Death is inevitable, and while it is a difficult subject to discuss, it’s essential to plan ahead for the inevitable. One of the best ways to prepare for this event is by securing funeral insurance. In Kenya, funeral expenses can be a heavy financial burden on families, and without proper planning, this can create additional stress during an already emotional time.
Funeral insurance helps alleviate these burdens by covering the costs associated with the death of a family member. This article provides a comprehensive list of the leading funeral insurance providers in Kenya, detailing their services, benefits, and contact information. We also discuss why funeral insurance is a necessity in the Kenyan context and how to choose the right provider.
Why Funeral Insurance Matters in Kenya
The Need for Funeral Insurance in Kenya
According to a study by Ipsos, only about 4% of Kenyans have some form of funeral insurance cover. This leaves the remaining 96% relying solely on burial committees, contributions from family members, and community support. The increasing cost of funeral services is one of the main reasons why families find it challenging to cope financially after the death of a loved one.
In recent years, funeral costs in Kenya have risen significantly, with funeral homes charging for services such as the morgue stay, casket, hearse, and embalming. To cushion families from these financial pressures, funeral insurance offers an affordable and structured way to provide for funeral expenses.
The Growing Importance of Funeral Insurance
As the need for funeral insurance grows, Kenyan insurance providers have stepped up to offer plans tailored to various family needs. These covers provide lump sum benefits in the event of death, allowing families to handle the immediate financial strain of funeral arrangements.
How Funeral Insurance Works
Funeral insurance is typically designed to provide financial support to the family of the policyholder upon their death. It covers various funeral-related expenses such as:
- Morgue charges
- Transport costs (hearse)
- Casket and other funeral necessities
- Death-related benefits (e.g., monthly allowances)
With premiums that are often affordable and flexible, funeral insurance allows policyholders to plan ahead, ensuring that their loved ones are not financially burdened when the time comes.
Top Funeral Insurance Providers in Kenya
Kenya boasts a wide range of funeral insurance providers, each offering different coverage options to meet the diverse needs of families. Below is a curated list of the top funeral insurance providers and their offerings:
1. APA Insurance – Pumzisha Cover
APA Insurance offers a comprehensive funeral cover called Pumzisha designed to minimize the financial impact of funeral expenses. The cover can be customized to include nuclear family members, providing a lump sum benefit ranging from Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 500,000 in the event of the policyholder’s death.
- Premium Range: Ksh. 250 – Ksh. 10,000 per month
- Benefits: Covers funeral expenses and provides financial support for the bereaved family
- Contact: 0709 912 777 | Email: info@apainsurance.org
2. Standard Chartered – Farewell Insurance
Standard Chartered’s Farewell Insurance is designed to cover funeral expenses for the policyholder and up to five family members. This cover offers a maximum benefit of Ksh. 2,000,000 in accidental death benefits and additional benefits such as a cashback payment after four years of active coverage.
- Maximum Benefit: Ksh. 2,000,000 for accidental death
- Other Benefits: Cashback for policyholders, coverage after age 65
- Contact: +254 20 329 3900 | Email: Ke.Service@sc.com
3. Britam – Fariji Funeral Cover
Britam’s Fariji Funeral Cover is designed to cater to funeral expenses and offers a cash benefit of up to 50% within 72 hours of notifying them with the necessary documentation. The remaining balance is paid after submitting the death certificate.
- Key Features: Lump sum payment, covers the funeral of any family member
- Age Limit: Covers policyholders up to 75 years old
- Contact: 0705 100 100 | Email: info@britam.com
4. Jubilee Insurance – Family Shield Cover
Jubilee’s Family Shield Cover is a robust policy that helps cover funeral expenses for the policyholder and their family. Additional benefits include accidental hospitalization coverage and monthly allowances for surviving family members.
- Key Features: Funeral expense coverage, accidental hospitalization benefits
- Contact: 0709901000 | Email: talk2us@jubileekenya.com
5. Prudential Life Assurance – PRUMemorial Cover
PRUMemorial Cover by Prudential Life Assurance provides a comprehensive funeral cover with a 100% lump sum benefit for the death of the policyholder or spouse. Death of children or other family members covered under the policy triggers a 50% lump sum payment.
- Key Features: Coverage for spouse, children, parents, and in-laws
- Contact: +254 719 075 000 | Email: customer.service@prudentiallife.co.ke
6. Liberty Life Assurance – Legacy Plan
Liberty Life Assurance offers the Legacy Plan, which provides a financial cushion to families in the event of the death of a covered family member. Notably, the plan pays out double the sum assured in accidental death.
- Key Features: Coverage for up to six children and four parents, accidental death benefits
- Contact: +254 711 028 000 | Email: cs@libertylife.co.ke
7. Kenindia Assurance – Last Expense Cover
Kenindia’s Last Expense Cover is an employee benefit plan that can be arranged by employers to offer funeral cover for their staff and their family members. This cover offers a specified amount within 48 hours of death notification.
- Key Features: Annual renewal, prompt payout within 48 hours
- Contact: +254 20 3316099 | Email: Phonekenindia@kenindia.com
8. Capex Life Assurance – Maisha Cover
Capex Life Assurance’s Maisha Cover offers funeral protection for families, covering up to five members including the policyholder, spouse, and children. The plan is renewable annually.
- Key Features: Coverage for up to five family members, renewable annually
- Contact: +254 20 2712384 | Email: info@capexlifeassurance.co.ke
9. Umash Care
Umash Care provides three types of funeral cover: Comprehensive, Executive, and Superior. The Comprehensive Cover starts at Ksh. 6,000 annually, offering a cash benefit of Ksh. 20,000, while the Superior Cover offers higher coverage and additional benefits such as a Mercedes hearse and imported hardwood casket.
- Key Features: Flexible cover options, cash benefits
- Contact: +254 782 444 999 | Email: info@umashcare.co.ke
10. KCB Funeral Expense Cover
KCB offers a funeral expense cover that ensures funeral costs are paid within 48 hours of death notification. The cover is available for individuals, families, and groups, and the maximum payout is Ksh. 1,200,000 per family.
- Key Features: One-year cover, renewable annually
- Contact: Available at KCB branches nationwide
How to Choose the Right Funeral Insurance Provider
Choosing the right funeral insurance cover can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Coverage Amount: Determine how much coverage you need based on your family size and funeral expenses. Compare different providers’ benefit limits to find the most suitable option.
- Premium Affordability: Consider your budget and choose a premium that you can comfortably pay on a regular basis.
- Flexibility of Coverage: Some providers allow you to add family members to your cover, such as parents, children, or in-laws. This flexibility can help protect your entire family.
- Additional Benefits: Look for covers that offer added benefits, such as cashback, monthly allowances, or accidental death payouts.
With funeral expenses continuing to rise in Kenya, securing funeral insurance is one of the best ways to protect your loved ones from financial hardship. Whether you’re looking for an affordable basic cover or a more comprehensive plan, the providers listed above offer diverse options to suit various needs.
Don’t wait for the unexpected – take the step today to ensure your family is financially protected during difficult times.
Ready to secure your family’s future? Contact one of the providers listed above to learn more about their plans and how you can get started today!
