TC Direct Funeral Policy FAQs
Q: How Does Funeral Cover Work?
A: When you take out a funeral cover policy, you pay Monthly premiums. Upon your death, a lump sum is paid out to your beneficiaries
Q: Why Is Funeral Cover Important In South Africa?
A: Funerals are significant cultural events in South Africa, often involving large gatherings, traditional ceremonies, and extended mourning periods. The associated costs can be substantial, and funeral cover provides financial relief to families during this time.
Q: What Is The Difference Between Funeral Cover And Life Insurance?
A: Funeral cover is specifically designed to cover funeral expenses, whereas life insurance provides a larger lump sum that can be used for a variety of financial needs, such as debt repayment, living expenses, and more.
Q: Can Funeral Cover Be Used For Non-Funeral Expenses?
A: While funeral cover is primarily intended to cover funeral expenses, the payout is usually a lump sum, and the beneficiaries can use any remaining funds as they see fit, such as for travel costs for family members or other related expenses.
Q: Can I Get Funeral Cover If I Am Not South African?
A: Many insurers in South Africa offer funeral cover to foreign nationals, provided they have a valid Passport and South African bank Account for claims payments to be made.
Q: What Are The Common Exclusion For Funeral Cover?
A: Suicide: If the policyholder commits suicide within the first 12 months of the policy, it will not be covered.
Fraudulent claims: Any attempts to defraud the insurer will result in a denial of the claim.
Partial War & Riot Exclusion
Q: What is The Ultimate Table Charm Funeral Plan?
A: The Ultimate Table Charm Funeral Plan provides financial support to help cover funeral costs for you and your nominated Beneficiaries.
Q: Who provides The Ultimate Table Charm Funeral Plan?
A: The plan is provided by Fedgroup Life Limited (FSP: 40607)
Q: How can I contact customer service for assistance?
A: You can reach us at 012 348 8310 or via email at [email protected].
Q: Where can I find more information about the policy?
A: Detailed information can be found on our website at www.tcdirect.co.za under the Funeral Cover Tab.
Q: What benefits does the plan offer?
A: The Original Cover Amount, R2000.00 Grocery Benefit (Main Member Only), R1000.00 Transport Benefit (Main Member Only), Accidental Death Cover (Main Member Only), Repatriation Benefit, Tutor Benefit.
Q: What are the cover options available?
A: There are 2 cover options:
- Policyholder only.
- Policyholder and family (including 1 nominated spouse and up to 5 children).
Q: Will there be a sliding scale of the benefit amount payout on the adults and children insured on the policy?
Example for Table Charm Ultimate 25k family policy:
Insured | Age | Lump Sum Benefit | Maximum Amount |
Policyholder | 18 to Whole of life | 100% of the benefit | R25000 |
Spouse | 18 to Whole of life | Maximum 100% of the Policyholder benefit | R25000 |
Child | 15-21* | Maximum 100% of the Policyholder benefit | R25000 |
Child | 6 to 14 | Maximum 50% of the Policyholder benefit | R12500 |
Child | 0 to 5 | Maximum 25% of the Policyholder benefit | R6250 |
Stillborn | Maximum 25% of the Policyholder benefit | R6250 |
* Children are covered to age 21 unless studying and financially dependent then we extend the cover to age reached of 24.
Q: Can I take out two policies if I have more than one spouse and more than five children?
A: Yes, more than one policy can be taken out as long as you as the main member is covered on the other main policy Aswell and keep in mind the total policies sum insured for the main member remains under R100,000.00
Q: Will children living with me, but who are not my biological children, be able to be added to the policy, even if I cannot prove that I am their legal guardian?
A: An affidavit will be required at claim stage to provide evidence of children under your legal care and under your financial care. The amount of children covered must either be 5 or less. *Additional information may be required
Q: Can I provide a date of birth if I don’t know the ID numbers of my nominated beneficiaries?
A: Yes, the date of birth can be provided, but full beneficiary documentation must be submitted to the insurer at the time of a claim.
Q: Is there an option to cover extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles?
A: Not at the moment but keep an eye out on future updates to the product!
Q: Can I add my grandchild to the policy if my daughter is under 18 and I am legally responsible for my grandchild?
A: Yes, subject to additional documentation.
Q: What additional benefits are included?
A: Burial Repatriation: Transport of the deceased from specified regions to the funeral home closest to the burial site in South Africa. One relative may accompany the body.
Telephonic Tutor Cover: Academic assistance for children (Grade 4 to Grade 12) of validated members, available Monday to Thursday between 18:00 and 21:00 during school terms.
Grocery Cover: Provides R2,000 to assist with family expenses upon the death of the main member.
Accidental Death: Additional cover in the event of accidental death of the main member
Transport Benefit: R1000 cash benefit will be paid out within 48 hours of an approved claim.
Q: Is there a call-back option for the Telephonic Tutor Benefit if I do not have enough airtime? How many times can I use this benefit in a month?
A: This service might include a call-back option, and the number of uses per month may vary by policy. Please consult your policy documentation for specifics. Appointments are made on a 806 number and the teacher will call you back)
Q: How do I submit a claim?
A: Notify us in writing within 6 months of a life insured’s death. Complete the prescribed claim form and submit all required documents within 9 months of the death. Contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
Q: What happens if my claim is not approved?
A: If you’re not satisfied with the claim assessment, you can appeal in writing within 90 days, providing any additional information at your own cost. All applicable information found in the disclosure notices in policy wording.
Q: Are there waiting periods for the coverage?
A: Yes, a 3-month waiting period applies to natural death in your funeral cover, and a 12-month waiting period applies in the case of suicide. No waiting period applies in the event of accidental death.
Q: If I have an existing Funeral Plan with another insurer, will the waiting periods still apply to me?
A: At claim stage: The Waiting period can be waived if it can be proved that you had existing cover and out lasted the waiting period with that insurer without a break in cover during that time.
Q: What are the age limits for coverage?
A: Policyholder and spouse: Minimum entry age 18, maximum entry age 64, and coverage lasts for life.
Children: Covered until age 21, or 24 if studying and financially dependent (At claim stage proof of study will be required)
Q: What are the key conditions for the policy?
A: Policyholders must complete all necessary information in the application form, and ensure all information is factually correct.
Q: How can I cancel my policy?
A: You can cancel your active policy within 31 days of policy inception by providing written notice to Fedgroup life (cooling off period). after the completion of the 31 (thirty-one) day period referred to in Clause 1.2, the Policyholder shall be entitled to cancel cover at any time by giving Fedgroup Life written notice. The effective date of the cancellation will be the end of the calendar month for which premiums have been requested prior to the date of the request for cancellation. This may result in 2 (two) premiums being deducted after the date the cancellation is requested. All premiums received after the effective date of cancellation will be refunded.
Q: When does the coverage terminate?
A: Coverage ends when the life insured discontinues cover, or passes away. for children, coverage ends when they no longer meet the definition of children or reach the expiry age.
Q: How are premiums paid?
A: Premiums are payable monthly in advance and are due by the 7th of each month. A 2-month grace period is allowed for payment. If premiums are not paid within the grace period, coverage ceases from the last payment date.
Q: If I have missed the 2-month waiting period and reinstate cover, will my waiting periods apply again?
A: Yes, if the policy is reinstated after the 2-month grace period, a new policy will be issued and waiting periods will commence again.
Q: Can I pay the monthly premium if I am not the policyholder or an insured person on the policy?
A: No, premiums must be paid by the policyholder or an insured person to ensure the integrity of the policy.
Q: Will the premiums change over time?
A: Premiums and benefits are reviewed annually, and adjustments may be made based on the policyholder’s age and other factors. Changes will be communicated with 31 days’ written notice.
Q: Who can I contact for claim or policy queries?
A: For policy queries or claims, call 012 348 8310 or email [email protected] or [email protected] or refer to policy document for further information
ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO THE TC PRODUCT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Answer: There is a 3-month waiting period for death due to natural causes. However, in the case of death by suicide, a 12-month waiting period is applied. No waiting period is applied for accidental death.
Answer: Yes, both parents can have separate funeral plans and include their children as beneficiaries on each plan.
Answer: Yes, one person can be covered by two different individuals under separate policies. When it’s time to claim, each policyholder can submit a claim independently. The claims will be processed according to the terms of each policy.
Answer: Yes, children with different surnames can be covered under the same family funeral plan, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the policy.
Answer: Yes, a couple living together but not yet married can take out a family funeral plan and cover each other as long as they are nominated as beneficiaries on the policy.
Answer: The family cover provides coverage for children from birth (including stillborn children) up to the age of 21. If the child is studying and financially dependent, the coverage can be extended up to the age of 24
Answer: The surname of the child does not affect their eligibility for coverage under the funeral plan. You can cover your children under the plan regardless of whether you share the same surname.
Answer: The policy typically allows for coverage of a specific number of children. If you have fewer children than the maximum allowed, you can include additional dependents, such as legally adopted children, provided they meet the policy’s eligibility criteria.
Answer: Yes, the waiting period is the same for both children and adults. There is a 3-month waiting period for death due to natural causes and a 12-month waiting period for death by suicide. There is no waiting period for accidental death.
Answer: Rebates for the Table Charm (TC) and the Funeral Plan will be paid separately, as they are distinct products with separate payment schedules.
Answer: Your child is generally considered a dependent until the age of 21. However, if your child is studying and financially dependent on you, the coverage can be extended up to the age of 24.
Answer: You can take out funeral cover from the age of 18. The maximum age to take out a new policy is 64 years. Once you are over 64, you cannot take out a new policy, but if you already have a policy, it will continue as long as premiums are paid.
Answer: No, the maximum entry age to take out a new funeral policy is 64 years. If you are over 64, you cannot take out a new policy, but existing policies will continue if you maintain premium payments.
Answer: You can either pay using Pay@ or by loading a monthly debit order.
Answer:
- Find Your Pay@ Number: Every TC Funeral Policyholder receives a unique policy Pay@ number, which is included in your policy documentation. This number starts with the Table Charm Unique Receiver ID 11280 followed by a 10-digit unique identifier.
- Visit a Pay@ Retail Location: You can make your payment at any Pay@ participating retail store. With over 11,000 locations nationwide, paying your premium is as easy as stopping by your local store during your routine shopping trip.
- Provide Your Pay@ Number: When you’re ready to pay, simply provide your unique Pay@ number to the cashier. You can pay with cash or by using your debit or credit card.
- Confirm Payment: Once you’ve made the payment, you’ll receive a receipt confirming that your premium has been paid. Your Pay@ number remains the same every month, so you can use it for all future payments.
Answer: Load a Monthly Debit Order: You can load a monthly debit order when you apply for your policy on the TC Connect App or online at www.tcdirect.co.za/funeral-plans/.
Answer: A policy will lapse if you fail to pay your premiums for two consecutive months. There is a 2-month grace period for the payment of premiums. If the full premium is not paid by the end of this grace period, the policy will lapse, and no benefits will be payable. To avoid this, it’s crucial to ensure your premium payments are made on time each month.