Quick Facts About Clientele Funeral Cover

• Cover amounts: R25,000 to R100,000
• Monthly premiums start from R270
• Payout within 24 hours of claim approval
• Unique benefit: All premiums paid back on valid death claim
• Add up to 13 family members
• Free R200 airtime when you claim

1. What is Clientele Funeral Cover?

Clientele Funeral Cover is insurance that pays money when someone dies. This money helps your family pay for the funeral. Funerals in South Africa cost between R15,000 and R50,000 in 2025.

Without funeral cover, your family must find this money quickly. Many families borrow money or ask for donations. This adds stress during a sad time.

Clientele is one of South Africa’s funeral insurance companies. They have been operating for over 25 years. They pay claims within 24 hours.

Why Do You Need Funeral Cover?

Funerals are expensive. Here are typical costs in 2025:

• Coffin: R1,500 to R10,000
• Undertaker services: R4,000 to R10,000
• Burial plot: R2,200 to R25,000
• Transport: R2,000 to R5,000
• Catering: R3,000 to R15,000
• Flowers and programmes: R500 to R2,000

Funeral cover ensures your family has money ready. They don’t need to borrow or fundraise. The insurance pays quickly.

2. Who is Clientele?

Clientele Limited is a South African insurance company. They started in 1996. They are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Clientele is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). They are licensed as a Financial Services Provider. This means they follow South African insurance laws.

Contact Details for Clientele

Contact Method	Details
Head Office	Clientele Office Park, Cnr. Alon and Rivonia Road, Rivonia
Website	www.clientele.co.za
Claims Contact	Available on website and policy documents
24 Hour Helpline	For policy holders with claims

Is Clientele Legitimate?

Yes, Clientele is a legitimate, registered insurance company. They are licensed by the FSCA. You can check their registration on www.fsca.co.za.

However, be careful of scammers using Clientele’s name. Always verify you’re dealing with the real company. See Section 9 for scam warnings.

3. Clientele Funeral Cover Products Explained

Clientele offers several funeral cover plans. The main products are the Funeral Dignity Plan and the Ultimate Dignity Plan.

Clientele Funeral Dignity Plan

This is Clientele’s standard funeral cover product. Here’s what you get:

• Cover from R25,000 to R100,000
• Add up to 13 family members
• Premiums start from R270 per month
• 24-hour payout guarantee
• R200 free airtime when you claim
• Grocery benefit included
• Unveiling benefit included

Clientele Ultimate Dignity Plan

This is Clientele’s premium product. It has a unique feature: all your premiums are paid back.

Here’s how it works: When you claim, you receive the full cover amount PLUS all the premiums you ever paid. This is unique to Clientele in South Africa.

Example: You have R50,000 cover. Over 10 years, you paid R45,000 in premiums. When you claim, you receive R50,000 + R45,000 = R95,000 total.

• Cover up to R100,000
• All premiums paid back on death claim
• 50% of premiums paid back at age 65
• Add up to 3 children free
• Premiums start from R290 per month
• Double payout for accidental death

Additional Benefits

Both plans include funeral assistance services. This means:

• 24-hour funeral helpline
• Grief counselling services
• Repatriation help (bringing body home)
• Discounted rates with funeral suppliers

4. Costs and Monthly Premiums

Funeral cover costs depend on several factors. These include your age, cover amount, and family members.

What Affects Your Premium?

• Your age: Older people pay more
• Cover amount: Higher cover = higher premium
• Number of family members: More people = higher cost
• Family members’ ages: Older family = higher cost
• Plan type: Ultimate Dignity costs more

Example Costs for 2025

Cover Amount	People Covered	Approximate Monthly Cost
R25,000	Main member only (age 35)	R270 – R350
R50,000	Main member + spouse (both 35)	R450 – R600
R75,000	Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children)	R600 – R800
R100,000	Extended family (8 people)	R900 – R1,200

Note: These are estimates for 2025. Your actual premium depends on individual circumstances. Contact Clientele for a personal quote.

Payment Methods

You can pay your monthly premium through:

• Debit order from your bank account
• Stop order (scheduled payment)
• Salary deduction (if arranged with employer)

✅ 5. What Does Clientele Funeral Cover Include?

Who Can Be Covered?

You can include these family members on your policy:

• Yourself (main member)
• Your spouse or life partner
• Your children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren)
• Your parents and parents-in-law
• Your brothers and sisters
• Extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)

Cover Amounts Per Person

Different family members can have different cover amounts. Common arrangements:

Family Member	Typical Cover Amount
Main member (you)	R50,000 – R100,000
Spouse	R50,000 – R100,000
Children	R10,000 – R30,000
Parents	R30,000 – R50,000
Extended family	R15,000 – R30,000

Additional Benefits Included

1. R200 Airtime: When you claim, Clientele gives you R200 airtime. This helps you make calls during the funeral arrangements.

2. Grocery Benefit: Some plans include money for groceries. This helps feed family and visitors during the funeral period.

3. Unveiling Benefit: Money towards the unveiling ceremony. This happens months after the funeral when the tombstone is revealed.

4. Repatriation Assistance: Help bringing the body home if death happened far away.

5. Accidental Death Benefit: Double the cover amount if death is from an accident.

What Is NOT Covered?

Clientele does not pay claims in these situations:

• Suicide within first 2 years of policy
• Death during waiting period (first 6 months)
• Death from pre-existing conditions during waiting period
• Fraudulent claims or false information
• If premiums were not paid up to date

6. How to Apply for Clientele Funeral Cover

Applying for Clientele funeral cover is straightforward. You can apply through several methods.

Step 1: Decide What Cover You Need

Before applying, think about:

• How much cover you need (R25,000 to R100,000)
• Which family members to include
• What monthly premium you can afford
• Which plan suits you (Dignity or Ultimate Dignity)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need these documents:

Document	Why Needed
Your ID (South African ID)	To verify your identity
ID numbers of all family members	To add them to the policy
Proof of address (utility bill)	Recent bill (3 months old)
Bank details	For debit order setup
Contact details	Phone number and address

Step 3: Choose How to Apply

Option 1: Apply Online

• Visit www.clientele.co.za
• Click on “Funeral Plan”
• Fill in the online application form
• Upload required documents
• Complete the process

Option 2: Call Clientele

• Call the Clientele contact centre
• Request a funeral cover application
• A consultant will help you
• Arrange a meeting or postal application

Option 3: Visit Clientele Office

• Go to Clientele Office Park in Rivonia
• Bring all required documents
• Complete application with assistance
• Get immediate help with questions

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Clientele reviews your application. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days. They may contact you if more information is needed.

Once approved, you receive your policy documents. Your cover starts on the date shown in your policy.

No Medical Examination Required

Good news: Clientele funeral cover does not require medical tests. You don’t need blood tests or doctor examinations. This makes applying quick and easy.

7. How to Claim Clientele Funeral Cover

When a covered family member dies, you must claim quickly. Clientele promises to pay within 24 hours.

Step-by-Step Claiming Process

Step 1: Notify Clientele Immediately

• Call the 24-hour helpline (on your policy document)
• Give your policy number
• Give the name of deceased person
• A consultant will guide you

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Official death certificate from Department of Home Affairs
• ID copy of the deceased person
• ID copy of the claimant (person claiming)
• Proof of bank account (for payment)
• Completed claim form (Clientele provides this)

Step 3: Submit Documents

You can submit documents three ways:

• Online: Through Clientele website or app
• Email: Send to claims email address
• In Person: Take to Clientele office

Step 4: Clientele Reviews Your Claim

Clientele checks your documents. They verify everything is correct. They may call if anything is missing.

Step 5: Receive Payment

If everything is in order, money is paid within 24 hours. Payment goes directly into your bank account via EFT.

What If Death Was Unnatural?

If death was from accident, murder, or suicide, additional documents needed:

• Police report (SAPS statement)
• Post-mortem report (if available)
• Inquest documentation

Claims for unnatural death take longer. This is because police must complete investigations first.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed

Problem	Solution
Missing death certificate	Get from Department of Home Affairs quickly
Unclear document copies	Make sure copies are clear and readable
Incomplete claim form	Fill in all sections completely
Wrong bank details	Double-check account number and branch code

⚠️ 8. Understanding Waiting Periods

A waiting period is time you must wait before cover starts. All funeral policies have waiting periods.

Standard Waiting Period: 6 Months

For natural death (illness, old age), you wait 6 months. This means if someone dies in first 6 months, Clientele will not pay.

Example: You start your policy on 1 January 2025. Your father dies on 15 April 2025 from natural causes. This is within 6 months. Clientele will not pay.

However, if he dies on 5 July 2025, this is after 6 months. Clientele will pay.

No Waiting for Accidents

Good news: accidental death is covered from day one. There is no waiting period for accidents.

Example: Your policy starts 1 January 2025. Your sister dies in car accident on 10 January 2025. Clientele will pay the full amount.

Suicide Waiting Period: 24 Months

If death is from suicide, the waiting period is 24 months (2 years). This applies to the main member only.

For other family members, suicide has the standard 6-month waiting period.

Switching From Another Insurer

If you had funeral cover with another company, tell Clientele. They may reduce or remove the waiting period.

Example: You had cover with Old Mutual for 8 months. You switch to Clientele. You have already served a 6-month waiting period. Clientele may give you immediate cover.

What Happens During Waiting Period?

If Death Is From…	What Clientele Pays
Accident (within 6 months)	Full cover amount + premiums back
Natural death (within 6 months)	Only premiums paid are returned
Suicide (within 24 months)	Only premiums paid are returned

🚨 9. SCAM WARNINGS – Protect Yourself From Fraud

Funeral cover scams are increasing in South Africa. The FSCA warns about illegal operators. Protect yourself by knowing the warning signs.

Common Funeral Cover Scams in 2025

1. Fake Clientele Agents

Scammers pretend to work for Clientele. They contact you offering special deals. They ask for cash payments or upfront fees.

How to avoid: Real Clientele agents never ask for cash. Always verify agent credentials. Call Clientele directly to confirm.

2. Social Media Funeral Policies

Scammers advertise cheap funeral cover on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. They promise unrealistic benefits for low prices.

How to avoid: Never buy funeral cover through social media. Always go to official company websites. Check FSCA registration first.

3. Unregistered Funeral Parlours

Some funeral parlours offer their own funeral cover. Many are not licensed. They collect premiums but cannot pay claims legally.

How to avoid: Check if funeral parlour has FSCA license. Ask who underwrites the policy. Demand written policy documents.

4. Fake Claims Consultants

When someone dies, scammers contact grieving families. They offer to “help” claim for a fee. They take money and disappear.

How to avoid: Never pay anyone to help you claim. Clientele claims service is free. Contact Clientele directly yourself.

Red Flags – Warning Signs of Scams

Warning Sign	What It Means
Asking for cash payments	SCAM – Real insurers use debit orders only
No written policy documents	SCAM – Legitimate policies give written documents
Promises of no waiting period	SCAM – All funeral policies have waiting periods
Pressure to sign immediately	SCAM – Legitimate companies give time to decide
Cannot find company on FSCA website	SCAM – Not licensed to sell insurance
Contact only via WhatsApp	SCAM – Real companies have offices and phone numbers

How to Verify Clientele Is Legitimate

Step 1: Check FSCA Registration

• Visit www.fsca.co.za
• Click “FSP Search”
• Search for “Clientele”
• Verify they are registered

Step 2: Check Company Details

• Real Clientele office: Rivonia, Johannesburg
• Real website: www.clientele.co.za (check spelling)
• Listed on JSE (you can verify)

Step 3: Verify Agent Credentials

• Ask for agent FSP number
• Check number on FSCA website
• Call Clientele to confirm agent works for them

What to Do If You’re Scammed

If you suspect fraud or have been scammed:

Action	Contact
Report to FSCA	0800 110 443 or www.fsca.co.za
Report to SABRIC	0860 103 990 (banking fraud)
Open police case	Nearest SAPS station – get case number
Report to real Clientele	Contact official Clientele immediately

10. Alternative Funeral Cover Options in South Africa

Clientele is one of many funeral cover providers. It’s wise to compare options before deciding.

Major Funeral Cover Providers

Provider	Starting Premium	Key Feature
Old Mutual	From R80 per month	Cover up to 22 people, 4-hour claims
Capitec	From R25 per month	Apply on app, add 21 family members
Sanlam	From R80 per month	4-hour claim payout, cover 22 people
1Life	From R50 per month	24-hour payout, cover 16 people
Assupol	From R70 per month	Children covered for life
Metropolitan	From R60 per month	WhatsApp claims, 4-hour payout

How to Compare Funeral Cover

When comparing providers, check these important points:

• Monthly premium: What can you afford long-term?
• Cover amount: Is it enough for funeral costs?
• Number of people: Can you cover all family?
• Payout speed: How fast do they pay claims?
• Waiting period: How long before cover starts?
• Additional benefits: What extras are included?
• Claim process: How easy is claiming?
• Company reputation: Check reviews and complaints

Bank Funeral Cover Options

If you bank with major banks, they offer funeral cover too:

• Standard Bank: Flexible Funeral Plan through branches
• FNB: Funeral cover available to account holders
• ABSA: Funeral insurance through Absa Life
• Nedbank: Funeral cover options for clients

Bank funeral cover is convenient. Premiums deduct from your account automatically. However, compare costs – banks aren’t always cheapest.

✅ 11. Your Consumer Rights and Protection

As a funeral cover policyholder, you have important rights. These are protected by South African law.

Your Rights Under the Law

1. Right to Clear Information

Insurance companies must explain policies clearly. They must give written policy documents. You must understand what you’re buying.

2. Right to Cooling-Off Period

You have 31 days to cancel a new policy. You get all premiums back. This applies if you haven’t claimed yet.

3. Right to Fair Treatment

Insurers must treat all customers fairly. They cannot discriminate. Claims must be assessed fairly and quickly.

4. Right to Privacy

Your personal information is protected by POPIA. Companies cannot share your details without permission.

5. Right to Complain

If you’re unhappy, you can complain. The company must have a complaints process. You can escalate to the Ombud.

Where to Get Help

Issue	Contact	Number/Website
Claim dispute	Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance	0860 103 236 / www.ombud.co.za
Advice complaint	FAIS Ombud	0860 324 766 / www.faisombud.co.za
Illegal provider	Financial Sector Conduct Authority	0800 110 443 / www.fsca.co.za
Fraud/scam	SABRIC	0860 103 990 / www.sabric.co.za
General consumer issue	National Consumer Commission	0860 003 600

How to Make a Complaint

Step 1: Complain to Clientele First

• Contact Clientele complaints department
• Explain your problem clearly
• Give your policy number
• Keep record of all communications

Step 2: Wait for Response

Clientele must respond within reasonable time. Usually within 30 days. They must investigate properly.

Step 3: Escalate to Ombud

If unhappy with response, contact the Ombud. This is free. The Ombud investigates and makes binding decisions.

Important Consumer Protection Laws

• Consumer Protection Act: General consumer rights
• Long-term Insurance Act: Regulates insurance companies
• FAIS Act: Protects consumers from bad advice
• POPIA: Protects your personal information

Clientele Funeral Cover is a legitimate funeral insurance option in South Africa. Their unique benefit of paying back all premiums makes their Ultimate Dignity Plan attractive.

Clientele is good if you want:

• All your premiums paid back on death (Ultimate Dignity)
• 24-hour claim payout guarantee
• Established company with 25+ years experience
• Cover for extended family (up to 13 people)

Consider alternatives if you want:

• Lower monthly premiums (Capitec starts at R25)
• More family members (Old Mutual covers 22 people)
• Bank integration (convenient with your bank account)

Before you buy any funeral cover:

• Get quotes from at least 3 providers
• Compare total costs, not just monthly premium
• Check provider on FSCA website
• Read policy documents carefully
• Understand waiting periods
• Calculate if cover amount is enough
• Never pay cash or upfront fees
• Verify agents are legitimate

Most Important: Having funeral cover is better than having none. Choose a registered provider. Pay consistently. Tell family where policy documents are kept.

Funeral cover gives your family financial protection during difficult times. It’s an act of love and responsibility.