Britam has teamed up with Montezuma Funeral Home to launch a new funeral cover aimed at easing the burden of burial costs for Kenyan families.
The cover, called the Heshima Farewell Plan, comes at a time when funeral expenses are steadily going up across the country. In cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, families are now spending over KSh300,000 to organise a decent send-off. Even in rural areas, costs have risen due to transport, mortuary charges, food and other arrangements.
What makes this plan different from the usual insurance covers is that it does not just give out cash. It also includes actual funeral services. Depending on the package, families can get help with mortuary fees, transport, a hearse, coffin, flowers, funeral programmes and even chapel services.
The policy has been approved by the Insurance Regulatory Authority and is meant to cover both natural and accidental death.
Britam Connect CEO Evah Kimani said many families struggle to raise money during funerals, forcing them to rely on contributions or loans.
“The burden of funeral expenses continues to challenge many families. This plan is meant to help ease that pressure so families can focus on mourning,” she said.
Data from the Association of Kenya Insurers shows that most middle-income families spend between KSh50,000 and KSh300,000 on funerals.
The cover is offered in different packages. The lowest plan gives KSh100,000 cover at a yearly cost of KSh1,000, while the highest offers KSh500,000 at KSh1,850 per year.
Montezuma Funeral Home Operations Manager Josh Karuga said the partnership will help families get more organised support during bereavement.
“We see what families go through when they lose a loved one. This will help reduce both the stress and the financial pressure,” he said.
The plan is open to adults aged between 18 and 70, with cover extending up to 80 years. Children and students can also be included, as well as parents and in-laws under certain conditions.
Despite the need, funeral insurance is still not widely used in Kenya, with many people depending on friends, family or welfare groups to raise money when death occurs.
Britam says the new product is part of its push to grow funeral insurance and reach more families across the country.
