Funeral Insurance Glossary Spain
Essential Spanish funeral insurance terms explained in plain English. Understand seguro de decesos and plan with confidence.
Terms by category
Policy Types
(4 terms)Seguro de decesos
Funeral/death insurance
Insurance that covers funeral costs and related services when the policyholder dies. Very common in Spain—over 50% of Spanish households have this coverage. Pays for the funeral directly rather than cash to beneficiaries.
Why it matters for expats:
Funeral costs in Spain range from €3,000 to €8,000+. Seguro de decesos removes this burden from family during a difficult time. As an expat, it's especially valuable for handling repatriation if needed.
Seguro de vida entera
Whole life funeral insurance
Funeral coverage that lasts your entire life with fixed premiums. Once purchased, the premium never increases regardless of age. Coverage continues until death as long as premiums are paid.
Why it matters for expats:
Locking in premiums young means affordable coverage for life. If you get this at 40, you pay the same rate at 80. Popular choice for long-term planning.
Seguro de decesos temporal
Term funeral insurance
Funeral coverage for a specific period (typically 10-20 years). Lower initial premiums than whole life but coverage ends at term conclusion. Good for temporary needs or budget constraints.
Why it matters for expats:
If you're in Spain temporarily or want lower initial costs, term coverage may suit. But consider—if you stay long-term, you'll need to renew at higher age-based rates or lose coverage.
Seguro de decesos familiar
Family funeral insurance
Single policy covering funeral costs for the entire family—typically policyholder, spouse, and children. More economical than individual policies. Children usually covered until age 25 or marriage.
Why it matters for expats:
Family coverage protects everyone under one affordable policy. Particularly valuable with children—they're covered at no extra cost while dependents. Check age limits and what happens when children age out.
Financial Terms
(5 terms)Prima de decesos
Funeral insurance premium
The cost of your funeral insurance, paid monthly or annually. Premium depends on age at enrollment, coverage level, and whether rates are fixed or variable. Spanish premiums typically range from €5-€30/month.
Why it matters for expats:
Premiums are age-related—the younger you start, the less you pay. A 35-year-old might pay €10/month; a 65-year-old €30/month for similar coverage. Consider locking in rates early.
Prima fija
Fixed/guaranteed premium
Premium that stays the same for the policy's duration regardless of age. You pay the same amount at 80 as you did at 40. Higher initial cost but long-term savings.
Why it matters for expats:
Fixed premiums provide certainty. No surprises as you age. If you plan to stay in Spain long-term, fixed premiums offer excellent value compared to escalating variable rates.
Prima variable
Variable/adjustable premium
Premium that can increase over time, typically tied to age or inflation adjustments. Lower initial cost but may become expensive in later years. Common in some older policies.
Why it matters for expats:
Variable premiums start low but can double or triple over decades. A €10 premium at 40 might become €40 at 70. Understand the adjustment formula before choosing.
Capital asegurado decesos
Funeral coverage amount
Maximum amount available for funeral services. Rather than cash payout, this covers actual funeral costs up to the limit. Typical coverage ranges from €3,500 to €10,000 or unlimited services.
Why it matters for expats:
Higher capital means more comprehensive funeral services available. In major cities, funerals cost more—ensure your coverage amount matches expected costs in your area.
Subsidio de defunción
Death benefit supplement
Additional cash payment to beneficiaries beyond funeral service coverage. Some policies include small lump sums (€1,000-€3,000) to help with immediate expenses after death.
Why it matters for expats:
This provides cash for the family during a difficult time—covering travel, time off work, or immediate needs. Not all policies include it; check if yours does.
Coverage Types
(8 terms)Servicios funerarios
Funeral services
Core funeral coverage—coffin, funeral home services, hearse, burial or cremation, death notices. What's included varies by policy level. The essential coverage of any funeral insurance.
Why it matters for expats:
This is what you're paying for. Understand exactly what services are included: type of coffin, flowers, number of cars, memorial services. Compare policies on service quality, not just price.
Velatorio
Wake/viewing
Facility and time for family and friends to pay respects before the funeral. Includes room rental, chairs, and basic amenities. Duration varies (typically 24-48 hours in Spain).
Why it matters for expats:
Spanish funeral customs include wakes. Most insurance covers velatorio facilities, but check duration and quality of rooms included. Extended wakes may cost extra.
Inhumación o cremación
Burial or cremation
The final disposition—burial in cemetery or cremation. Insurance typically covers one or the other. Includes basic services; premium niches or plots may require additional payment.
Why it matters for expats:
Check what's covered: basic burial, specific cemetery, niche rental period. Cremation is often cheaper but check if urn and columbarium niche are included.
Repatriación de restos
Repatriation of remains
Transport of the deceased to another country for burial or cremation. Critical coverage for expats who may want burial in their home country. Includes all logistics, documentation, and transport costs.
Why it matters for expats:
Repatriation to the UK or elsewhere can cost €5,000-€15,000+. For expats, this coverage is essential. Ensure your policy includes international repatriation without country limits.
Traslado nacional
National transfer
Transport of the deceased within Spain—from place of death to funeral home, or between cities for burial. Includes all necessary vehicles, permits, and logistics.
Why it matters for expats:
If you die away from home, the body needs transport. National transfer coverage handles this without extra cost. Check if mileage limits apply.
Asistencia en viaje por defunción
Travel assistance for family
Coverage for family members to travel when death occurs away from home—flights, accommodation, and transport. Helps family reach the deceased or attend funeral in another location.
Why it matters for expats:
If you die abroad or family members live in different countries, this coverage brings everyone together. Check number of family members covered and travel limits.
Gestiones administrativas
Administrative assistance
Help with paperwork and bureaucracy after death—death certificates, pension notifications, bank accounts, inheritance procedures. Invaluable support during difficult times.
Why it matters for expats:
Spanish bureaucracy is complex enough alive; after death it's overwhelming, especially in another language. This assistance helps family navigate legal requirements smoothly.
Asistencia jurídica decesos
Legal assistance
Legal support for inheritance matters, will execution, and death-related legal issues. May include initial consultation or full representation depending on policy level.
Why it matters for expats:
Spanish inheritance law differs from UK/US systems. Legal assistance helps navigate forced heirship rules, property transfers, and other complexities—especially important for expats.
Claims & Process
(3 terms)Período de carencia decesos
Funeral insurance waiting period
Time after policy start before full coverage applies. Typically 6-12 months for natural death; accidents usually covered immediately. Prevents taking out insurance when already terminally ill.
Why it matters for expats:
You can't buy insurance when already dying. Waiting periods are shorter than life insurance. For accidents, coverage is typically immediate. Get coverage while healthy.
Activación del servicio
Service activation
Process of notifying the insurer and activating funeral services after death. Usually a 24-hour phone line. The insurer coordinates everything with funeral providers.
Why it matters for expats:
When death occurs, one call activates everything. The insurer handles all logistics with their funeral network. Keep the emergency number accessible for family.
Libre elección de funeraria
Free choice of funeral provider
Some policies allow choosing any funeral home rather than insurer's network. May have cost limits. Gives flexibility but potentially more out-of-pocket if exceeding allowance.
Why it matters for expats:
If you have a preferred funeral provider, check if your policy allows free choice. Network restrictions may limit options but guarantee full coverage.
People & Roles
(2 terms)Asegurado decesos
Insured person (funeral)
Person whose death triggers the funeral coverage. In family policies, multiple people are asegurados. Each person's death activates their share of coverage.
Why it matters for expats:
Ensure all family members you want covered are listed as asegurados. Check age limits for children and coverage continuation rules for surviving family.
Beneficiario decesos
Funeral policy beneficiary
Person(s) who receive any cash benefits (subsidio) or make decisions about funeral arrangements. Not who receives the services (the deceased) but who directs them.
Why it matters for expats:
Designate who should handle arrangements. This person contacts the insurer, makes decisions about services, and receives any cash benefit. Keep beneficiary details updated.
Documents & Facilities
(4 terms)Tanatorio
Funeral home/mortuary
Facility where the body is prepared, wakes are held, and funeral services conducted. Spain has modern tanatorios with chapels, catering, and family rooms. Policy coverage determines facility quality.
Why it matters for expats:
Tanatorio quality varies. Premium policies offer better facilities. Check what's included—basic room vs. VIP suite, catering, parking. Location near family also matters.
Nicho
Burial niche
Above-ground burial compartment in a cemetery wall, common in Spain. Niches are rented (typically 10-50 years) or purchased. Insurance may cover initial rental period.
Why it matters for expats:
Spain uses niches more than ground burial. Check what your policy covers—initial rental period, which cemeteries, renewal options. Premium niches in preferred locations cost more.
Certificado de defunción
Death certificate
Official document certifying the death, issued by civil registry. Required for all legal processes—insurance claims, inheritance, bank accounts. Multiple certified copies usually needed.
Why it matters for expats:
Death certificates are essential for everything that follows. Your funeral insurance's administrative assistance helps obtain these and other necessary documents.
Testamento
Will/testament
Legal document expressing wishes for asset distribution after death. Spanish law has forced heirship rules affecting what you can leave to whom. Separate from funeral insurance but related planning.
Why it matters for expats:
Having a valid Spanish will prevents complications. Funeral insurance's legal assistance can help with will execution. Consider Spanish inheritance rules when planning.
Ready to get funeral insurance in Spain?
Now that you understand the terminology, let us find you the right coverage. We explain everything in English and help you plan with confidence.
Get Funeral Insurance QuotesCommon questions
Why is funeral insurance so common in Spain?
Over 50% of Spanish households have seguro de decesos. It's culturally important—funerals can cost €3,000-€8,000+, and the insurance handles all arrangements during a difficult time. For expats, it's especially valuable for repatriation coverage.
What's the difference between funeral insurance and life insurance?
Funeral insurance (seguro de decesos) pays for funeral services directly. Life insurance (seguro de vida) pays cash to beneficiaries. Funeral insurance is typically cheaper and focused on covering death-related costs rather than providing inheritance.
Does funeral insurance cover repatriation?
Most policies include repatriation of remains to your home country. This is crucial for expats—repatriation can cost €5,000-€15,000+. Check that your policy covers international repatriation without destination limits.
Is there a waiting period for funeral insurance?
Typically 6-12 months for natural death; accidents are usually covered immediately. This prevents taking out insurance when already terminally ill. Get coverage while healthy.
Should I choose fixed or variable premiums?
Fixed premiums (prima fija) stay the same for life—higher initially but better value long-term. Variable premiums start lower but increase with age. For long-term residents, fixed premiums usually make sense.
What services are included in funeral insurance?
Core services include coffin, funeral home facilities, hearse, burial or cremation, and death notices. Premium policies add better facilities, more flowers, catering, and additional family support. Compare service levels, not just prices.
Related guides
Learn more about insurance in Spain
Funeral Insurance Spain Guide 2026
Complete guide to seguro de decesos for expats in Spain.
Funeral Insurance & Repatriation
How repatriation works and what funeral insurance covers for expats.
Life Insurance Spain Guide 2026
Compare life insurance options and understand the difference from funeral cover.