Nearly three-quarters of Irish people feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements – An Post Insurance ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals’
Nearly three-quarters of Irish people feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements – An Post Insurance ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals’
A New ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals’ report conducted by An Post Insurance reveals key insights into people’s attitudes towards funeral arrangements and costs in Ireland
- 46% of us want to be cremated instead of buried – with 18 to 24-year-olds least likely to choose cremation while those aged 65+ were most likely
- 6 in 10 say they weren’t aware that Funeral Insurance existed
- An Post Insurance also unveils a new ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals Guide’ to offer advice to those preparing for their funeral
Nearly three-quarters of people (73%) feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements, according to a new RED C survey unveiled by An Post Insurance. Entitled ‘Let’s talk about Funerals’, the report also shows that nearly the same proportion of people think it is important to be financially prepared for funeral costs.
The results, which reveal key insights into people’s attitudes towards funeral arrangements and costs in Ireland, also show that despite 73% saying it’s important to be financially prepared for a funeral, only one third (31%) feel that they are well prepared in terms of planning their own funeral and how the costs will be paid. In addition, 43% said they worry about the prospect of leaving unwanted funeral expenses behind for loved ones. Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing between cremation and burial, the report shows that those aged between 18 and 24 were least likely to choose cremation (33%) while those aged over 65 were most likely (53%).
Do you know how much an average funeral costs?
Interestingly, nearly 1 in 3 were unable to estimate average funeral costs in Ireland, most likely due to the fact that 84% have not organised or paid for a funeral in Ireland in the last five years. With the average cost of a funeral coming in at just under €6,000, the estimated costs were slightly over-evaluated by those who haven’t paid or organised a funeral in recent times.
Cremation Vs Burial
The figures also show that cremation is growing in popularity, with 46% of people stating that they would favour cremation over burial at their time of death. Those aged between 18 and 24 were least likely to choose cremation (33%) while those aged over 65 were most likely (53%).
When it comes to essential needs and individual preferences for a funeral, money does not seem to be a concern, with music and funeral cars named as the items that would most likely be dropped if cost became a problem. Professional flowers and a gathering for family and friends in a venue were also mentioned but to a lesser extent.
Funeral Insurance
Awareness of funeral insurance is quite low, with 60% saying they were not aware it existed. While 36% said they were aware of funeral insurance products, only 4% stated that they have an insurance scheme in place. Awareness of funeral insurance increases with age, with people aged 65+ more likely to have a funeral insurance product (14%).
Although respondents’ future interest in funeral insurance is moderate, almost 30% of people said they were ‘likely’ to invest in a funeral insurance product at some point to help cover future funeral costs.
Commenting on the findings, Gary Finnerty, Head of Marketing with An Post Insurance, said: “It’s encouraging to hear that so many people feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements. While it may seem insensitive to some, pre-planning your own funeral can take some of the burdens off loved ones at a difficult time while ensuring you get exactly the funeral you want. We’re keen to help people understand that a funeral insurance product is a simple way to help prepare financially for the cost – or part of the cost – of your funeral. By taking out this policy, you can ensure that you leave your loved ones some money to take care of the cost of your funeral – or for other expenses.”
About An Post Insurance
With twenty-two years in business and almost 150,000 policyholders, An Post Insurance (www.anpostinsurance.ie) is an Insurance Intermediary and a wholly-owned subsidiary of An Post, one of Ireland’s most trusted organisations and brands. Based in Athlone, An Post Insurance employs 134 staff members and offers a range of Car, Home, Life, Travel, Pet, Farm, and Small Business insurance products. It does this through its Call Centre (0818 22 22 22), online (www.anpostinsurance.ie) and through direct referrals via An Post’s network of 940+ post offices.
To coincide with the report, An Post Insurance has also unveiled a new guide designed to help answer many queries people may have around preparing for their funeral. The guide can be found in Post offices nationwide and covers:
- The cost of funerals in Ireland
- How you can make practical plans for your passing
- Funeral Insurance from An Post Insurance
- How to make a Will – free of charge
*Methodology – This research was conducted by RED C, surveying 1,002 adults across the nation, representative of the Irish population in March 2022.
Get the peace of mind you need with An Post Insurance Funeral Insurance
For more information visit www.anpostinsurance.ie
Acceptance criteria, terms and conditions apply. One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post. An Post Insurance is a tied agent of New Ireland Assurance Company plc for life assurance business. Life assurance policies are underwritten and provided by New Ireland Assurance Company plc. A 1% Government levy applies to all premiums paid.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
An Post Insurance Funeral Insurance could give your loved ones a promised lump sum payment that can be used to help to pay for funeral expenses or perhaps repay any loans or bills you might still have at the time of your passing. It’s a single life plan that offers peace of mind for people aged between 50 and 75 years of age at the date of commencement of the policy. With premiums to suit applicants, features include:
- Eligible if aged 50-75 and resident in the Republic of Ireland
- No medical questions, check-ups, or reports needed
- Up to €30,000 cover
- Travel accident benefit
- Choice of flexible payment methods
- Full life cover benefit payable after 2 years
- If your death takes place within the first 2 years, your beneficiaries will receive a sum equal to the amount you have paid in at the time of your death
- Premiums cease at the age of 85, but life cover will continue until you die,
- Consistent level of life cover and unchanging premiums
