Survey Reveals Funeral Cost Differences Across Ireland

This poll was implemented by Marketing Partners between July 26th and August 5th, 2016.

It’s a subject none of us like to think about but the An Post Insurance Funeral Price Index, a new survey from An Post Insurance, one of Ireland’s leading insurance providers and a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post, shows that, in many instances, where you live in Ireland determines the likely costs of your death and burial. 

It reveals:

• The standard funeral cost is €4,062 (and covers Removal and Care of the Deceased, Embalming, Removal to Church / Cemetery, Hearse, Funeral Directors Fee and Coffin but excludes “disbursements”; items such as Church Offering, Priest, Music, Obituary Notice - more details can be found below - and the cost of a burial plot or cremation service)
• The highest price quoted to researchers for a standard funeral was €6,310 in Co. Tipperary
• The highest average funeral costs were €5,000 in counties Sligo and Clare while the lowest of €3,408 was recorded for Co. Wexford
• A nationwide high cost of €32,000 was quoted for a double plot at a graveyard in Deansgrange Dublin (the same sized plot in Shanganagh, Dublin was quoted at €5,600, again reflecting considerable geographic differences in pricing)
• Cremation costs were highest in Cork at €770, behind Dublin at €682 - with the lowest in Galway at €527

Commenting on the findings leading financial advisor, The Money Doctor, John Lowe said:

 "Thankfully, we’re all living longer and healthier lives so hopefully won’t need to think about our burial or cremation for a long time. That said, accidents do happen, and the survey shows that costs are considerable and vary widely. And because it’s an event that is a celebration of a life, there’s a natural inclination to add in elements to create a more bespoke - but therefore more expensive – final farewell. That’s why a simple bit of financial planning now can avoid additional heartache for family and loved ones also having to cope with the extra burden of burial costs."

For instance, the An Post Insurance Over 50s Funeral plan is a product which is easy to apply for, starts from just €15 per month* and is available to everyone between the ages of 50 and 75 with no medicals required." (See editors note).

Costs of “Disbursements” & Coffins

In addition to a “standard funeral”, there are additional and in many cases, unavoidable costs to be considered.

These so called “disbursements” include costs for everything from a Church Offering, Priest, Sacristan, Singer, Organist, Flowers, Obituary Notice, Radio, Doctors and Coroners Fee. The survey found in this regard:

• Amongst respondents, Laois at €1,440, Galway at €1,242 and Dublin at €1,177 were the top three most expensive locations for disbursements in Ireland (Kerry and Limerick were the least expensive at €470 and €573 respectively)

Coffins

And while it might seem indelicate to mention it, the cost of a coffin can make a difference to the final funeral bill.

What’s described as a “standard coffin” is most affordable in Waterford at €1,177 and most expensive in Kerry and Laois (each costing €2,000). Dublin and Cork reported rates of €1,750 and €1,399 respectively.

The Money Doctor, John Lowe added: “The costs of dying in Ireland are many and varied so having some insurance protection in place can offer peace of mind at a very stressful time. For some, having the expenses sorted is great comfort.”

For further information:

An Post Insurance Over 50s Funeral Plan could give your loved ones a promised lump sum payment that can be used to help to pay for funeral expenses or perhaps repay any loans or bills you might still have at the time of your passing. It’s a single life plan that offers peace of mind for people aged between 50 and 75 years of age at the date of commencement of the policy. With premiums to suit applicants, features include:

• guaranteed acceptance for everyone aged 50-75
• no medical questions, check-ups or reports needed
• up to €30,000 cover
• travel accident benefit
• choice of flexible payment methods
• full life cover benefit payable after 2 years
• premiums cease at the age of 85, but life cover will continue until you die,
• consistent level of life cover and unchanging premiums

EDITORS NOTE 2: ABOUT THE SURVEY

The telephone survey was conducted by Marketing Partners between July 26th and August 5th, 2016 on behalf of An Post Insurance. 296 members of The Irish Funeral Directors Association were approached with responses received from 84 members. Specific information is available by request for a number of individual counties – where sufficient data was collected for it to be considered reasonably representative. 

Get the peace of mind you need with our comprehensive funeral insurance.

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