Photo: Suesen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Funeral policies in Zimbabwe
Who sells them and the rules on missed premiums
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Get the free PDFWho sells funeral cover
IPEC's list retrieved on 31 October 2026 names 10 funeral assurers; IPEC cancelled Orchid Funeral Assurance on 1 June 2026 (notice), leaving 9 active: First Funeral Assurance, Foundation Mutual Society, Kings and Queens, Kuwadzana Funeral, Moonlight Funeral Assurance & Services, Passion Funeral Assurance, Ruvimbo Funeral Assurance, Sunset Funeral Assurance and Vineyard Funeral Assurance. Life assurers such as Doves Life Assurance and Nyaradzo Life Assurance sell funeral plans too (IPEC list).
IPEC's 2025 Annual Report counted 7 funeral assurers at 31 December 2025 and calls funeral assurance "the weakest segment" for IFRS 17 reporting. Funeral assurers wrote ZWG 286.36 million of revenue in 2025, and drew 54 of the 318 complaints IPEC received.
If you miss a premium: section 60
| Premiums paid for | Policy stays in force without premiums for |
|---|---|
| 5 to less than 7 years | 6 months |
| 7 to less than 9 years | 9 months |
| 9 to less than 11 years | 12 months |
| 11 to less than 14 years | 18 months |
| 14 to less than 17 years | 24 months |
| 17 to less than 21 years | 36 months |
| 21 to less than 25 years | 48 months |
| 25 years or more | 60 months |
Schedule to the Insurance Act, applied by section 60(3) to funeral policies issued on or after 1 March 1957. Before that, section 60(1) gives a grace period: one month from the due date of the first unpaid premium if the insurer sends someone to collect premiums, otherwise until the date in a written notice served at least 14 days before. An insurer may grant better terms (s 61). Work out your dates: funeral policy lapse calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss a funeral policy premium in Zimbabwe?
The policy stays in force for one month if the insurer collects premiums from you, otherwise until a date in a written notice served at least 14 days before (Insurance Act, s 60(1)). Pay within that period and the policy continues.
Does a funeral policy lapse after years of payment?
If premiums were paid for five years or more, the policy stays in force for the full sum insured without further premiums for 6 to 60 months, depending on how long you paid (s 60(3) and the Schedule).
Which funeral companies are registered in Zimbabwe?
IPEC's list retrieved on 31 October 2026 names 10 funeral assurers, of which Orchid Funeral Assurance was cancelled on 1 June 2026. Life assurers such as Nyaradzo Life and Doves Life also sell funeral plans.
Sources
- Insurance Act [Chapter 24:07] (Acts 27/1988, 19/98, 22/2001, 3/2004) — IPEC copy
- IPEC — Regulated entities: life assurers, short-term insurers, funeral assurers, microinsurers, reinsurers, brokers, agents and assessors (retrieved 31 October 2026)
- IPEC — Notice of cancellation of Orchid Funeral Assurance (Private) Limited (1 June 2026)
- IPEC — 2025 Annual Report (published June 2026; figures at 31 December 2025)