Cremation costs in Australia

How do cremations work in Australia?

There are 2 main types of cremation types in Australia. These are:

• A cremation package. This is where the cremation takes place as part of a funeral ceremony you've chosen. In NSW alone, there are around 380 providers of burial or cremation services.
• A direct cremation. Sometimes called a "no-service cremation", this is a basic cremation that doesn't include a funeral ceremony. No friends or family are present. Of course, a memorial service can be arranged by the deceased's loved ones at another time and place. According to figures from Gathered Here, the average cost of a direct cremation is $3,513.

If you're looking into a full cremation service, it's a good idea to ask a provider to list out their full range of inclusions. In addition to the private cremation, this may include things such as transportation costs for the return of ashes to the family and any paperwork and registration.

How much does a cremation cost?

The main costs linked with a cremation include as follows:

Keep in mind: Cremation costs vary depending on your circumstances and preferences, your location and individual providers.

What is the cheapest form of cremation?

Finder research suggests a simple cremation capsule can start from around $300. But this is just one cost to consider.

Tip: If you're having a service alongside a cremation, you could save by holding a service on a weekday and keeping things simple. For example, by bringing flowers from the garden.

What is the cheapest burial or cremation?

At the time of writing, Just Cremate Me, who is based in Queensland, said it offered a 'direct cremation' service from $1,175. According to Bare Cremation, a Brisbane-based cremation service may cost $1,899.

How does this compare to a burial service? Finder's research has found a traditional burial service alone can cost around $5,070, and a funeral overall can cost around $15,000, according to MoneySmart.

Prices will vary by the cemetery and grave type. For a premium coffin, you can expect to pay as much as $10,000.

Cremation services in Australia

Funeral insurance providers that will help cover cremation costs

To cover the cost of a cremation, you could opt for funeral insurance. Funeral insurance allows you to take out cover while you're still alive and in return, your family will receive a payout when you pass away to cover your funeral.

How does it work? With a payout from a funeral policy, you can fund the cost of a cremation. Each provider you can compare in the Finder table below will offer immediate cover of up to $15,000. This should be more than enough to meet any cremation costs.

Quick tip: Look for an insurer with a 'value promise'. This means they'll pay out the same amount you put in or more, assuming you've held your policy for at least 12 months. At the time of writing, these guarantees were offered by Medibank and Insuranceline.

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Maximum cover	Maximum entry age	Minimum sum insured	Terminal illness cover	Sum Insured	Expiry age
Promoted Apia Funeral Insurance	$15,000	80	$3,000		$3,366 million	No expiry age as long as premiums are paid	Purchase a new Apia Funeral Insurance policy and save $100 on your first year. T&Cs apply.	Get quote More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Real Funeral Cover	$15,000	79	$3,000		$1,926 million	100th birthday	Get 10% cash back on the premiums you've paid after your first 12-months with The Real Reward™. T&Cs apply.	Get quote More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Seniors Funeral Insurance	$15,000	79	$3,000		$1,926 million	100th birthday	Get up to $15,000 in funeral cover, including an extra 25% bonus cover when you turn 85.	Get quote More info Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the cheapest form of cremation?

  The cheapest form of cremation is a direct cremation. It typically involves no service or ceremony, and the body is cremated soon after death, costing between $1,200 and $4,000.

• How much is a small cremation?

  A small or direct cremation can cost between $1,200 and $4,000, depending on the location and additional services like transportation or paperwork.

• What is the most sustainable cremation?

  Aquamation, or water cremation, is considered one of the most sustainable methods. It uses water and alkaline chemicals to break down the body, reducing environmental impact.

• How can I cover the cost of cremation?

  There are a few ways you can cover the cost of cremation, including personal livings, your life insurance or funeral insurance. While life insurance provides a lump sum payout to help cover everyday expenses when someone passes away, funeral insurance is designed to specifically cover the cost of a cremation service.

Written by

James Martin

Journalist

James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. An experienced journalist, James' work has featured in publications including The Irish Times, Companies100 and In Business. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio

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