Funeral cover in Zambia

Who may sell funeral cover

Only a licensed insurer, or an intermediary licensed for that insurer. The PIA's list for 2026 names, under each insurer, its licensed insurance agents: many are small businesses (general dealers, agencies, individuals). Check that the name on your receipt appears under the insurer named on your policy.

Licensed microinsurance agents and aggregators are licence types under the Act (section 7), and the PIA publishes the microinsurance licence forms (PIA).

Before you join a funeral plan

• Who is covered: you, your spouse, children, parents? Up to what age?
• The amount paid for each person, and whether it is paid in cash or as a service.
• The waiting period before a death is covered, and the exclusions.
• What happens if you miss a premium: for a general insurance policy the Act stops cover after 30 days (section 26); for long-term policies, read the lapse terms of your policy.
• Whether the policy is with a licensed insurer, not only with a burial society or a shop.

The PIA's advice: insurance can take up funeral expenses so that the financial burden on the family is lighter (key life events).

When the insurer does not pay

Complain in writing to the insurer first and keep copies. If you are not satisfied, write to the PIA's Registrar: the PIA lists "a delay in settlement of a payable claim" among the complaints it handles (PIA complaints procedure). Step by step: complaints.

Sources

1. Insurance Act No. 38 of 2021 — Pensions and Insurance Authority copy
2. Pensions and Insurance Authority — Licensed Insurance Entities 2026 (public notice, published 2 October 2026)
3. Pensions and Insurance Authority — Licensed Entities
4. Pensions and Insurance Authority — Key life events
5. Pensions and Insurance Authority — Insurance Complaints Handling Procedure (18 December 2025)