There are 3 ways Ex-Pats can deal with a funeral in a foreign Country

1. Leave it for others to worry about!

Most of us would not agree to just leaving it to others to worry about, but by not making any provisions, that is exactly what we are doing. Arranging a funeral in Spain is very different from arranging a funeral in the UK and challenging for loved ones trying to deal with the trauma. Funerals in Spain, normally take place within 24-48 hours of a death. You may or may not have family here in Spain, but you probably have family back home who would want to be here should the worst happen.

If you have no plans in place who will your loved ones turn to? They will be at the mercy of the Spanish authorities which can be brutal, cold and insensitive, and very expensive with nobody to guide them on procedures. You have no doubt read some of the awfully sad Spanish Funerals stories. You could say that you won't be here anyway, but do you really want to leave your loved ones to worry about the costs and processes of funerals in Spain when they are already trying to cope with their grieving?

All good funeral plans ensure that a dignified and sensitive Spanish funeral can be arranged by professionals allowing friends and relatives to grieve without the added pressures of organising the Spanish funeral arrangements and worrying about the financial aspects.

A funeral plan is something we can do now for the ones we love; for after we have gone.

2. Funeral insurance

A tried and tested method of funeral care in Spain for over 50 years. The Spanish have used funeral insurance for many years, often taken out from ages as low as 16 for just a couple of Euros a month. This is because it normally provides immediate cover, without any capital payment and very low monthly premiums. The cost of a policy is around 5 Euros per month for somebody aged 35, and around 16 Euros per month for somebody aged 60. Furthermore, some funeral insurance companies also offer discounted health and dental care.

It also ensures that all funeral arrangements are taken care of to a very high standard without limitations of a fixed sum as can be the case with pre paid funeral companies. This means that insurance policies are guaranteed against additional charges in a way that many pre-paid funerals are not.

These days language is no problem as companies offer English speaking departments with single point of contact. Spanish Funeral insurance companies have specialised in dealing with Spanish funeral procedures and finances, often for 50 years or more . This generally means they are best equipped to deal with any technicalities which may arise. They also offer repatriation to Spain from any country in the world.Many insurance companies do not insist on a medical before acceptance. However, if you are aware of any pre existing conditions which could affect your life expectancy, you are advised to disclose this.

Click here to read about Funeral Insurance.

3. Pre-Paid funerals

The benefits of Pre Paid Funerals are that they guarantee against inflationary increases of funeral costs, and they are not age dependent, so the price today, whether you are 35 or 85, is the same. Obviously the cost of a funeral 20 years from now is going to be significantly greater.

However, only those who pay the total sum in advance receive immediate cover for the costs of their funeral. Instalment plans are available but full cover does not commence until the full cost is paid.

The advance capital outlay for these plans is from around 2,900 Euros to around 8,000 Euros or more. Depending on who you choose, 5 year and 10 year Instalment plans are available.

Most Pre-Paid Funeral companies have limitations and exclusions which can mean additional charges may be applied. Obviously they are not in business to loose money, so there has to be some limitations. Examples of this can be the cost of a burial plot, generally not included although some offer a contribution, limits on mortuary days which are necessary to allow friends and relatives to get to Spain. Generally they do not include for repatriation to Spain, although they can allow for you to transfer the policy back to the UK should you move home.

Click here to read about Pre-Paid Funeral Plans.

What is the best funeral plan for you?

This really depends on your personal requirements. It may be that both partners within a marriage require a different plan, with different companies in order to achieve the best solution and the best value for money. Please use this website to find more details about the various plans available, although we strongly recommend that you contact us for an appointment if you would appreciate impartial advice on the most suitable plan for your particular situation.