Funeral plan sales trends show sustained growth across half year; low rates of cancellations continue
The latest figures today released by the National Association of Funeral Directors show sustained growth across the first half of 2026. The trade association- which counts almost all providers as members- collects figures each quarter and has compared historical figures.
Half year figures, including plans taken out with members from 1 st January to 30th June, have increased by 12.5% compared to the equivalent period in 2025.
As previously reported, this year’s quarter 1 saw historic sales volumes. In the past, quarter 2 has tended to a comparative decrease, but this was less pronounced than in previous years, with 48% of the half year’s sales. Should these figures continue, it is likely that 2026 will
be a record sales year for NAFPP members.
In the first half of 2026, over 56,000 funeral plans held by NAFPP members have matured. This means that almost 16% of UK deaths were fulfilled by a members’ prepaid funeral plan, giving those families the peace of mind of arrangements being in place at what is already a difficult time.
Cancellation volumes continue to be low. In quarter 2, there were fewer than 5000 cancellations, which represent less than 0.4% of the total plans held by NAFPP members.
For the first half of the year, this figure was 0.7%. Data released by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in January 2026, enables comparison between funeral plans and insurance policies. Guaranteed Over 50s Plans are often purchased to pay funeral costs. However, a fifth of these products are cancelled within the first 12 months and a further 9% within 2-3 years.
Steve Pett, Editor of TheProbateDepartment.co.uk says “The fact that these appalling plans continue to be purchased for the purpose of funeral planning is a scandal which the FCA has done very little to address. DO NOT BUY Life insurance policies with NO SURRENDER VALUE for funeral planning purposes; buy a PROPER Prepaid Funeral Plan.”
NAFPP CEO, Abi Pattenden, commented, ‘These figures show NAFPP members are continuing to grow their customer numbers, and are retaining those customers, showing high levels of satisfaction. Pre-paid funeral plans continue to be a popular choice for an increasing number of customers who are looking for the peace of mind that comes with planning ahead.’
Abi added that at a time when regulation of the at-need funeral industry has never been scrutinised more, the prepaid sector is a success story. Since regulation by the FCA 2022, prepaid plan sales have steadily increased while cancellations remain low.
Regulation provides assurance to