Let me be honest—funerals aren’t something most of us like to think about. They sit in that mental drawer marked “deal with it later.” And yet, the one certainty in life is that at some point, later becomes now. When that day comes, emotions run high, decisions feel impossible, and the last thing any family needs is a mountain of admin paired with unexpected costs. That’s where AVBOB steps in—or at least, that’s what their promise seems to be.
I first heard about AVBOB when a friend shared her story over coffee. Her uncle had passed away suddenly, and as the family scrambled to make arrangements, AVBOB took care of everything—from the coffin to the catering for the memorial. She said, “It felt like someone had lifted this huge weight off our shoulders.” That conversation got me curious: what exactly does AVBOB offer, and is it really as helpful as it sounds?
Let’s unpack that.
Funeral Cover Meets Real-World Support
When most people hear “funeral cover,” they picture a monthly debit order and a payout that lands in your account when a loved one dies. That’s pretty standard across the industry. But AVBOB’s model appears to take a different route. Instead of stopping at a payout, they bundle insurance with hands-on burial services—a mix that can feel like a lifeline during a crisis.
Think of it like this: you’re grieving, family members are calling every two minutes, and the funeral home is asking whether you want a standard or premium coffin lining. Do you really want to deal with that? AVBOB tries to take those decisions off your plate. They provide the physical services—the actual burial or cremation, the paperwork, even the transport. And because they’ve been around for over a century (founded in 1918, to be precise), they’ve built a network that stretches across South Africa. That scale means they can coordinate things faster than, say, a small-town funeral home.
But before we crown them heroes, let’s pause. Is the convenience worth the cost? And do they really cover everything they promise? We’ll circle back to those questions.
How It Works in Practice
Here’s the general flow, based on what I’ve gathered from AVBOB’s literature and, frankly, a lot of late-night reading of online reviews (yes, I went down that rabbit hole):
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The Policy: You pay a monthly premium—how much depends on the cover amount and the plan you pick. Pretty standard stuff.
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The Benefit: When a policyholder passes away, AVBOB steps in with both a cash payout and a set of services. These services aren’t some vague promise; they include things like body removal (which, trust me, is a huge relief for families), storage, preparation, the coffin, and even use of a hearse.
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Extras for Members: Here’s where it gets interesting—policyholders who are “members” (essentially clients with an active AVBOB policy) get a range of additional benefits. For example, a free basic funeral up to a certain value. They also throw in discounts on upgrades if you want something more elaborate than the standard offering.
On paper, that sounds almost too good to be true. Free funeral? Well, yes and no. The word “free” here usually means “included in your policy benefits,” and if you want extras—fancy caskets, live streaming of the service, luxury cars for the family—you’ll pay for those. Which is fair, but it’s good to manage expectations.
The Human Side: Why Practical Help Matters
Now, let me take you back to that coffee conversation. My friend told me that after her uncle died, the family didn’t know where to start. Who do you call? What paperwork is needed? In the chaos, someone remembered the AVBOB policy, and within a few hours, a team showed up. They handled the transport, advised on the death certificate, and even arranged the flowers. She said it felt surreal, like a professional support squad had swooped in while the family just tried to breathe.
That kind of practical support can’t be overstated. Anyone who’s ever had to arrange a funeral without help knows how overwhelming it can be. It’s not just emotional—it’s logistical. There are government forms, doctor’s reports, cemetery bookings, catering, seating, sound systems for the eulogy. The list is endless, and every item on it feels heavier because of the grief sitting on your chest.
AVBOB, at least in theory, lightens that load. And for many families, that’s worth more than the actual cash payout.
Cost vs. Convenience: The Subtle Trade-Off
Now for the part no one loves to talk about—money. Is AVBOB the cheapest option out there? Honestly, probably not. If you’re purely after the lowest possible premium, you could find other insurers who will just give you a payout and let you handle the rest. But then again, the cost of convenience is a real thing.
Here’s an example. A basic funeral in South Africa can easily run between R15,000 and R25,000—and that’s without going overboard. AVBOB’s member benefit often covers a portion of that (or even all of it for a very simple service), but if your family wants extras, the bill grows quickly. The upside? You know exactly what you’re getting into, and you don’t have to chase ten different suppliers to piece it all together.
There’s another angle, though: choice. When you go with AVBOB’s bundled service, you’re tied to their ecosystem. Some people love that because it’s simple. Others? Not so much. If you’re the type who wants a very specific florist, a custom coffin from a local carpenter, or an eco-friendly burial option, you might feel restricted.
So, is the model perfect? No. But for many, the trade-off makes sense: slightly higher premiums in exchange for peace of mind and practical help when it counts.
Do Families Actually Like the Service?
Scrolling through online reviews, you’ll find a mixed bag. Plenty of families rave about the professionalism and kindness of AVBOB staff, saying things like, “They treated us with so much respect and handled everything with care.” But there are also complaints—usually about communication delays or upselling during a vulnerable time. And honestly, that’s something worth noting.
Any company that operates in an emotionally charged space like funerals has to walk a fine line. On one hand, they’re running a business. On the other, they’re dealing with people at their most fragile. Some critics argue that the “extras” can feel like pressure to spend more when you’re already overwhelmed. To AVBOB’s credit, they do have a transparent price list, but the emotional element complicates things.
Personally, I think this is where having someone assertive in the family helps—someone who can ask, “Is this necessary, or is it just nice to have?” Without that, costs can creep up.
What Makes AVBOB Different?
A lot of insurers stop at paying the claim. AVBOB goes further—they literally show up. They’ll take care of the nitty-gritty, from fetching the body to arranging the funeral program. That combination of financial and practical support is rare in the industry.
They’ve also leaned into community presence. In smaller towns, you’ll often see the green-and-white AVBOB signage. They sponsor local events, support schools, and position themselves as more than just a business. That community trust, built over decades, is a big reason many families choose them without even shopping around.
Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?
So, where does that leave us? AVBOB’s burial services are ideal for people who want one point of contact for both the financial and logistical side of a funeral. If the thought of coordinating vendors, chasing quotes, and dealing with paperwork while grieving makes you break out in a cold sweat, their model makes sense.
On the flip side, if you’re cost-sensitive and happy to manage arrangements yourself (or if your family has strong preferences about every detail), a plain funeral policy plus DIY planning might work better.
For me? After hearing my friend’s story—and remembering how chaotic things were when my own grandmother passed—I can see the appeal. When grief hits, convenience isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
Would I Recommend It?
Maybe. With caveats. If you sign up, read the fine print. Understand what’s included, what’s extra, and what flexibility you have. Ask uncomfortable questions now so your family isn’t blindsided later.
Because at the end of the day, a funeral isn’t just an event—it’s a goodbye. And how that goodbye feels matters far more than any brochure ever will.
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