Choosing the right funeral cover for your burial society or stokvel is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to ensure that your members and their families are protected in their time of need. With so many options available in South Africa, it can be overwhelming to know which provider and plan offer the best value, reliability, and service. This guide will walk you through what to consider to make the best choice for your community.
Why Funeral Cover Matters for Burial Societies and Stokvels
Funeral cover provides a financial safety net that helps grieving families afford the cost of a dignified funeral. For burial societies and stokvels, offering funeral cover is about more than money—it’s about honouring community traditions, reducing financial stress, and supporting each other in difficult times.
Step 1: Understand Your Group’s Needs
Before comparing providers, it’s important to understand the size and needs of your group.
- How many members do you have? Some insurers have minimum member requirements.
- What level of cover is needed? Consider whether members want basic cover or additional benefits like transport or repatriation.
- Who should be covered? Decide whether the plan will include spouses, children, or extended family.
Step 2: Compare Group Funeral Cover Features
When evaluating providers, consider the following key features:
- Premiums and Affordability
- Are the premiums affordable for all members?
- Are they fixed, or do they increase annually?
- Claim Payout Times
- How quickly does the provider pay out?
- Look for providers that pay within 24–48 hours after receiving all documentation.
- Administrative Support
- Will the provider offer support for recordkeeping, membership updates, and claims?
- Is there a dedicated consultant for your group?
- Coverage Flexibility
- Can you add or remove members easily?
- Are you able to scale the cover as your group grows?
- Extra Benefits
- Some providers offer additional benefits like grocery or airtime vouchers, transport of the body, or grief counselling.
Step 3: Choose a Trusted, Regulated Provider
Make sure you select a licensed and reputable funeral cover provider:
- Check for FSCA registration to ensure they are legally allowed to operate.
- Look for underwriters with a strong track record, such as Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Limited.
- Research online reviews or ask for referrals from other groups.
Step 4: Review the Fine Print
Before signing up:
- Read the policy document carefully.
- Understand waiting periods, exclusions, and any conditions for payouts.
- Confirm how premium payments are made and how lapsed payments affect coverage.
Why Burial Societies and Stokvels Choose Meerkat
Meerkat partners with burial societies and stokvels to provide affordable, fast, and trustworthy group funeral cover. Here’s why hundreds of groups choose us:
- Cover for groups starting from just 15 members
- Quick payouts – usually within 48 hours
- Easy onboarding and admin support
- Trusted partnership with Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Limited
We understand your community values and are here to help you protect them. Contact Meerkat for a free group quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people are needed to start group funeral cover? Meerkat offers cover for groups starting at just 15 members.
- Can we include extended family members? Yes, depending on your plan, you can include spouses, children, parents, and even extended family.
- Do we need to go for medical checks? No medicals are required for group cover.
- Can we switch from another provider to Meerkat? Yes, we make switching easy and handle most of the admin for you.
Protect your community with the right cover. Let Meerkat help you build a dignified future.