Although it’s an unpleasant thing to think about, death is something that you need to consider when you’re moving to a new country – especially for those that are moving a little later in life. Death comes to us all, and it can often be expensive and stressful for those left behind, which is why many people consider getting a funeral plan.
Cost is one of the main factors people consider a prepaid funeral plan or funeral insurance. Although the cost of a funeral can be covered in many ways, including through the estate you leave behind, having the cost of the funeral already paid for makes it much easier for your loved ones and means they’re not out of pocket at an already difficult time.
It can save you money too! At least, in theory. If you take out a funeral plan today for €4,000 but live another 20 years, you will still only be charged the amount you paid even if the cost of a funeral has increased. This works well for the customer who lives another 20 years, but as former funeral director Fernando Mendes points out, not for the company whose margins are now much slimmer – and could lead to companies trying to cut costs in order to make a profit.
Pricing
The cost of funeral and cremation services vary, but a cremation service typically starts from around €2,000.
Funeral plans start from around €2,000-€4,000 as well, but can go up to around €10,000 if you want to repatriate a body. Avalon, one of the most popular funeral plan providers, has a basic cremation plan which starts at a little under €4,000. Golden Leaves has a plan which starts at a little over €2,000. Both companies are primarily UK-based, with offices in Spain and Portugal.
The cheapest option is usually to have the body cremated without a service, although you can arrange for a service at the crematorium at the same time. Many people opt to get the body cremated and then have a memorial service after. Many will have two services: one in Portugal and one back in the country the person is from. The crematorium will normally provide a cremation certificate allowing you to take the ashes onboard a flight with you.
If burial is a priority, most plans cover the cost of burial with differing costs depending on the quality of the coffin and the length of stay in a mortuary. Naturally, the burial takes place at a cemetery in Portugal. Plans rarely cover the tombstone and burial plot.
The most expensive plan allows for the body to be repatriated to your home country. Once the body is there, you have the option of having it cremated or buried on familiar soil. Some repatriation plans only cover the cost of repatriating the cremated remains.
Other considerations
Besides choosing between a funeral plan or arranging things in a more bespoke fashion, there are a few other things to consider.
Think about what you want
If you haven’t already, this is a good opportunity to think about what you want to happen when you die. In fact, it can be a good idea to think about what you want and then to figure out how easy or complicated that plan would be in reality.
Do you want to be cremated or buried? Do you want a service in Portugal and one in another country? Is it important that your body or ashes are buried or scattered somewhere other than Portugal? Do you want a religious service, a humanistic service, or are you indifferent?
It’s also a good idea to think about whether you plan to stay in Portugal long-term as a Portuguese funeral plan may not cover you if you later decide to move to Italy or back home to a country like the US, for example.
Check the terms and conditions
If you’re considering a funeral plan, check what the funeral plan covers and decide if it’s worth it. For example, the funeral plans that cover burial typically don’t cover costs like the plot and headstones. Those that cover repatriation have a limit on how much they will pay towards the flight.
Make a will
Aside from the funeral plans, and deciding whether to take out a prepaid plan or not, another major consideration is getting a will drawn up. There is no requirement to have a Portuguese will, but it can simplify things for those you leave behind. If you don’t draw up a will in Portugal, or anywhere else, Portuguese inheritance law will apply. This is designed to be fair, but may not suit everybody.
If you already have a will in another country, this may be valid in Portugal. Typically, however, it will need to be translated and notarised before it can be accepted in Portugal. If you don’t get the will translated and notarised before your death, you may end up leaving costs and challenges to those that survive you.
It seems that most Portuguese lawyers recommend you get a Portuguese will made, even if you have a will in another country, rather than rely on a translated version of your original will. If you do make a Portuguese will, don’t forget to update any other wills that you have.
Have more questions? Read this guide to arranging a funeral in Portugal.
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