What Happens To My Funeral Plan If I Move?

If you’re starting over somewhere new, what happens to your funeral plan?

00:25 30 July 2025

If you’re starting over somewhere new, what happens to your funeral plan? You may have a funeral planned with a specific funeral director in your current town, but now you’re facing a new location and wondering what happens.

In most cases, funeral plans can be transferred. It’s not always automatic, and there are a few things to check, but with the help of your funeral director and plan provider, moving doesn’t have to disrupt the arrangements you’ve put in place.

Are Funeral Plans Location-Specific?

Many funeral plans are created in partnership with a specific funeral director or local firm. This gives you the reassurance of knowing exactly who will take care of things when the time comes. However, this setup can raise questions if you move to a different area.

Some plans are tied exclusively to one funeral provider. Others are offered through national providers or funeral director networks, making them easier to transfer across regions. If you purchased your funeral plan through a large group or a provider with branches in multiple locations, it’s likely the transfer process will be straightforward. If the plan is localised, it may still be transferable.

Transferring a Funeral Plan

Once you’ve decided to move, your first step should be to contact your funeral plan provider. They’ll explain how your specific plan handles relocation and what options are available.

You should review your existing plan to make sure all services can still be honoured. If there are differences between the services offered by your original and new funeral directors, you might be given options to update the plan or make slight changes to accommodate those differences.

It’s important to get everything confirmed in writing. Even if your provider handles most of the communication, keep copies of emails, letters, or amended agreements. This way, you’ll avoid any problems in the future.

How Funeral Directors Support You During a Move

Funeral directors understand that people move.

If your current funeral director is part of a larger group, such as a national chain or funeral planning partnership, they can usually refer you internally. This makes the transition easier, keeps the services consistent, and ensures you’re still looked after by professionals who understand the original arrangements.

Even independent funeral directors will often do what they can to make the process smooth, especially if you’ve been a valued client. They can liaise with other professionals in the new area or help you understand how best to maintain your plan without losing value.

What If You’re Moving Abroad?

Moving abroad adds a new layer of complexity. Most UK funeral plans are not designed to cover funerals outside the UK. If you’re relocating overseas permanently, it’s unlikely your existing plan will transfer directly.

Some funeral plan providers may offer a partial refund or cancellation option if you're moving overseas. If you’re moving overseas but want your funeral in the original country you took out the plan, some plans do include a repatriation clause. But normally these are outside the standard services provided in a funeral plan and will come at an additional cost.

In this case, the best approach is to speak to both your provider and your funeral director as soon as you know your plans. They can advise on what’s possible and whether any of your existing arrangements can be adapted to suit your new circumstances.

Other Things to Check Before You Move

Ask whether transferring your funeral plan will affect the price. Some plans lock in services at today’s prices, but this may depend on using the original provider. If a new funeral director has different costs, you might be required to pay the difference or accept a change in what the plan covers.

Also, ask about timescales. Some providers require advance notice to process the transfer, and paperwork might take a few weeks to complete. If you're moving imminently, it’s worth starting the conversation as early as possible.

Final Thoughts

Funeral plans are designed to bring peace of mind, not create problems when life changes. If you’re moving house, especially to a new town or region, your plan doesn’t have to be left behind. Most reputable funeral plan providers and funeral directors can help you make a smooth transition, so your wishes are still honoured. Planning ahead means fewer surprises later, and that peace of mind should follow you wherever you go.