Ontario cremation costs can range between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the services you need. Fortunately, life insurance can cover cremation costs with some considerations.
While saying goodbye to a loved one can be a devastating and costly experience, it’s possible to honour their memory while being practical about your budget. Understanding cremation costs in Ontario and how your life insurance policy can help make you feel more informed and prepared.
Does Life Insurance Cover Cremation Costs in Canada?
Yes, life insurance can cover cremation costs in Canada. When a policyholder dies, the company pays the death benefit as a lump sum to the named beneficiaries. Different life insurance policies offer different cremation benefits. Here’s a closer look.
How Much is Cremation in Ontario?
Cremation services in Ontario cost between $1,000 and $10,000, with direct cremation being the cheapest option. Direct cremation covers collection and cremation and costs typically between $1,400 and $2,100.
Traditional cremation funerals cost between $7,500 and $10,000, as they often include embalming, viewing, and a ceremony before cremation. Here is what a typical cremation service in Ontario might cost.
Cremation Expenses vs. Traditional Burial Expenses
Compared to cremations, the cost of a funeral in Ontario is much higher – roughly in the $7,500 to $15,000 range (on average). Considerations affecting traditional burial costs might include the following:
- Cemetery plot: $2,000 to $10,000, depending on location and cemetery size
- Casket: $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the material and design
- Burial vault (optional): $1,000 to $3,000 to protect the casket underground
Cremation: Provincial Differences
Cremation itself has similar costs across Canadian provinces due to comparable operational expenses. However, urban areas, such as Ontario’s larger cities, may charge more due to higher overheads for funeral homes.
| Feature | British Columbia | Ontario | Alberta | Quebec | Manitoba |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Requirement | Required for cremation | Required for cremation | Required for cremation | The act applies to various funeral operations, including cremation services | Licence required for operating a crematorium |
| Documentation for Permit | Original death or stillbirth documents should be sent to a hospital administrator | Similar to BC. | Original Medical Certificate of Death and the Registration of Death form | Specific documents are not detailed but involve various funeral operations | Approval of plans by an engineer and the minister; licence issued by the Public Utilities Board |
| Who Can Arrange Cremation | Legal for family/friends to arrange | Similar to BC | Legal for family/friends to arrange | Specifics not detailed; various operations regulated under the Funeral Operations Act | Crematorium operators must be licensed. |
| Disposition Options | Traditional/natural/green burials, cremation | Similar to BC | Similar to BC | Embalming, viewing services, cremation services | Cremation, with specific regulations for the operation of crematoriums |
| Special Requirements | Hospital administrator issues permit | Similar process as BC | Similar process as BC | A funeral services business license and an embalmer’s license are required for offering funeral and embalming services | Crematory construction and operation require certification and licensing and must be operated by regulations |
Factors Affecting Cremation Costs
Cremation costs in Ontario may vary depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of each factor.
Choosing a Cremation Home in Ontario
Ontario has many cremation providers, so choosing one can be tricky. Here are a few tips for finding the right provider to memorialize your loved one in a meaningful yet cost-effective way.
Do Research on Funeral Homes Online
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) provides a public register of all the crematoriums and funeral establishments in Ontario. Here, you can find cremation services by location or business name.
Most funeral home websites publish their services and pricing. Thoroughly review inclusions and package options, and remember to read customer reviews.
Contact and Compare
Don’t just focus on price – contact multiple funeral establishments and compare different cremation packages to find one that suits your needs. Inquire about satisfaction and price match guarantees.
Some cremation providers offer flexible payment programs or allow applicants to pre-pay for services.
Key Advice from MyChoice
As cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many, knowing your options can save your loved ones time and money, allowing them to grieve peacefully. If you’re set on cremation, study these few key takeaways and tips from My Choice:
- Life insurance can provide financial assistance for cremations, as beneficiaries can use the death benefit for final expenses. Term life insurance offers cheaper and more flexible options, but whole life insurance may provide a bigger payout. You can also apply for a final expense policy.
- On average, cremation costs in Ontario range between $1,000 and $10,000. Factors like funeral establishment packages, urn type, documentation, and location may influence these costs.
- Choose the right crematorium by doing ample research online, reading customer reviews, and getting referrals from others.