A prepaid direct cremation plan in the UK typically costs between £1,400 and £2,000*, depending on the provider and what’s included. A prepaid plan locks in a fixed price now - protecting your family from future cost increases.
If you’re looking into prepaid cremation plan costs, you’re already thinking ahead – and that’s a decision your family will thank you for.
The cost of a traditional funeral with a service has risen 146% since 2004, and 58% of people don’t put enough aside to cover the full cost (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026)*.
A prepaid direct cremation plan is one of the most practical ways to take that worry off the table.
But how much does a cremation plan actually cost? What’s included? And how do you tell a good plan from a bad one?
A direct cremation plan is a prepaid funeral arrangement. You pay now – either in full or in installments – and when the time comes, your direct cremation is taken care of at no further cost to your family. There is no funeral service, no hearse, and no mourners at the crematorium. The cremation takes place privately, and the ashes are returned to your loved ones.
The word “plan” is the key distinction. A direct cremation plan is bought in advance, before it’s needed. This is different from an “at-need” direct cremation, which is arranged and paid for after a death has occurred.
The two are priced differently because a plan must cover a wider range of eventualities, so the plan is built to cover any scenario and also includes an allowance for inflation. If you are receiving end of life care or expect to use the services in the plan within 12 months, an at-need direct cremation may be more cost-effective, so it’s worth bearing this in mind.
Because a prepaid plan is purchased before the circumstances are known, a comprehensive plan should cover every eventuality so your family has nothing extra to pay. Here is what to look for:
Memoria’s Direct Cremation Plan costs £1,595. It has been rated 5 stars by Fairer Finance and is one of the lowest priced top-rated direct cremation plans in the UK.
| What is included? | What is not included? |
|---|---|
| Funeral directors’ fees, services and cremation fees | Funeral service or attendance |
| Specialist family support 24 hours a day | Choice of crematorium |
| Collection of the deceased from anywhere in mainland UK | Viewing of the deceased |
| Quality wood coffin (larger size coffins are also covered) | Burial |
| Transport of the deceased to the crematorium | Flowers, hearse or limousine |
| Completion of all cremation paperwork | |
| Online funeral notice | |
| Battery-operated implant removal (e.g. pacemakers) | |
| Hand delivery of ashes |
See exactly what’s included in a Memoria Direct Cremation Plan - Lowest priced 5-star rated prepaid direct cremation plan in UK
Funeral costs have been rising steadily for over twenty years. According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026*:
A prepaid cremation plan addresses all of these concerns. It fixes the cost at today’s price, removes the financial burden from your family, and puts your wishes in writing so there’s no guesswork.
If direct cremation costs continue to rise at their current rate of 1.9% per year, a plan that costs £1,595 today could cost approximately:
| Years from Now | Projected Cost (at 1.9% annual increase) | You Save |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | £1,752 | £157 |
| 10 years | £1,924 | £329 |
| 15 years | £2,114 | £519 |
| 20 years | £2,322 | £727 |
Projections based on 1.9% annual compound increase, the rate of direct cremation cost growth in 2025 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026)*.
Actual future costs may differ.
Lock in today’s price with a Memoria Direct Cremation Plan
Most providers offer flexible payment options for prepaid cremation packages:
It’s important to note that cover under a prepaid plan does not usually begin until the plan has been paid in full. If you are paying by instalments and pass away before the final payment, the remaining balance may need to be settled before the plan is activated. Check the specific terms with your provider.
A simple, no-frills prepaid direct cremation plan typically costs between £1,400 and £2,000 in the UK*. The Memoria Direct Cremation Plan is £1,595 and includes everything – nationwide collection, coffin, cremation fees, 24/7 support, and return of ashes.
Not necessarily. Most providers offer the option to pay in installments over 12 or 24 months, as well as a single upfront payment. Paying in full usually activates the plan immediately, while installment plans may require the full balance to be paid before cover begins. It’s worth checking with the provider as it can vary.
With FCA-regulated plans, your money is either held in trust or protected by an insurance policy. This ensures your plan can still be delivered, even if the original provider is no longer trading. Learn more about how your Direct Cremation Plan is protected.
A prepaid cremation plan can save money by fixing today’s prices and protecting against rising funeral costs, while also removing financial and emotional pressure from your family.
A prepaid plan fixes the cost at today’s prices and ensures everything is arranged in advance. A prepaid plan can include more comprehensive cover for all eventualities such as 24/7 collection of the deceased or hand delivery of ashes.
Paying at the time (known as “at-need”) means your family will need to make decisions quickly and cover the full cost, which may be higher due to future price increases. If you want to purchase a prepaid funeral plan it’s important to ask the provider exactly what is included as not all plans are fully inclusive.
Last reviewed: April 2026.
*Industry statistics sourced from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026 (www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs).
