Funeral Plans & Care Homes — Frequently Asked Questions

Are funeral plans regulated by the FCA?

Funeral plans themselves are not regulated by the FCA. However, prepaid funeral plans from FCA-regulated providers offer financial protection for the money you pay in. Always check that your provider is FCA-regulated before purchasing.

How much does a funeral plan cost?

Funeral plans in the UK typically range from £3,000 to £5,000+ depending on the type of service (cremation or burial) and the options included. Payment can be made as a lump sum or in monthly instalments over 1 to 10 years.

Can I pay for a funeral plan in instalments?

Yes. Most funeral plan providers offer monthly instalment plans ranging from 1 to 10 years. Some plans charge interest on extended payment terms, while others offer interest-free options for shorter periods. Check the terms with your provider.

What happens if the funeral plan provider goes out of business?

If you purchase a plan from an FCA-regulated provider, your money is held in a secure trust or insurance arrangement and should be protected. If the provider is not FCA-regulated, your money may be at risk. Always verify the provider’s regulatory status before purchasing.

Can I cancel a funeral plan?

Most funeral plans can be cancelled, but terms vary by provider. Some providers offer a full refund within a cooling-off period (typically 30 days), while others may charge an administration fee for cancellations. Check the cancellation terms before purchasing.

What’s the difference between a funeral plan and funeral insurance?

A funeral plan lets you pay for your funeral services in advance at today’s prices. Funeral insurance (often sold as an “over-50s plan”) involves paying monthly premiums until you die, at which point a fixed cash sum is paid to your family. Funeral insurance may end up costing more than a plan, and the payout may not cover the full cost of the funeral.

How much do care homes cost?

Care home costs vary significantly by region and care type:

• Residential care: £600 — £900 per week
• Nursing care: £800 — £1,200 per week
• Dementia care: £800 — £1,300 per week

London and the South East tend to be more expensive. Costs may be higher for premium facilities.

How is care home funding assessed?

Care home funding is means-tested in most cases:

• If your assets are above £23,250 (England, 2024/25), you’ll likely need to self-fund
• If your assets are below £23,250, your local authority may contribute
• NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover full costs for people with complex health needs (not means-tested)

What is a care needs assessment?

A care needs assessment is a free evaluation carried out by your local authority to determine what level of care you need. It looks at your physical, emotional, and social needs. Contact your local council’s adult social services department to request one.

Can I get help staying in my own home?

Yes. Home care services can provide support ranging from a few hours per week to 24-hour live-in care. This can include help with washing, dressing, meals, medication, and household tasks. Your local authority may contribute to the cost following a care needs assessment.

What should I look for when visiting a care home?

• ✅ Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained facilities
• ✅ Friendly, trained, and attentive staff
• ✅ A warm, respectful atmosphere
• ✅ Activities and social engagement for residents
• ✅ Good food and personalised nutrition
• ✅ Personalised care plans
• ✅ Clear, transparent fee structure
• ✅ Recent CQC inspection rating (check cqc.org.uk)

Is this service free to use?

Yes. Our quote and search service is completely free with no obligation. You may receive a follow-up call from a provider to discuss your options — there’s no pressure to proceed.

Where can I get free, impartial advice?

• Age UK — ageuk.org.uk — 0800 169 6565
• Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk
• Money Advice Service — moneyadviceservice.org.uk
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) — cqc.org.uk (care home inspection reports)

Still have questions? Get a free quote or search → and an advisor will answer any questions you have on a free, no-obligation call.