Hollard funeral cover review 2026: cheap premiums & what you give up
Hollard is South Africa's largest privately-owned insurance group and the underwriter behind a large share of retail-branded funeral policies. If your priority is the lowest premium for a given cash payout, Hollard is almost always on the shortlist. This 2026 review explains where Hollard's pricing advantage comes from, what you trade away for it, and when a slightly more expensive AVBOB or Old Mutual plan is the better buy.
Key takeaways
- Hollard is consistently among the cheapest FSCA-regulated funeral cover options per R10,000 of cover.
- It underwrites many retail and bank-branded funeral plans, so you may already hold a Hollard policy under another brand.
- 6-month natural-cause waiting period; accidental death from day one.
- Fewer bells and whistles: no in-house funeral service, thinner value-added benefits.
- Best for: price-first buyers who want maximum cash cover for the lowest monthly premium.
How Hollard funeral cover is sold
Hollard distributes funeral cover directly and through retail, telco and bank partners. The policy wording and underwriting are Hollard's; the brand on the front may not be.
That distribution model keeps acquisition costs low, which is a large part of why Hollard's premiums undercut the parlour-based insurers.
- Direct, retail-branded and bank-branded funeral plans.
- Individual, family and extended-family structures.
- Cover typically R5,000 to R100,000 per adult life.
- Simple, no-medical sign-up — often completed in a store or by phone.
Hollard premiums in 2026
Indicative market ranges:
- Individual, R10,000 cover, age 30: roughly R35–R70/month.
- Individual, R30,000 cover, age 45: roughly R110–R170/month.
- Family of four, R20,000 each: roughly R160–R270/month.
- Parent aged 70, R10,000 cover: roughly R120–R210/month.
What you give up for the lower premium
The trade-offs are real but manageable if you know about them up front.
- No in-house funeral service — the family arranges the funeral itself.
- Value-added benefits are thinner than Sanlam's or Old Mutual's.
- Servicing depends on the distribution partner, which can be inconsistent.
- Extended-family capacity is generally smaller than Old Mutual's.
Hollard vs AVBOB, Old Mutual and Sanlam
On raw price per R10,000 of cover, Hollard usually wins. On bundled funeral services, AVBOB wins. On extended-family breadth, Old Mutual wins. Decide which of those three axes matters most to your household before comparing quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hollard funeral cover cheap?
Hollard is consistently among the lowest-priced FSCA-regulated funeral options, with indicative premiums from roughly R35–R70 a month for R10,000 of individual cover at age 30. The saving comes from low-cost retail and bank distribution.
Who underwrites Hollard funeral policies?
Hollard Life Assurance underwrites them, including many funeral policies sold under retail, telco and bank brands. You may already hold a Hollard-underwritten policy under a different brand name.
Does Hollard have a waiting period on funeral cover?
Yes — six months for natural causes, with accidental death covered from the first premium.
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This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. FuneralCoverage.co.za is an FSP-affiliated comparison service; quotes are provided by approved South African insurance partners.