Old Mutual launches fully fledged funeral services company

BUSINESS REPORTER

Zimbabwe’s leading financial services group, Old Mutual Zimbabwe,  on Friday launched a fully-fledged funeral services business.

Speaking at a ceremony held on Friday in the capital, Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s group CEO, Samuel Matsekete said the launch was  in response to customers’ call for tangible funeral services over and above the cash benefit that  the  company offers.

Old Mutual offers premium standard of funeral service that includes services like water bowser, nationwide bus service, and family courtesy vehicle.

The family courtesy vehicle is the first of its kind in the funeral services sector, now when making funeral arrangements the vehicle can be used by the bereaved family for any logistical needs.

“At Old Mutual, we believe in being our customers’ lifetime partners, right from when they start budgeting or investing up to celebrating life with a dignified send-off,” Matsekete said.

He added: “The good news is the new funeral service offering alleviates the financial pressure and logistical burden that our customers were forced to endure at a very difficult time.”

For every Zimbabwean giving a loved one a decent burial plays an important role in our culture.

But funerals in their nature are an unplanned expense that generally costs a lot of money, especially if you are not covered by a good funeral Policy.

This is where Old Mutual Flexi Funeral Plan comes in, as it offers a better financial plan.

Every package comes with a standard cash pay-out across all plans, where a minimum of US$250 up to US$1000 is paid out. Premiums are very affordable from as little as US$3 per month. There is also 100% of cash in lieu, where one can claim cash out if a beneficiary’s funeral was covered by another funeral policy.

In addition, the plan offers free cover for biological children, and no waiting period if you migrate from another funeral policy.

“We launched the funeral service in three branches, two in Bulawayo and one in Harare and we are looking forward to launching three more branches before the end of the year.

“Old Mutual has its own funeral parlours and is available 24/7 to assist with the collection of deceased to the parlour, repatriation from the diaspora, arranging with doctors to issue death notice, assist in getting a death certificate, and process funeral claim,” the managing director of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company,  Rutendo Magorimbo said.

Old Mutual Flexi funeral policy has individual plans that suits everyone’s budget.

The packages range from Lite, Classic, Premium to Supreme. However, additional riders are available on all plans including, income stabilisation on Policyholder for six months, cash lump sum for grocery or other expenses, tombstone, memorial service and a bus.