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Written by Mitch Tapner.
20 minute read
When planning ahead, it’s natural to want clarity about your options. Many people come across Legal & General when looking into funeral costs and assume they offer prepaid funeral plans. Whilst Legal & General do not offer prepaid funeral plans, they do provide over-50s life insurance, which works differently.
In this guide, we explain the difference between life insurance and funeral plans. We’ll look at what each one covers, how they’re paid for, and what to think about when choosing what’s right for you. We’ll also explore how a Legal & General policy might work, what they actually cover, and how they compare to a fully guaranteed funeral plan from Aura.
Our aim is to help you feel informed and reassured, so you can make the choice that gives you the right level of cover and peace of mind.
Key takeaways:
No, Legal & General does not offer a prepaid funeral plan. Instead, they provide a type of life insurance called Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance (also referred to as Over 50s Life Insurance). This pays out a fixed cash sum when you die. Your family can use the money however they choose – for example, to help with funeral costs or other expenses.
However, this is not the same as a funeral plan. A funeral plan allows you to arrange specific services in advance and lock in today’s prices, helping to protect against potential rising funeral costs.
Key features of Legal & General’s Over 50s Life Insurance:
While this type of insurance can provide some financial support, it doesn’t include any funeral services as standard. Your family would still need to make arrangements and cover any shortfall themselves.
However, there is an optional extra. Legal & General offers a Funeral Benefit Option in partnership with Dignity Funerals. If you choose to add this feature, the cash sum will be paid directly to Dignity when you die, and they will take care of the funeral arrangements. This is not automatically included, it’s something you would need to opt into during the application process.
Legal & General’s over-50s life insurance is not a funeral plan. Instead, it provides a cash payout when you die – which your loved ones can use however they choose.
Here’s how it works:
Things to keep in mind:
In short, this type of cover can be helpful, but it doesn’t lock in funeral arrangements or protect against potential rising prices in the same way a prepaid funeral plan does.
If you’re comparing funeral plans vs life insurance, it’s important to understand how each one works and what they do (and don’t) cover. Below is a simple side-by-side look at how a Legal & General Over 50s life insurance policy compares to an Aura prepaid funeral plan.
| Feature | Aura prepaid funeral plan | Insurance payout (Legal & General) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of product | Prepaid funeral plan with services secured in advance | Life insurance or over-50s policy with a cash lump sum |
| What it covers | Funeral services such as cremation, transport and coffin, agreed in your plan | A fixed cash amount for your family to use however they choose, including towards funeral costs |
| Cost certainty | Funeral costs are locked in at today’s prices | The payout is fixed, but may not keep up with potential rising funeral costs |
| Regulation | Regulated as a funeral plan by the FCA | Regulated by the FCA and PRA as a life insurance product |
| Risk of shortfall | No shortfall, services covered in full according to the plan | Because it’s a cash payout, there’s a risk it may not cover the full cost of the funeral |
| Peace of mind | Everything is arranged and paid for in advance | Your family will need to organise the funeral and pay for it at the time, using the money from the policy |
In summary, Legal & General offers life insurance, not a funeral plan. It gives more flexibility in how the money is used, but less certainty if your main goal is to make sure your funeral is taken care of.
With a prepaid funeral plan, like Aura’s, you can make clear arrangements in advance and fix the cost. That means less stress and fewer financial worries for your loved ones later on.
Unlike insurance, a funeral plan lets you arrange and pay for the services you want in advance. This can help protect your family from rising costs and difficult decisions later on.
With Aura, you’re in control. You can choose whether or not you’d like people to attend the funeral, that’s where the flexibility lies. Every plan includes essential services such as cremation and care of the person who has died, along with a simple, dignified coffin as standard. You can pay in full or spread the cost in a way that works for you.
When the time comes, a trusted funeral director carries out the arrangements exactly as set out in your plan. There’s nothing more for your loved ones to pay for the services included.
All Aura funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The money you pay goes into an independently managed trust and is only used to cover the funeral when it’s needed.
Select a plan that meets your needs from our range of highly-rated and fully-secure funeral plan options.
Speak to one of our lovely expertsℹ to secure your plan, or purchase your plan securely online in a few simple steps.
We’ll place your money into a secure, independently-managed trust, so that it’s ready to be used for when the time comes.
After you’ve died, we’ll bring you into our care and support your loved ones through the initial paperwork with patience and compassion.
We’ll let your loved ones know the date and time of your cremation, and on the day, transport you privately to the crematorium.
Within 21 days of the cremation, we’ll arrange to hand-deliver your ashes to your chosen person at no additional cost, or we’ll scatter them on their behalf.
*Before purchase, you’ll receive a clear summary of what’s included, what’s not, and your rights under the plan*
A funeral plan helps cover the practical parts of a funeral, giving you the chance to make choices in advance and easing the burden on the people close to you. The exact details vary depending on the provider, but most plans include the core services needed for a simple and respectful goodbye.
What’s included with Aura?
What’s not included with Aura?
Aura’s funeral plans are designed to cover the essential, practical parts of a cremation. Some elements are not included as standard, but can often be arranged separately or added to a different type of plan if needed.
Every provider is different, so it’s important to read the plan carefully. A good provider will explain exactly what’s included and what’s not, so your family won’t face any unexpected costs or confusion later on.
Aura has a variety of prepaid funeral plans to match different budgets and personal preferences. Whether your choice is attended or not, we’ll either scatter your ashes in the crematorium’s garden or deliver them by hand to someone close, usually within 21 days.
Our simple Direct Cremation Plan offers a simple and understated unattended direct cremation.
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase.*
The cost of a funeral plan depends on a few things, such as the type of service you want, where in the UK you live, and how you choose to pay.
Aura’s unattended direct cremation plan is priced at £1,695 and stays the same regardless of your location. It includes everything needed for a simple cremation, including cremation fees, bringing the person into care, a basic coffin, and the return of the ashes to the family. If you prefer to pay monthly, you can spread the cost over 12 to 24 months without any extra charges.
If you would like something more personal, plans that include a ceremony or gathering tend to cost more. Aura’s attended direct cremation options start at £2,395, which includes a short, 10-minute service with up to 15 guests. For a longer service, there is also an option from £2,995, which includes a 40-minute ceremony at a partnered crematorium, with space for as many people as the venue allows.
Choosing a prepaid funeral plan means agreeing the cost and services in advance. Once the plan is fully paid and active, there is usually nothing more to pay for the services included, helping to ease both financial and emotional pressure for those left behind.
A funeral plan won’t be right for everyone, but many people choose one as a simple and thoughtful way to prepare for the future.
Planning ahead can offer peace of mind. It gives you the chance to set out your wishes, fix the costs in advance, and reduce the emotional and financial burden on your family. Instead of making difficult decisions during a time of grief, your loved ones can follow a clear plan, knowing everything has been taken care of.
One of the main reasons people choose a prepaid plan is to protect against potential rising funeral costs. According to SunLife’s 2025 Cost of Dying report, the average cost of a funeral has continued to go up. A funeral plan lets you lock in today’s prices, which can help avoid unexpected expenses later on.
All regulated funeral plans, including Aura’s, offer financial protection. The money you pay is held securely and can only be used for the funeral services in your plan.
If you’re looking for a way to take control, ease future stress for your family, and manage costs with confidence, a funeral plan may be worth considering.
Prepaid funeral plans can be an important part of end-of-life planning, helping you make thoughtful decisions now to ease the burden on your loved ones later. Compared with simple life insurance, funeral plans offer key advantages:
When choosing a funeral plan, it’s reassuring to know that funeral plan regulation is in place to protect you and your money.
All prepaid funeral plans in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means providers must follow strict rules — they must treat you fairly, explain exactly what’s included in your plan, and keep your money safe, usually in a secure trust or insurance policy.
This regulation also means you have clear rights. You’ll know how to cancel if needed, what to expect from the service, and where to turn if something goes wrong.
Your payments are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which offers extra security if the provider were ever to go out of business.
A common concern with life insurance is that the payout might not fully cover the cost of a funeral. For example:
*Please note, these figures are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect your circumstances.*
With an Aura funeral plan, the services you choose are arranged and paid for in advance. This means there is no shortfall for those agreed services. It offers a simple and secure way to pay for funeral expenses ahead of time, helping to ease both financial and emotional pressure for your family.
There’s no single provider that will suit everyone. The right funeral plan depends on your individual wishes, your budget, and how much involvement you want your family to have when the time comes.
However, many people choose Aura for a few key reasons:
Transparent pricing
Aura makes it clear what each plan includes, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. There are no hidden fees, and you can choose to pay in full or in monthly instalments, depending on what works best for you.
Strong protections and FCA regulation
All Aura funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), giving you peace of mind that your money is protected. Your plan is also backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), offering an extra layer of security.
Straightforward, flexible choices
Aura offers several plan options to suit different needs. Whether you prefer a simple direct cremation or want something more personalised, there’s a plan to match. If cost is a deciding factor, direct cremation prices are among the most affordable, without compromising on care or quality.
Supportive, compassionate service
End-of-life planning can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Aura’s friendly, understanding team is here to guide you through each step and answer any questions along the way.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £2,095 | £1,700 | £1,700 | £1,885 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.8/5 stars | 4.6/5 stars | 4.8/5 stars | 4.4/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | |||||
| All-Inclusive Pricingℹ | |||||
| Transparent Pricingℹ | |||||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ |
It’s a fair question, and one many people ask when planning ahead. The good news is that strong protections are in place if you choose a provider that follows funeral plan regulation, including rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
As of July 2022, all prepaid funeral plan providers must be regulated by the FCA, and therefore must take steps to protect your money. This is usually done by placing it into a secure trust or covering it with a regulated insurance policy. These arrangements help make sure the funds will be available when your funeral is needed, even if the company is no longer operating.
At Aura, we take this responsibility seriously. All customer payments are placed in a dedicated trust. You can read more about how we keep your money safe on our website.
If a provider stops trading, your plan may be transferred to another approved provider so the funeral can still go ahead as arranged. If that is not possible, a full refund will be provided. In some situations and subject to eligibility, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) may provide compensation.
These safeguards are designed to give you confidence in the plan you have chosen and reassurance that your money is protected.
Everyone’s needs and priorities are different. While Legal & General offer life insurance, Aura provides prepaid funeral plans, so each option works in a different way.
If you want to plan ahead and make sure both the cost and the details of the funeral are arranged in advance, a funeral plan from Aura could be a good fit. It gives you the chance to make decisions now and ease the pressure on your family later.
Still, the right choice depends on what matters most to you. It’s a good idea to speak with both providers and think about your wishes, your budget, and the kind of support you want to leave behind.
If you are not sure which option is best, we can help you compare funeral plans in a clear and simple way. Whether you are thinking about a direct cremation or something more traditional, we are here to support you with honest guidance.
At Aura, we believe in treating every person that turns to us as if they were our own family. This dedication has earned us an exceptional 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, making us the highest rated ‘Cremation Services’ provider on the platform.
We’re honoured to be a trusted partner for families across the UK. Read their stories below.
Some companies offer funeral insurance, which pays out a lump sum when you die. Your family can use this money however they choose, including towards funeral costs, but it doesn’t guarantee that a funeral will be arranged or fully paid for.
It’s also worth noting that Legal & General’s Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance is not funeral insurance. It’s a type of life insurance, which is slightly different.
A funeral plan, by contrast, lets you arrange and pay for specific funeral services in advance. Everything is agreed ahead of time, and when the time comes, those services are carried out as planned. This can ease financial pressure and bring clarity for the people left behind.
Not for the services included in your plan. Once your funeral plan is fully paid and active, the agreed services, such as cremation, care of the person who has died, and a coffin, will be covered in full.
If your family asks for anything that is not included in the plan, such as flowers, a venue for a wake, or extra transport, there may be additional costs. These would be optional and arranged separately.
This depends on the provider. Some funeral plans only become active once all payments are complete. Others may offer partial cover once you have paid for a certain amount of time, such as one year.
With Aura, if you die before finishing your instalment payments, your family may need to pay the rest of the balance for the funeral to go ahead. We explain this clearly when you take out the plan, so there are no surprises later on.
Most funeral plan providers offer a cooling-off period, often around 30 days, where you can cancel and receive a full refund. After that, some may deduct a cancellation fee or only refund part of what you have paid.
Aura offers more flexibility. You can cancel your plan at any time, and as long as no services have been provided, we will refund everything you have paid. There are no administration or cancellation fees. We believe it is important to make the process clear and fair from the start.
Yes, many people choose to have both. A funeral plan lets you arrange and pay for the funeral itself, often securing today’s prices. Life insurance, like Legal & General’s over-50s cover, pays out a lump sum that your family can use however they choose, including to help with other expenses.
If your goal is to take care of the funeral arrangements in advance, a funeral plan may be the better fit. Life insurance can offer broader financial support, but it does not guarantee that your funeral will be organised or fully paid for.
If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.