How is that for a title!
I am not speaking/writing of social dying, and mass deaths, but the costs, the funding of the deaths we have. And let’s face it, “no one here gets out alive”.
There are two (2) points to be made here:
- We are all going to die, sorry to break the bead news.
- The cost of funerals and death are pretty, pretty, high.
Average Cost of a Funeral
The average cost of a funeral obviously can vary depending on many factors, but most agree it is in the region of nearly £5,000. Cremation can be cheaper, but still £3,000 to £4,000.
I spoke with a representative at Coop Funeral Care, and one cheaper alternative is direct cremation. For some this is an option as there is no service and no additional costs.
Why Do We Not Include Funerals In Our National Insurance Funding
To answer that question, some say we do….but we don’t. Families still need to pay for funerals, and those who claim a body/loved/dead person, are expected to pay the costs.
The government does have some funds you can claim when a loved one dies, but it is complicated, if you ask me.
Why not alleviate all that expense and trouble.
The government does have assistance with funerals and the costs, but much can depend on the deceased and their estate, if they have one.
It does not need to be as complicated as it is. Someone dies, the state pays for the funeral, which of course would be a cheaper option, such as cremation. But then the family does not have to deal with matters, unless they want to. They then have the option.
And I am not talking “paupers” burials here, but a nice send off depending on their wishes. The family always have the final say, but it makes sense at a time of grief to know matters are covered and taken care of.
That is where pre-paid funerals can help if someone has specific wishes. These are now going to be regulated by the FCA/Financial Conduct Authority.
It seems to make sense to some, if you are paying into a national health fund, or socialised medicine, shouldn’t that also cover the cost of death?