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Written by Mitch Tapner.
21 minute read
When planning for the future, it’s natural to want clear information about your options. Many people come across Royal London while researching funeral costs and assume they offer prepaid funeral plans. However, Royal London doesn’t offer these types of plans. Instead, they provide a form of life insurance called Whole of Life Cover, which works differently.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between life insurance and funeral plans. We’ll look at what each one covers, how payments work, and what to consider when deciding which option suits you best. We’ll also break down how a Royal London policy works, what it actually includes, and how it compares to a fully guaranteed funeral plan from Aura.
Our goal is to give you clear and straightforward information so you can feel confident in choosing the cover that offers the right protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
No, Royal London does not offer a prepaid funeral plan. Instead, they provide a type of life insurance called ‘Whole of Life Cover’, which pays out a fixed cash sum when you die. Your family can use this money in any way they choose, such as contributing towards funeral costs or other expenses.
However, this is different from a funeral plan. A funeral plan allows you to arrange specific services in advance and secure them at today’s prices, helping protect against future increases in funeral costs.
Key features of Royal London’s Whole of Life Cover:
Although this type of insurance can offer financial support, it does not include any funeral services. Your family would still need to make the arrangements and cover any remaining costs themselves.
Royal London’s Whole of Life Cover is a type of life insurance, not a funeral plan. It pays out a lump sum when you die, which your loved ones can use in any way they need.
Here’s how it works:
Important things to know:
In short, this type of cover can provide financial help, but it doesn’t guarantee funeral arrangements or protect against potential rising costs in the way a prepaid funeral plan can.
If you’re comparing funeral plans vs life insurance, it helps to understand how each one works and what they do or don’t include. Below is a simple side-by-side comparison of a Royal London Whole of Life Cover policy and an Aura prepaid funeral plan.
| Feature | Aura prepaid funeral plan | Insurance payout (Royal London Whole of Life Cover) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of product | Prepaid funeral plan with services secured in advance | Whole of Life insurance policy that pays a cash lump sum when you die |
| What it covers | Funeral services such as cremation, transport and coffin, agreed in your plan | A guaranteed lump-sum payment to your chosen beneficiaries or estate, which can be used for any purpose including funeral costs |
| Cost certainty | Funeral costs are locked in at today’s prices | You can choose guaranteed premiums (fixed for life) or reviewable premiums (which may increase in future). The payout is fixed unless you select increasing cover |
| 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 pays a cash sum, there’s a risk it may not cover the full cost of a funeral if prices rise over time |
| 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 |
To put it simply, Royal London offers a form of life insurance, not a funeral plan. While life insurance can help with a range of costs, it doesn’t guarantee that your funeral will be arranged or paid for.
A prepaid funeral plan, like Aura’s, is different. It lets you plan ahead and lock in today’s prices. That way, your wishes are clear and your family has one less thing to worry about later.
A funeral plan is different from insurance. It lets you plan and pay for the funeral you want, in advance. This helps protect your family from potential rising costs and tough decisions later on.
With Aura, you stay in control. You decide what kind of funeral you’d like, including whether anyone attends. Every plan includes 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 to suit your budget.
When the time comes, a trusted funeral director carries out the arrangements just as you’ve 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 a secure, independently managed trust. It is 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 takes care of the practical side of a funeral. It gives you the chance to make choices ahead of time and helps ease the pressure on the people close to you. The exact details can vary between providers, but the following are always guaranteed in an Aura funeral plan.
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 choose, where you live in the UK, and how you decide to pay.
Aura’s unattended direct cremation plan costs £1,695 and is the same price wherever you are. It covers everything needed for a simple cremation, including cremation fees, bringing the person into care, a basic coffin, and returning the ashes to the family. You can pay in full or spread the cost over 12 to 24 months with no extra fees.
If you would like something more personal, a plan that includes a ceremony or gathering will usually cost more. Aura’s attended direct cremation options start from £2,395, which includes a short 10-minute service for up to 15 guests. For a longer farewell, 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.
By choosing a prepaid funeral plan, you agree the cost and services in advance. Once the plan is fully paid and active, there is usually nothing more to pay for what is included. This can help ease both emotional and financial pressure for those left behind.
Only you can decide whether it’s worth paying for a funeral plan, as you understand best what is most suitable and affordable for you; but many people choose one as a simple, thoughtful way to plan ahead.
It can bring peace of mind. By setting out your wishes and fixing the cost in advance, you can ease both the emotional and financial pressure on the people close to you. Instead of facing difficult choices during a time of grief, your loved ones can follow a clear plan, knowing everything has already been arranged.
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 increase. A funeral plan lets you lock in today’s prices, which can help avoid unexpected costs 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 services included in your plan.
If you’re looking for a way to take control, reduce future stress for your family, and manage costs with confidence, a funeral plan could 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:
*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, the services you choose are arranged and paid for in advance. This means there’s no gap in cover for those agreed services. It’s a straightforward and reliable way to pay for funeral expenses ahead of time, helping to ease both financial and emotional pressure for your family.
No single provider is right for everyone. The best funeral plan for you will depend on your wishes, your budget, and how much you’d like your family to be involved when the time comes.
That said, many people choose Aura for a few simple reasons:
Transparent pricing
Aura clearly sets out what each plan includes, so you always know what you’re paying for. There are no hidden costs. You can choose to pay in full or spread the cost monthly, depending on what suits you best.
Strong protections and FCA regulation
All Aura funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), so you can feel confident your money is safe. They’re also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), adding extra protection for your peace of mind.
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
Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Aura’s kind, knowledgeable team is here to guide you through every step and answer any questions you have.
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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. The good news is that there are strong protections in place when you choose a provider that follows funeral plan regulation, including rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Since July 2022, all prepaid funeral plan providers must be regulated by the FCA. This means they must take steps to protect your money, usually by placing it in a secure trust or covering it with a regulated insurance policy. These measures help ensure the funds are there when needed, even if the provider is no longer operating.
At Aura, we take this responsibility seriously. All customer payments are placed into a dedicated trust, managed independently. You can find more detail about how we keep your money safe on our website.
If a provider stops trading, your plan may be transferred to another authorised provider so the funeral can still go ahead as planned. If that is not possible, a full refund will usually be offered. In some cases, and if you are eligible, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) may also provide compensation.
These protections are in place to give you confidence that your plan is secure and that your wishes will be respected, no matter what.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. While Royal London offers a form of life insurance, Aura provides prepaid funeral plans, so each option works in its own way.
If you’re looking to plan ahead and want both the cost and the details of the funeral arranged in advance, a funeral plan from Aura could be a good match. It gives you the chance to make thoughtful decisions now and ease the burden on your family later.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what matters most to you. It’s worth speaking to both providers and thinking about your wishes, your budget, and the kind of support you want your family to have when the time comes.
Why people choose Aura:
If you’re unsure which option is 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. This money can be used however the family chooses – including to help cover funeral costs. But it doesn’t guarantee that a funeral will be arranged, or that the costs will be fully covered.
It’s also worth knowing that Royal London’s Whole of Life Cover isn’t a funeral insurance policy. It’s a type of life insurance, which works a little differently.
A funeral plan is different again. It lets you arrange and pay for specific funeral services in advance. Everything is agreed ahead of time, so when the time comes, those services are carried out just as planned. This can ease financial pressure and bring some clarity for the people left behind.
This can vary depending on the provider. Some funeral plans only become active once all payments have been made, while others may offer some level of cover after you’ve been paying for a certain period, such as 12 months.
With Aura, if you die before completing your instalment payments, 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 everything is understood from the start and there are no unexpected costs later on.
This depends on the provider and the terms of the plan. With Aura, you have added reassurance, with free cancellation at any time for all our funeral plans. There are no hidden fees, so if your circumstances change, you’re free to cancel without worry.
Most regulated providers offer a cooling-off period, but not all allow cancellation beyond that without charges. That’s why it’s important to choose a provider that’s upfront about your options from the start.
Yes, you can have both, and many people choose to do so. A funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for the funeral in advance, often locking in today’s prices. Life insurance pays out a lump sum that your family can use however they wish, including to help with other costs.
If your main aim is to make sure the funeral is planned and paid for, a funeral plan may be a better fit. Life insurance can provide wider financial support, but it doesn’t guarantee that the funeral itself will be arranged or fully covered.
With a funeral plan, the cost of the services you choose is fixed at today’s prices. That means if funeral costs rise in the future, your loved ones won’t be asked to pay the difference for anything covered in your plan.
In contrast, life insurance products like Royal London’s Whole of Life Cover pay out a fixed cash sum. If funeral costs have gone up by the time the policy pays out, the money may not be enough to cover everything, which could leave your family to make up the shortfall.
A prepaid funeral plan offers more certainty, helping protect against rising costs and giving your family peace of mind.
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.