Compare realistic funeral insurance policies suitable for SASSA families with consideration to the cost, coverage, and precautions prior to enrollment SendTheSong.
| Feature | Option 1 — Budget Plan | Option 2 — Mid-Range Plan | Option 3 — Family Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | ±R30 – R60 | ±R80 – R130 | ±R150 – R250 |
| Cover Amount | R5,000 – R10,000 | R15,000 – R25,000 | R30,000 – R50,000 |
| Lives Covered | Main member only | Main member + spouse | Main member + spouse + children |
| Waiting Period | 3 – 6 months (natural death) | 3 – 6 months (natural death) | 3 – 6 months (natural death) |
| Accidental Death | Immediate cover | Immediate cover | Immediate cover |
| Premium Escalation | Check terms carefully | Check terms carefully | Check terms carefully |
| Best for | Single SASSA recipients on tight budget | Couples or small households | Families with children and extended members |
Helpful hint number one: Always sign up voluntarily, and not under pressure or via door-to-door representatives. Make sure that there are no exclusions, waiting periods, or premium escalations on the plan you select.
Disclaimer: The premiums shown are estimates according to the existing rates from March 2026 for a single individual. Your premium will depend upon your age, the number of lives, and the plan that you have chosen.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | From (monthly) | Cover | Waiting Period | Medical Exam | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVBOB | From R44/month | R10,000–R50,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Within 48 hours of valid claim |
| Assupol | From R35/month | R10,000–R100,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Same-day or next business day |
| iWYZE | From R59/month | R10,000–R75,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Within 48 hours of approved claim |
| 1Life | From R79/month | R10,000–R100,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Within 24–48 hours of approved claim |
| Hollard | From R89/month | R10,000–R150,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Within 48 hours of approved claim |
| Metropolitan | From R40/month | R100,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Within 48 hours of approved claim |
| Clientele | From R350/month | R10,000–R100,000 | 6 months (natural), immediate (accidental) | ✓ Not required | Within 48–72 hours of valid claim |
AVBOB Mutual Assurance
Largest Funeral Assurer in South Africa
Grant friendly
Grant friendly: Commonly used by SASSA grant recipients. Branches situated within Post Offices in several areas.
Monthly PremiumFrom R44/month (1 adult, R10k cover)
Cover AmountR10,000 to R50,000
Cover up toUp to 21 family members
Waiting PeriodSei mesi (naturali), istantaneamente (casuali)
Payout Speedwithin 48 hours of claim validation
Key Benefits
- ✓No medical examination required
- ✓Main member + extended family cover
- ✓Benefit of Food Coupon (R3,000 food coupon on specific policies)
- ✓Advantage of tombstones in higher-level planning
- ✓For Sale in AVBOB stores in most towns
- ✓Pensioner-specific plans available
Things to Check First
- •The older you get, the higher your premium will be.
- •Examine the exceptions for pre-existing conditions
- •Check if there is a branch near your province
- •For people requiring an existing business: Grant recipients older than 60 years
Assupol Life
Coverage that is affordable and custom-made for poorer people
Grant friendly
Grant friendly: The Budget-level Cornerstone plan was made with consideration for the income through grants.
Monthly PremiumFrom R35/month (entry Cornerstone plan)
Cover AmountR10,000 to R100,000
Cover up toUp to 14 family members
Waiting Period6 mesi (naturale), immediato (casuale)
Payout SpeedSame-day or next business day
Key Benefits
- ✓The basic plan which does not include medicals and blood tests
- ✓Assurez votre mari/votre femme, vos enfants et vos parents.
- ✓Guaranteed premiums for the first five years of some plans
- ✓Cash-back bonus after 5 years (selected plan)
- ✓Online application available
- ✓Budget tiered plans based on grant earning levels
Things to Check First
- •Cash-back bonus is applicable on selected packages, check before purchase
- •Period for premium guarantee, see what happens after 5 years
- •Look for any income verification requirement
Families seeking affordable entry premiums with multi-family coverage
Get a Quote from Assupol
Old Mutual iWYZE
Old Mutual Brand Implemented in Digital Format
Monthly PremiumFrom R59/month (R10k cover)
Cover AmountR10,000 to R75,000
Cover up toUp to 14 lives
Waiting Period6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)
Payout SpeedWithin 48 hours of approved claim
Key Benefits
- ✓Together with Old Mutual, which was established in 1845
- ✓Standard coverage amounts don’t require a medical examination
- ✓Parents, in-laws, relatives should be included
- ✓The monthly premium is always the same for 12 months.
- ✓Apply by phone or online
- ✓SMS Alert When Claim is Processed
Things to Check First
- •Review each year, since insurance premiums can fluctuate after one-year cycle
- •Difference between accidental death vs natural death payout terms
- •Some plans require that all insured lives should be recognized prior to implementation
Best Suited For: Those who value a large, reputable company that offers convenience through digitalization
Get a Quote from iWYZE
1Life Insurance
Online first and quick quotes without any documentation
Monthly PremiumFrom R79/month (R10k cover)
Cover AmountR10,000 to R100,000
Cover up toUp to 21 lives
Waiting Period6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)
Payout SpeedWithin 24 to 48 hours of approved claim
Key Benefits
- ✓Purely online submission process devoid of paperwork
- ✓Quoting and coverage verification immediately
- ✓No medical examination required for amount up to R100,000
- ✓Benefits of Repatriation
- ✓Payments from the bank account
- ✓Large family coverage (maximum of 21 persons)
Things to Check First
- •Mainly digital; it may not suit people without a smartphone
- •Higher entry premium than some competitors
- •Make sure your debit order is debited on the same day as your grant payment
Benefit for: Young applicants and individuals with mobile phones who want to sign up quickly on the Internet
Get a Quote from 1Life
Hollard Funeral Insurance
Plans that are not unique to SASSA but extremely adaptable
Monthly PremiumFrom R89/month (R10k cover)
Cover AmountR10,000 to R150,000
Cover up toUp to 21 lives
Waiting Period6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)
Payout SpeedWithin 48 hours of approved claim
Key Benefits
- ✓One of the largest insurance companies of SA with excellent claims history
- ✓Higher insurance amounts than some SASSA-only programs (maximum of R150k)
- ✓Extended family insurance policy including in-laws and parents
- ✓Benefits from Grocery and Tombstone for Selected Plans
- ✓Send via phone or via your insurance broker
- ✓Different plans for different income groups
Things to Check First
- •It is not meant for grant recipients; check if it is affordable
- •Premiums that are higher than SASSA-optimized premium plans for junior employees
- •Selling through intermediaries means that the terms may vary
Best for: People that desire higher levels of coverage (over R50,000) or a wider range of benefits compared to SASSA
Get a Quote from Hollard
Metropolitan Funeral Cover
Insurer of high repute that has a good standing in the poorer communities
Monthly PremiumFrom R40/month (R100k cover)
Cover AmountR100,000
Cover up toUp to 14 lives
Waiting Period6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)
Payout SpeedWithin 48 hours of approved claim
Key Benefits
- ✓Part of Momentum Metropolitan, one of SA’s biggest insurers
- ✓Adequate representation in poor and townships areas
- ✓Examination not needed for all standard policies
- ✓Branches, agents, and telephone access
- ✓Coverage of spouse, children, and other family members
- ✓Good reputation in claims processing and payout process
Things to Check First
- •Usually distributed through agents; remember to secure your policy document in writing
- •A certain plan may have an age limitation on new members (under 65 years)
- •Ensure that you understand what will happen if you miss two or more consecutive payments
Ideal for: People living in townships or rural areas requiring personal services from Metropolitan representative
Get a Quote from Metropolitan
Clientele Life
Application through the telephone without any documentation and broker
Monthly PremiumFrom R350/month (R100k cover)
Cover AmountR10,000 to R100,000
Cover up toUp to 14 lives
Waiting Period6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)
Payout SpeedWithin 48 to 72 hours of valid claim
Key Benefits
- ✓Phone application process takes less than 10 minutes
- ✓No forms or documentation required for coverage to begin
- ✓Highly marketed and recognizable brand in SA
- ✓Repatriation benefits in all plans
- ✓Include all family members under one insurance plan
- ✓SMS payment reminders prevent lapse
Things to Check First
- •Not SASSA specific, therefore check premiums properly
- •Everything Must Be in Writing under Phone Sales Model
- •Ensure the precise waiting period prior to signing
- •The premiums can be increased each year, ask about escalation rate
Suitable for: Individuals who enjoy a simple phone app without going to the branch or downloading an application
Get a Quote from ClienteleWhat to Know Before You Buy
Funeral Cover Waiting Periods Explained
Funeral cover plans normally take six months to be honored in the case of deaths due to natural causes. In this case, if the insured person dies of sickness during the first six months of the plan, no benefits will be provided. Accidental death is always instantly covered.
Natural Causes
6 Months Wait
Accidental Death
Instant Cover
Funeral Cover Debit Order Timing
Choose a debit order day that matches the day the grant payment is made.
For instance, if the grant payment is made on the third day, choose the fourth or fifth day as the debit order day. This avoids missed payments and breaks in the policy, resetting the waiting period.
How Much Funeral Cover Do You Need?
R12,000 – R25,000
Average funeral costs in South Africa
R10,000 is an adequate amount of money required for the coverage of the average costs for the funeral service. Yet, one can purchase an insurance package which will cost even
Common Funeral Cover Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Cash should not be paid to anybody under any circumstances.
- ✕Do not disclose your SASSA PIN or card to the agent.
- ✕Always have a written policy document available for all times.
- ✕If the premium exceeds 5% of the grant per month, the cover limit should be reduced.