In 2019, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) released a comprehensive Cremation and Burial report, shedding light on cremation costs and various statistics within the funeral industry. These statistics not only provide insights into funeral and burial expenses but also highlight trends observed in recent years.
A closer look at the latest report underscores the significance of having a burial insurance policy for those who wish to spare their family the financial burden associated with cremation and burial.
The preference for cremation over burials has been on the rise since 2015, driven largely by cost considerations. So, how much does cremation cost? According to the NFDA’s 2019 report, the median cost of a funeral with cremation is $5,150.
The NFDA calculates this median cost by factoring in various elements, including the basic services fee, removal/transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming, use of facilities and staff for viewing and a funeral ceremony, service car/van, basic memorial printed package, and cremation fee. Notably, the median cost does not cover a cremation casket or container, which is typically required for the safe and respectful handling of the deceased’s body. Additionally, it does not include expenses like the price of an urn, vault, cemetery monument/marker, or other miscellaneous cash advance charges.
National Median Cost of an Adult Funeral with Viewing and Cremation in 2019
*71.1% of respondents use a third-party crematory (i.e., the funeral home does not own a crematory)
The NFDA reported the median cost of a burial funeral to be nearly $8,000. This cost does not cover the cemetery plot, which can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the landowner. Additional requests could further escalate the total into the tens of thousands of dollars.
As illustrated, cremation costs are a few thousand dollars cheaper. If you still prefer the traditional route, a burial insurance policy is the best way to ensure your family can afford it.
Compared to pre-paying thousands of dollars for funeral or cremation costs, a small monthly payment for burial insurance appears more flexible. The beauty of these policies lies in not tying up all your money with one funeral home. You can purchase a policy that covers your funeral and other final expenses, with the benefit going to a loved one of your choosing, not a funeral home.
The cost of a policy varies based on your age, health, and coverage amount. However, there are guaranteed issue policies that virtually everyone can be accepted for. Our service can connect you with licensed agents in your state who can help you find more affordable policies with the benefits you need.