Death comes with a price. Despite its grim nature, everyone has to pay for their funeral when it’s all said and done. That’s why you should always consider a funeral services price list before making a decision.
By understanding the cost of a funeral, you can easily plan for one in the future. Here’s all you need to know about the cost of holding a funeral in Singapore:
The Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD)
The CCOD is a document attesting to the cause of death. It is required for any death that occurs inside Singapore. You have 24 hours to register for the certificate which will be issued by a doctor. There are also two types of death to consider; natural or unnatural.
Doctors can only issue the CCOD if they know the cause of death (natural). On the other hand, an unnatural death must be referred to the police. The cost for a CCOD is between $250-$300 but there may be extra cost involved.
These are the documents you must prepare:
- NRIC of the deceased
- Medial report/hospital discharge summary (if any)
- Existing medical prescriptions of the deceased
What If Death Outside of Singapore?
A death outside of Singapore must be registered with the Singapore consulate or embassy in that country. The embassy will then facilitate the repatriation of the deceased back to Singapore.
The cost of repatriating a deceased person’s body back to Singapore varies depending on several factors. This includes the country where the death occurred, the mode of transportation (air or sea) and any additional services required.
On average, repatriation costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
Obituary
An obituary is an announcement or notice of a person’s death. It often includes a brief biography and details about the funeral arrangement. There are two factors to consider when it comes to cost; the person writing it and the publication.
Some families choose to write the obituary themselves while others hire a professional. The cost will depend on their rates, the length and complexity of the obituary. The cost of publication will depend on where you choose to publish it.
Some newspapers may charge by line while others offer package deals. The starting price of an obituary is around $1300.
Funeral Director
Funeral director charges are one the significant expenses to consider. A director plays a crucial role in coordinating various aspects of the funeral. The cost of hiring one can vary depending on the services required and the funeral home.
On average, the cost of engaging a funeral director can range from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. This also depends on the complexity of the funeral, the level of service and any additional services.
Additional Costs for Funeral Services
Once you have all that sorted out, there are other expenses to consider including:
- Basic Funeral Services: This includes services such as transportation, embalming, dressing and preparation of the body.
The cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the funeral home and its level of service.
- Casket or Urn Prices: The cost of a casket or urn can vary greatly depending on the material, design, and craftsmanship. Caskets can range from simple materials like wood or metal to more elaborate designs made of mahogany or bronze.
Urns also come in a variety of materials such as marble, ceramic, or biodegradable options.
- Venue Rental: There will be fees involved if you choose to rent a venue. This includes funeral parlours, churches or community halls. The cost will depend on factors such as the size of venue and the duration of use.
- Funeral Ceremony Expenses: This includes costs associated with religious or cultural ceremonies. These fees may be for clergy or officiants, music, floral arrangements, and any other ceremonial elements.
- Cremation or Burial Fees: If you opt for cremation, there will be cremation arrangement fees. Similarly, if you choose burial, there will be costs for the plot of land and cemetery fees.
Preplanning for Your Funeral
Preplanning for your funeral can be a wise decision to ease the burden on your loved ones. It will also allow you to plan the funeral in favour of your preferences and beliefs. Firstly, you can start by deciding on a funeral director.
Consider meeting with several funeral directors to discuss your preferences, budget and any special request. Next, you’ll need to consider your preferred type of disposition; burial or cremation.
Each option comes with its own set of costs, including cemetery fees for burial or cremation arrangement fees for cremation. You’ll also need to decide on the type of casket or urn you prefer.
Don’t forget to make a will and CPF nomination. This will ensure the proper handling of your estate and CPF savings. Lastly, remember to inform your family about the arrangements you’ve made. This will avoid confusion regarding your funeral plans in the future. You might also be interested in our article here : Preplanning Funeral Guide: How To Do It and Why It Matters
Conclusion
A funeral services prices list can help you understand the various costs involved in funeral arrangements. This will allow you to make informed decisions and plan accordingly. You should also consider preplanning your own funeral to avoid burdening your loved ones in the future.
All in all, there’s a lot that goes into funeral planning so you must always have a clear understanding of the pricing structure. Looking for funeral services with transparent pricing? Get in touch to find out more.
