When a loved one passes away, families are often making important financial decisions while dealing with grief. They have to consider the arrangements, coordinate with relatives, and find the resources to cover the expenses, sometimes within just a few days. Preparing ahead can help ease that pressure and give families greater clarity about what needs to be done.
To avoid unexpected expenses, PhilPlans encourages families to understand that planning for a funeral is not just about knowing the price, but understanding what they are actually paying for. A funeral package priced at P40,000 may still leave families with additional expenses, depending on what services are covered. It is therefore important to request itemized quotations, compare package inclusions, and clarify which services may require additional payment. Discussing preferences for burial or cremation and establishing a realistic budget beforehand can also make arrangements easier to manage when the time comes.
Funeral arrangements can vary considerably depending on the provider, location, facilities, and package inclusions. According to PhilPlans, quoted packages may not cover every expense. Extended chapel use, for instance, can add ?5,000 to ?15,000 per day depending on the facility. Cemetery lots, interment fees, transportation, food for visitors, and other arrangements may also be charged separately. Actual costs ultimately depend on the provider, location, and services selected.
As a pre-need company offering memorial plans, PhilPlans provides options for families who wish to prepare financially for future memorial needs. Its PhilPlans Memorial Fund (PMF) is a fund that can be used to pay for a desired memorial service package in the future, subject to the plan’s benefit amount and terms. PhilPlans has partnered with over 300 accredited mortuary partners nationwide, with 24/7 assistance available to help families coordinate funeral arrangements.
Additional features are also available through PMF Plus, one of which is the Immediate Cash Assistance, which provides needed cash during the wake.
‘Preparation can begin with a simple conversation about what a family wants and what it can reasonably afford. Understanding the available options and making arrangements ahead of time can help loved ones avoid having to make every decision at once.’ said PhilPlans President and CEO Atty. Monico V. Jacob.
This All Souls’ Day, PhilPlans encourages Filipinos to look beyond remembrance and consider how early preparation can help ease the responsibilities their loved ones may face. By understanding funeral expenses, reviewing available options, and discussing preferences ahead of time, families can make more informed decisions and focus on what matters most when the time comes.