Funeral insurance in Spain for expats
Licensed Broker
DGSFP Registered
Thinking about funeral costs is never easy, but planning ahead removes a huge emotional and financial burden from your family. We help expats set up funeral insurance that covers arrangements in Spain or repatriation to your home country, with clear pricing and English-speaking support.
Example for a basic funeral plan. Price depends on age, cover level and destination.
Funeral insurance at a glance
Who is it for?
Expats, retirees, long-term residents and families in Spain who want to avoid leaving sudden funeral costs and complex decisions to loved ones.
Activation time
Cover can typically start within days once the policy is issued. Some plans have waiting periods for natural death – we explain this clearly upfront.
Documents needed
ID or passport, date of birth, residency details if available, and your preferred country for funeral or repatriation.
Languages available
We guide you in English and Spanish. Many partner insurers offer documentation and helplines in multiple languages.
Compare funeral insurance plans
Choose the level that fits your wishes and budget
Local Funeral – Essential
BEST FOR:
- • Expats who plan to have their funeral in Spain
- • Those wanting basic, respectful arrangements
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Those who prefer repatriation to another country
- • Families expecting extensive ceremony costs included
Local Funeral – Enhanced
BEST FOR:
- • Expats staying in Spain who want more complete arrangements
- • Families wanting flexibility in ceremony details
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Those who strongly prefer repatriation
- • Very tight budgets
Repatriation & Full Funeral – Premium
BEST FOR:
- • Expats who wish to be buried in their home country
- • Families living across different countries
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Those who know they will stay in Spain
- • People wanting minimal local arrangements only
Funeral insurance cost in Spain – what affects your premium
Funeral insurance premiums depend on your age, the coverage level you choose, and whether you want repatriation. Request a quote and we'll find the best-fit policy.
Price drivers
- Age: older applicants typically pay higher premiums
- Coverage level: local funeral only vs full repatriation
- Destination country: repatriation costs vary by distance
- Waiting periods: shorter waits for natural death may cost more
- Ceremony options: religious services, flowers, reception add to cost
- Family coverage: adding spouse/partner affects total premium
Example profiles
Request a quote and we'll find the best option for your funeral planning needs.
Plan ahead for peace of mind
Protect your family from unexpected costs and difficult decisions
How funeral insurance works
We make it simple to set up cover that respects your wishes
Share your wishes and situation
Tell us your preferences: funeral in Spain or repatriation, religious or non-religious, and your family's situation.
We compare funeral insurance options
We review plans from several insurers in Spain and filter options that match your wishes and budget.
Agree on a plan in clear English
We explain exactly what is covered, waiting periods and any limits so you and your family know what to expect.
Your family is supported when the time comes
Your family contacts the emergency number. The insurer coordinates arrangements so loved ones can focus on saying goodbye.
Requirements and documents
Getting funeral insurance is straightforward. If you're missing any documents, request a quote anyway and we'll guide you through what's needed.
We help with all the documentation for funeral insurance
Checklist
Have health conditions?
Most funeral insurance plans have minimal health questions. Pre-existing conditions usually don't affect coverage, but waiting periods may apply for natural death.
"Many expats underestimate how much repatriation costs. Planning ahead with funeral insurance removes this burden from your family during an already difficult time."
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
What funeral insurance covers
Understanding what is and isn't covered helps you and your family plan with confidence
Included
- Organisation of funeral in Spain according to plan
- Basic or enhanced coffin/urn within plan limits
- Transport of deceased within Spain
- Funeral home facilities and basic ceremony services
- Administrative paperwork (death certificate, permits, registry)
- Preparation and care of the deceased
- 24/7 phone assistance for family at time of death
- In premium plans: repatriation to agreed home country
Optional add-ons
- International repatriation to specific countries
- Additional ceremony options (larger gatherings)
- Extended choice of coffin, urn and memorial items
- Coverage for religious or cultural requirements
- Contributions towards flowers and memorial events
- Help with travel arrangements for close family
- Higher caps for total funeral and repatriation costs
Not covered
- Services not agreed in the policy
- Extra costs beyond stated maximum cover amounts
- Death due to excluded causes (high-risk activities if specified)
- Travel costs, hotels or flights for relatives (unless included)
- Existing funeral plans or services already paid elsewhere
- Costs in countries not covered due to war or sanctions
Who can get funeral insurance in Spain?
Most residents of Spain can get funeral insurance. Here are some common scenarios we help with regularly.
Expats living in Spain
Living in Spain full-time or part-time? Whether you're registered as a resident or still settling in, we find funeral plans that fit your situation.
Read our funeral guideRetirees in Spain
Many retirees want peace of mind that their funeral wishes will be respected. We help find plans with repatriation options back to your home country.
Read our funeral guideCouples and families
Joint plans for couples often offer better value. We can also include arrangements for family members living in Spain.
Read our funeral guidePlanning ahead
The younger you are when you start, the lower your premiums. Planning ahead gives you more options and lower costs.
Read our funeral guideWhy arrange funeral insurance with us
We make a sensitive topic as straightforward as possible
Avoid sudden, high costs for your family
Funeral and repatriation costs can be a shock. Plan ahead so your family isn't left with big invoices and difficult choices.
Clear explanations, sensitive approach
We speak openly but gently about what is and isn't covered. You get all the facts in plain English, without pressure.
Options for both Spain and your home country
Some expats want a final resting place in Spain, others back home. We help you set up cover that matches your wishes.
Experience with cross-border cases
We deal with cases where family is spread across different countries. We know which insurers handle repatriation smoothly.
Simple process for your loved ones
When the time comes, your family has one number to call. The insurer handles logistics, paperwork and coordination.
Independent advice across several insurers
We're not tied to a single provider. We compare multiple insurers so you can choose what feels right.
Local funeral vs repatriation
Local funeral in Spain
- Lower monthly premiums
- Burial or cremation in Spain
- Family can visit locally
- Simpler logistics and paperwork
Repatriation to home country
- Body transported to your chosen country
- Coordination with funeral providers abroad
- Embassy and consular paperwork handled
- Higher premiums but complete peace of mind
Many expats choose repatriation plans. We'll explain the costs and logistics of each option clearly.
What happens when funeral insurance is needed?
Family calls the 24/7 emergency helpline on the policy
Insurer coordinates with local funeral home immediately
All covered arrangements are handled directly by the insurer
If repatriation is included, transport and paperwork are arranged
Family receives support throughout the process in their language
The insurer pays funeral providers directly. Your family doesn't need to manage invoices during a difficult time.
Your family is supported when it matters most
24/7 helplines and direct coordination with funeral providers
Coverage areas
Spain nationwide
Coverage for funeral arrangements anywhere in Spain, including the islands.
Repatriation to Europe
Most standard plans cover repatriation to European countries at no extra cost.
Worldwide repatriation
Premium plans can cover repatriation to countries outside Europe, including UK, USA, and beyond.
Coverage details and destination limits vary by insurer and plan. We'll confirm exactly what's included before you commit.
"The Spanish funeral insurance system (seguro de decesos) is well-established and efficient. Insurers handle everything directly, so families don't deal with invoices."
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
Spanish funeral insurance terms
Seguro de decesos
funeral insurance
Repatriación
repatriation (return of body to home country)
Inhumación
burial
Cremación
cremation
Tanatorio
funeral home/chapel
Féretro
coffin
Urna
urn (for ashes)
Certificado de defunción
death certificate
Beneficiario
beneficiary
Período de carencia
waiting period
Velatorio
wake/viewing
Sepelio
burial ceremony
Frequently asked questions
What is funeral insurance in Spain?
Funeral insurance (seguro de decesos) covers the cost and organisation of your funeral, either in Spain or combined with repatriation to another country. The insurer contracts with funeral providers and pays them directly, so your family doesn't manage large bills during a difficult time.
Do I really need funeral insurance as an expat in Spain?
It's not mandatory, but it makes a big difference. Funeral and repatriation costs can reach several thousand euros. With insurance, these costs and arrangements are largely handled by the insurer, easing the burden on your family.
Can I choose between burial and cremation?
Yes, most funeral insurance plans allow you to choose between burial and cremation within the limits and options of the policy. We help you understand what each plan allows so your wishes are respected.
Does funeral insurance cover repatriation to my home country?
Some plans cover only a funeral in Spain, while others include repatriation to your chosen country. Premium plans usually offer more complete repatriation cover. Tell us where you would want to be laid to rest and we'll base recommendations on that.
Are there age limits for funeral insurance?
Many insurers have maximum entry ages (often 75-80) and different pricing bands for older ages. It's generally easier and cheaper to arrange funeral insurance earlier. We'll check what's possible for your age and situation.
Are there waiting periods before cover starts?
Often there are limited or no waiting periods for accidental death, but there may be waiting periods for death due to illness (especially in the first months or year). We explain all waiting periods clearly before you decide.
Can I change my wishes later (Spain vs home country)?
In some policies, you can adjust preferences later, but this depends on the insurer and policy type. If you think your plans may change, tell us so we can focus on more flexible options.
Does funeral insurance cover my partner or family?
Many policies allow you to include your spouse/partner and sometimes children under the same policy or a family plan. This can make planning and pricing simpler. We can show you individual vs family options.
What if I already have life insurance?
Life insurance pays out a sum of money to your beneficiaries, but it doesn't organise the funeral or repatriation. Funeral insurance focuses on the practical arrangements and direct payments to providers. Some people choose both; others rely on one.
How are funeral costs paid when something happens?
In many cases, the insurer pays the funeral company directly according to the policy. If extra services outside the plan are chosen, the family may pay those separately. We help your family understand this in advance.
Can I cancel or change my funeral insurance later?
Policies usually allow cancellation but may not refund past premiums. Changes depend on the insurer's rules. We'll explain what flexibility you have before you sign up.
How does my family contact the insurer when the time comes?
The policy includes a 24/7 emergency telephone number and clear instructions. We recommend sharing these details with your closest family and keeping them in an obvious place at home.
Related guides
Learn more about insurance in Spain
Funeral insurance guide 2026
Complete guide to the Spanish funeral system and seguro de decesos for expats
Life insurance in Spain
Understand the difference between funeral insurance and life insurance for financial protection
Insurance broker guide
Why using a licensed broker makes insurance easier for expats
Customer Reviews
Based on 420+ reviews from expats across Spain
I wanted to make things easier for my children living in different countries. They helped me set up a funeral plan with repatriation, explained in simple English.
Annika R.
Alicante
Jun 2024
We decided to have our funerals in Spain but didn't know how the system worked. We received calm, respectful advice and now have a plan that fits both our wishes and budget.
James & Maria
Madrid
Aug 2024
After my neighbour passed away, his family struggled with unexpected costs. I decided to plan ahead. The team was professional and sensitive throughout.
Peter L.
Costa del Sol
Oct 2024
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German, Swedish