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Written by Mitch Tapner.
21 minute read
When thinking about the future, it’s natural to want clear, straightforward information. Many people come across Promis Life while researching funeral costs and assume they offer prepaid funeral plans. While Promis don’t offer these types of plans, they do provide over-50s life insurance and a funeral protection plan.
In this guide, we explain the difference between life insurance and funeral plans. We’ll look at what each one includes, how they’re paid for, and what to think about when choosing the option that feels right for you.
We’ll also explore how a Promis Life policy works, what it actually covers, and how it compares to a fully guaranteed funeral plan from Aura.
Our goal is to help you feel confident and informed, so you can choose the level of cover that suits you and gives you peace of mind.
No, Promis Life doesn’t offer a prepaid funeral plan as such. Instead, they provide two types of cover that can help with funeral expenses.
The first is their Over 50s life insurance policy, which pays out a fixed cash sum when you die. While this payout can be used for a range of costs, Promis Life also offers a Funeral Protection Plan that’s more focused on covering the expenses involved in arranging a funeral.
Although this plan is designed to help with funeral costs, it works differently to a funeral plan. A funeral plan allows you to arrange specific services in advance and lock in today’s prices, helping to protect against future price increases.
Key features of Promis Life’s Funeral Protection Plan:
Promis Life’s Funeral Protection Plan doesn’t include a funeral service as standard.
Instead of arranging the funeral for you, the plan pays out a cash sum to your estate or the person named on the policy when you die. This means Promis Life won’t take care of the funeral arrangements themselves.
As this is an insurance policy rather than a pre-paid funeral plan, your family or loved ones will still need to arrange the funeral and cover any extra costs if the payout doesn’t cover everything.
Promis Life’s Funeral Protection Plan is a life insurance policy designed to help cover funeral expenses, but it is not a prepaid funeral plan. Instead of arranging the funeral directly, it provides a cash payout to your estate or chosen beneficiary when you die. Your loved ones can then use this money towards funeral costs or for other expenses, depending on their needs.
Here’s how it works:
Things to keep in mind:
In short, this type of cover can help, but it doesn’t lock in funeral arrangements or protect against potential rising costs in the way a pre-paid funeral plan can.
If you’re comparing life insurance vs funeral plans, it’s important to understand how each one works and what they do (and don’t) cover. Below is a side-by-side comparison of how a Promis Life Funeral Protection Plan differs from an Aura prepaid funeral plan.
| Feature | Aura prepaid funeral plan | Insurance payout (Promis Life’s Funeral Protection Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of product | Prepaid funeral plan with services secured in advance | A life insurance policy (available to UK residents aged 30–79) that pays out a cash lump sum when you die |
| What it covers | Funeral services such as cremation, transport and coffin, agreed in your plan | A fixed cash amount paid to your estate or chosen beneficiary. Your loved ones can use it towards funeral costs or other expenses |
| 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, Promis Life’s Funeral Protection Plan offers a flexible cash payout, giving your loved ones freedom to use the funds as they see fit. However, it doesn’t guarantee that funeral costs will be fully covered or include funeral arrangements.
By contrast, an Aura prepaid funeral plan allows you to lock in today’s prices and arrange your funeral in advance, offering greater certainty and peace of mind that everything will be taken care of for your family.
A funeral plan lets you arrange and pay for the services you want in advance. This is different from insurance, which provides a cash payout. A plan can help protect your loved ones from rising costs and difficult decisions in the future.
With Aura, you’re in control. You can choose the kind of funeral you want, including whether or not anyone attends. That flexibility is built into every plan.
All our plans include essential services, such as cremation, care of the person who has died, and a simple, dignified coffin. You can pay in full or spread the cost, whichever suits you best.
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.
Aura funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Everything you pay goes into an independently managed trust. It’s only used when it’s needed to cover the funeral.
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 take care of the practical side of things when it comes to organising a funeral. It gives you the chance to make decisions in advance and can ease the pressure on the people close to you.
What’s included in a funeral plan can vary between providers. But with Aura, you can feel confident that the following are always guaranteed.
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.
Each funeral plan provider is different, so it’s worth reading the details carefully. A trusted provider will be clear about what’s included – and what isn’t – helping to avoid any unexpected costs or uncertainty for your family 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. These include the type of service you choose, where you live in the UK, and how you prefer to pay.
Aura’s unattended direct cremation plan costs £1,695. This price stays the same no matter where you live. It includes everything needed for a simple cremation: cremation fees, bringing the person into care, a basic coffin, and returning the ashes to the family. If you’d rather spread the cost, you can pay monthly over 12 to 24 months, with no extra fees.
If you’d like something more personal, plans that include a service at the crematorium usually cost a little more. Aura’s attended direct cremation options start at £2,395, which includes a short 10-minute service for up to 15 guests. For a longer farewell, there’s also an option from £2,995, which includes a 40-minute ceremony at a partnered crematorium, with room for as many people as the chapel can hold.
Choosing a prepaid funeral plan means agreeing both the cost and the services in advance. Once your plan is fully paid and active, there’s usually nothing more to pay for what’s included. This can help ease the financial and emotional pressure on those closest to you.
Funeral plans won’t suit everyone, but they can offer a clear and caring way to plan ahead.
By arranging things in advance, you can outline your wishes, protect your loved ones from unexpected costs, and ease the stress of decision-making at an already difficult time. It’s one less thing for your family to worry about.
A key reason many people choose a funeral plan is to guard against potential rising funeral costs. According to SunLife’s 2025 Cost of Dying report, funeral prices continue to increase year on year. With a prepaid plan, you can secure today’s prices and avoid the risk of paying more later on.
Regulated funeral plans, like those offered by Aura, come with built-in financial protection. What you pay is held securely and set aside to cover the services in your plan when the time comes.
If you’re looking for a way to plan with clarity, support your family, and manage future costs, a funeral plan could be a helpful option.
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:
*Funeral plans may not be suitable for everyone. Some services are not included as standard. Please check the plan summary before purchase*
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, everything included is arranged and paid for in advance. That means there’s nothing more to pay for the agreed services when the time comes.
It’s a straightforward and reliable way to pay for funeral expenses ahead of time, helping to reduce both the financial and emotional strain on your family.
No single provider is right for everyone. The best funeral plan for you will depend on your personal wishes, your budget, and how much you’d like your family to be involved 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 common and understandable concern. When you’re planning ahead, you want to know that your money is protected, even if something changes.
The good news is that strong safeguards are in place. Since July 2022, all prepaid funeral plan providers must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means they are legally required to protect your payments, usually by placing the money into a secure trust or covering it with a regulated insurance policy.
These measures help make sure your funeral can still go ahead, even if the original provider is no longer operating.
At Aura, we take this responsibility seriously. All customer payments are placed in a dedicated, independently managed trust. You can read more about how we keep your money safe on our website.
If a provider does stop trading, your plan may be moved to another approved provider. If that is not possible, you will receive a full refund. In some cases, and depending on eligibility, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) may also offer compensation.
These protections are designed to give you confidence in your plan and peace of mind that your money is secure.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. While Promis Life offers life insurance and funeral protection plans, Aura specialises in prepaid funeral plans, so the two options meet different needs.
If you’d like to plan ahead and make sure both the cost and the details of the funeral are arranged in advance, a funeral plan with Aura could be a thoughtful option. It gives you the chance to decide what you want now and helps ease the pressure on your family in the future.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to what matters most to you. It’s worth speaking with both providers and thinking about your wishes, your budget, and the kind of support you want your loved ones to have.
Why people choose Aura:
If you’re unsure what’s right for you, we can help you compare funeral plans clearly and simply. Whether you’re considering a direct cremation or something more traditional, we’re here to offer honest, supportive guidance every step of the way.
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 after someone dies. The money can be used however the family chooses – including to help with funeral costs. However, it doesn’t guarantee that a funeral will be arranged, or that all costs will be covered.
It’s also important to know that Promis Life’s Funeral Protection Plan isn’t funeral insurance. It’s a type of life insurance, which works a little differently.
A funeral plan is different again. It allows specific funeral services to be arranged and paid for in advance. Everything is agreed ahead of time, so when the time comes, those services are carried out as planned. This can ease financial pressure and offer peace of mind to those left behind.
Not for what is included in the plan. Once it is fully paid and active, the agreed services — such as cremation, care of the person who has died, and a simple coffin — are covered in full.
If your family requests something extra, like flowers, a wake venue or additional transport, these would need to be arranged separately and paid for at the time.
This depends on the provider. Some plans only become active once all payments are made. Others may include partial cover if you have been paying for a certain amount of time, such as 12 months.
With Aura, if you die before finishing your instalments, your family may need to pay the remaining balance for the funeral to go ahead. We explain this clearly when you take out the plan, so there are no unexpected costs later on.
Most providers offer a cooling-off period, usually around 30 days, where you can cancel and get a full refund. After that, there may be cancellation fees or only a partial refund.
Aura is more flexible. You can cancel your plan at any time. As long as no services have been provided and you have paid for your plan either in a lump sum or instalments up to 24 months, we will refund everything you have paid. We do not charge any admin or cancellation fees, and we aim to keep the process fair and straightforward.
Yes, you can. Many people choose to have both. A funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for the funeral in advance, often securing today’s prices. Life insurance pays out a lump sum that your family can use however they wish, including for other expenses.
If your priority is to make sure the funeral is organised and paid for in advance, a funeral plan may be the better fit. Life insurance offers broader financial support, but it does not guarantee that the funeral itself will be covered or arranged.
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.