FNB Funeral Cover: Complete Guide for South Africans
Everything you need to know about FNB’s funeral plan
Last updated: January 2025
Quick Facts
- Cover from R2,000 to R100,000 per person
- Premiums start from R50 per month
- Add up to 21 family members on one plan
- Claims paid within 24 hours (some in 30 minutes)
- Double payout for accidental death (up to R200,000)
What’s in This Guide
Why Funeral Cover Matters
Funerals in South Africa cost between R15,000 and R50,000 on average. Some funerals can cost R70,000 or more. Without cover, your family may need to borrow money or use savings.
FNB Funeral Cover gives your family cash when they need it most. They don’t have to worry about paying for the funeral.
This guide explains everything about FNB’s funeral plan. You’ll learn how to apply, what it costs, and how to claim.
1. What is FNB Funeral Cover?
FNB Funeral Cover is insurance that pays out cash when you or a family member dies. The money helps pay for funeral costs.
FNB is South Africa’s oldest bank. It started in 1838. The funeral cover is underwritten by FirstRand Life Assurance Limited. This means a registered insurance company backs your policy.
You pay a small amount each month (called a premium). When someone dies, FNB pays out the full cover amount. This is called a lump sum payout.
โ 2. Key Benefits of FNB Funeral Cover
Fast Payouts
FNB pays valid claims within 24 hours. One in five claims pays out in just 30 minutes. This is faster than most other funeral cover providers.
Double Accidental Death Benefit
If you or your spouse dies in an accident, FNB pays double. This means up to R200,000 for each person. No extra premium needed.
Cashback After 3 Years
Keep paying your premiums for 3 years without claiming. FNB gives you up to 6 months of premiums back. This is free โ no extra cost.
Body Repatriation
FNB will transport the body to the burial place anywhere in South Africa. This includes one night’s accommodation for a family member travelling with the deceased.
No Medical Tests
You don’t need to see a doctor or do blood tests. FNB doesn’t ask medical questions. Everyone who qualifies can get cover.
eBucks Rewards
If you bank with FNB, you can earn eBucks on your funeral cover premiums. The amount depends on your eBucks reward level.
๐ฐ 3. How Much Does FNB Funeral Cover Cost?
FNB funeral cover premiums start from R50 per month. The cost depends on how much cover you want and how many people you add.
Cover Amounts Available
- Minimum cover: R2,000
- Maximum cover: R100,000 per person
- You choose the amount that suits your budget
Example Premium Costs
| Cover Amount | Monthly Premium (Approx) |
|---|---|
| R10,000 (Main member only) | From R50 |
| R30,000 (Main member only) | From R80 |
| R50,000 (Main member only) | From R120 |
| R100,000 (Main member only) | From R200 |
| Family bundle (couple + children) | Discounted rates available |
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ 4. Who Can You Cover on Your Plan?
FNB lets you add up to 21 family members on one plan. You can even cover family without covering yourself.
People You Can Add:
- Spouse or partner โ Same cover amount as you
- Children โ Up to 8 children, including stepchildren
- Parents โ Your parents and your spouse’s parents
- Extended family โ Grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles
Age Limits:
| Family Member | Age to Join | Maximum Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Main member | 18-64 years | R100,000 |
| Spouse | 18-64 years | R100,000 |
| Children | Under 21 years | R10,000 |
| Parents / In-laws | Up to 74 years | R15,000 |
๐ 5. What You Need to Apply
Getting FNB Funeral Cover is easy. You need a few things to apply:
Requirements for South African Citizens:
- Green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card
- Be between 18 and 64 years old
- A valid South African bank account (any bank, not just FNB)
Requirements for Foreign Nationals:
- Valid passport and visa
- Must be banking with FNB
- Can only apply on the FNB App or online
- Must live in South Africa
๐ฑ 6. How to Apply for FNB Funeral Cover
There are several ways to apply. Choose the one that’s easiest for you.
Option 1: FNB App
- Open the FNB App on your phone
- Go to “Insurance” section
- Select “Funeral Plan”
- Choose your cover amount
- Add family members if you want
- Confirm and accept the terms
Option 2: Online Banking
- Log into FNB Online Banking
- Go to “Insurance” menu
- Select “Apply for Funeral Cover”
- Fill in your details and choose cover
Option 3: Call FNB
Phone: 087 736 7771
Option 4: SMS
SMS “Funeral” to 45214. FNB will call you back.
Option 5: Visit a Branch
Go to any FNB branch. A consultant will help you apply.
๐ 7. How to Make a Claim
When a loved one dies, making a claim is straightforward. FNB aims to pay within 24 hours.
Documents You Need:
- Death certificate (FNB can get this from Home Affairs for you)
- ID of the deceased person
- ID of the person making the claim
- Bank details where you want the money paid
- Completed claim form
How to Submit Your Claim:
By Email:
Send documents to: fnblifeclaims@fnb.co.za
By Phone:
Call: 087 736 7772
At a Branch:
Take your documents to any FNB or FSG branch.
โฐ 8. Waiting Periods โ When Can You Claim?
Waiting periods are times when you cannot claim for certain types of death. This is standard for funeral cover.
| Type of Death | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Accidental death | No waiting โ covered immediately |
| Natural death (illness, disease) | 6 months |
| Suicide | 12 months |
When FNB Will NOT Pay:
- Death due to criminal activity you were involved in
- If you gave wrong information when applying
- If you didn’t pay your premiums
- If death happens outside South Africa (for foreign nationals)
๐จ 9. DANGER: Avoid Funeral Cover Scams
Scammers target South Africans looking for funeral cover. They steal money and leave families with nothing when someone dies. Protect yourself.
Warning Signs of a Scam:
- ๐ซ Someone approaches you in a mall or taxi rank
- ๐ซ They offer “competitions” or “food vouchers” and ask for your ID
- ๐ซ Premiums are collected in cash, not by debit order
- ๐ซ Prices seem too good โ like R30 for R50,000 cover
- ๐ซ They only contact you through WhatsApp or Facebook
- ๐ซ No proper documents or policy schedule
- ๐ซ They can’t give you an FSP number
How to Protect Yourself:
- Check the FSP number โ Every real insurer has one. FNB’s insurer (FirstRand Life) is registered with the FSCA.
- Get everything in writing โ Real policies come with documents you can keep.
- Pay by debit order โ Never pay cash to someone collecting premiums.
- Use official channels โ Apply through the FNB App, website, or branch.
- Check your bank statements โ Make sure debit orders are from companies you recognise.
- Report to SAPS (South African Police Service)
- Contact FSCA: 0800 110 443
- Report to FAIS Ombud: 012 762 5000
- Alert your bank immediately
โ๏ธ 10. FNB vs Other Bank Funeral Cover
How does FNB compare to other banks? Here’s a quick look.
| Feature | FNB | Capitec | Standard Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting premium | R50/month | R25/month | R42/month |
| Maximum cover | R100,000 | R100,000 | R100,000 |
| Family members | Up to 21 | Up to 21 | Varies |
| Claim speed | 24 hours (some 30 min) | 24-48 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Double accident cover | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ Yes |
| Cashback benefit | โ 6 months after 3 years | โ No | Varies |
| Repatriation | โ Included free | โ Included | Varies |
๐ธ What Do Funerals Actually Cost in South Africa?
When choosing cover, think about real funeral costs. This helps you pick the right amount.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Coffin / Casket | R450 โ R50,000 |
| Burial plot (municipal) | R2,200 โ R11,000 |
| Burial plot (private) | R14,000 โ R50,000+ |
| Undertaker fees | R4,000 โ R10,000 |
| Tombstone | R1,500 โ R7,000+ |
| Catering (50 guests) | R2,000 โ R10,000 |
| Tent and chair hire | R750 โ R10,000 |
| Transport / Hearse | R1,000 โ R5,000 |
| Cremation (instead of burial) | R5,000 โ R7,000 |
| TOTAL (Basic funeral) | R15,000 โ R30,000 |
| TOTAL (Full service, 50 guests) | R70,000 โ R84,000 |
โ๏ธ Your Rights as a Consumer
Cooling Off Period
You have 30 days to cancel your policy after taking it out. FNB will refund your premiums. No questions asked.
Premium Changes
FNB must tell you 31 days before making changes to your policy or premiums. They will contact you by post, SMS, or email.
Where to Complain
If FNB doesn’t resolve your complaint:
- Ombudsman for Long-Term Insurance: 021 657 5000
- FAIS Ombud: 012 762 5000 or 012 470 9080
- FSCA: 0800 110 443 or www.fsca.co.za
- FNB Insurance Helpline: 087 736 7771
โ Common Questions
Do I need to bank with FNB to get their funeral cover?
No. You can pay from any South African bank account โ ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec, or others. Foreign nationals must bank with FNB.
Can I cover my parents who are over 65?
Yes. Parents and in-laws can join up to age 74. They can get cover up to R15,000.
What if I can’t pay my premium one month?
FNB may give a grace period, but if you don’t pay as agreed, your cover will end. Set up a debit order to avoid missing payments.
Does the premium stay the same forever?
No. Premiums increase by 8% each year. Your cover can increase by 5% each year. You can opt out of the cover increase annually.
What happens if nobody claims after I die?
FNB checks Home Affairs records and searches for your beneficiary. They pay out valid claims even if no one contacts them.
Our Final Recommendations
FNB Funeral Cover is a good choice if:
- You want fast payouts โ FNB is one of the fastest
- You value cashback after 3 years of paying premiums
- You have a large family to cover (up to 21 people)
- You already bank with FNB and want eBucks rewards
- You want to switch from another insurer without new waiting periods
Consider other options if:
- You want the absolute lowest premium โ Capitec starts at R25
- You need cover for seniors over 75 โ some providers allow this
- You want more add-on options โ FNB keeps it simple
๐ FNB Funeral Cover Contact Details
| Apply / Enquiries: | 087 736 7771 |
| Claims: | 087 736 7772 |
| Claims Email: | fnblifeclaims@fnb.co.za |
| SMS to Apply: | “Funeral” to 45214 |
| Website: | www.fnb.co.za/insurance/funeral |
| Head Office: | FNB Bank City, Simmonds Street, Johannesburg, 2001 |
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in January 2025. Financial products, fees, and requirements change. Always check the latest information with FNB directly before making decisions.
FNB Funeral Cover is underwritten by FirstRand Life Assurance Limited, a licensed life insurer. First National Bank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. FSP and Credit Provider (NCRCP20). Reg. No. 1929/001225/06.
For complaints or disputes, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za