FAQ - Funeral Cover
- Children can only remain on cover up if they are unmarried up to the age of 27, if they are still full time students at a recognized institution. If they are not studying they are covered to the age of 21.
- No, only natural, legally adopted or step children under the age of 22 or 27, if studying fulltime can be covered under you family funeral scheme.
- Yes, a common law relationship is recognized providing we are advised of this. Waiting periods in respect of cover selected will apply from the time that we are advised of this person’s full name and ID number. Should you leave each other, the cover for her/him will fall away. We will ask for proof that this person was your common law partner at claims stage.
- From the time that the first premium is collected there is a waiting period before you can put in a claim for a natural death. As soon as the first premium has been collected, you are covered in the event of an accidental death.
- Suicide, attempted suicide or self-inflicted injury.
- When the death of an individual is ruled to be the result of an accident.
- No, unfortunately funeral policies do not have surrender values and the premiums contributed towards the funeral plan will be forfeited when a policy is cancelled.
- We understand the disruption caused by a family death and the possible need for finances to cover funeral costs. The claim will be paid within 48 hours provided all claim documentation has been completed and submitted.
In the event of a death, a Claim Notification Form must be requested from Phakama’s office, and must be submitted together with the relevant supporting documents within six (6) months of the date of death. Failure to do so within the six (6) month period from date of death will result in the benefit being forfeited. Documents to be submitted:
- Fully completed Claim Notification Form.
- Proof of death: (B1-5) original certified copy of the computer produced Death Certificate.
- Certified copy of Principal Insured’s ID.
- Certified copy of deceased’s ID document.
- Copy of Membership Certificate.
- Certified copy of marriage/registration certificate or sworn affidavit that the principal insured is married to the spouse or that the principal insured has lived with his/her partner for at least 6 months.
- Full time student: Letter from recognised education institution.
- Disabled child: Confirmation of disability grant and a copy of medical report relating to disability.
- In the event that a child’s surname is different from the principal insured, an affidavit is required to explain the nature of the relationship to the principal insured.
- Still-born child: Certified copy of death certificate and the Notification/Register of Death/Still Birth (83/B1 – 1663) form, as well as a letter from the doctor/hospital in attendance, confirming the duration of the gestation period.
Claims, in respect of Family Members, will only be paid where such Family Members have been nominated on the original application/amended form.
The underwriter reserves the right to request any further documentation or information as it may deem necessary to accurately assess a claim. The underwriter will endeavor to settle the claim within 48 hours of receiving all of the required fully completed documentation. Faxed copies must be clearly certified. The details of the Commissioner of Oaths with all the relevant details must be clearly legible. Documentation submitted, other than those listed, will not be accepted. EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED ABOVE, AFFIDAVITS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
- In the instance where the policyholder's life is covered, the Plan pays out to the beneficiary. If there is no beneficiary it pays to the estate.
- If the policyholder's life is not covered in the Plan selected we pay the policyholder.
- When you take out a Family Funeral Plan, the same policy automatically covers you, your partner (if under age 66) and all of your dependent children under the age of 21 for one premium. In fact, you can cover up to four children on the Family Funeral Plan at no extra cost!
- Cover for you will end on your death, as long as you pay your premiums.
- Cover for your partner/parents will end on your death or on their death, whichever is earlier, as long as you pay the premiums.
- Cover for your children will end on your death, their death or when they turn 21, whichever is earlier, as long as you pay the premiums. If your children are full-time students, their cover is extended until age 25.
- You have 30 days to pay the premium that you missed. Your cover will continue for this time, but if you claim, the unpaid premium will be deducted from the claim amount paid out. Note that if you miss your first premium, or if more than 2 premiums are outstanding, the policy will automatically lapse, and all cover will cease.
- This Funeral Plan pays out a lump sum on your death or the death of an immediate family member covered by this policy.
