paid in the form of a cash sum.
Major funeral insurers in the Netherlands
Monuta
Monuta is one of the largest funeral insurers in the Netherlands and is known for its personal approach and flexibility. Monuta offers both in-kind and endowment policies. One of the unique aspects of Monuta is the option to record your funeral wishes in a personal funeral plan. This plan can be adjusted during your lifetime so that it always matches your wishes.
DELA
DELA, which stands for "Draagt Elkanders Lasten", is a cooperative with a long history and strong presence in the Dutch market. DELA has the advantage of being a collective; profits are reinvested or returned to members in the form of lower premiums or improved services. Moreover, DELA offers support and advice in organising the funeral, which can be a great advantage for next of kin.
a.s.r.
a.s.r. is one of the largest insurance companies in the Netherlands and offers a wide range of financial products, including funeral insurance. a.s.r. is known for its reliability and customer focus. The funeral insurances from a.s.r. are flexible and can be adapted to the specific needs of the insured. They offer both endowment and in-kind policies, and their policies can easily be taken out online.
Conclusion
Funeral insurance can be a valuable investment for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones from unexpected costs and difficulties. Whether you choose endowment insurance, in-kind insurance, or combination insurance, it is important to consider what best suits your needs and wishes.
Monuta, DELA and a.s.r. all offer reliable and flexible options, each with their own unique benefits. It pays to compare these providers and choose the one that suits you best.
By thinking about your funeral now and taking out insurance, you can save yourself and your loved ones a lot of worry in the future.