In Ontario, the choice between burial and cremation is significant for many families. More and more people are choosing cremation over a traditional burial. In this article, our team dives into the details of cremation costs in Ontario, provincial differences across Canada, and whether life insurance can help cover the expenses.
Does Life Insurance Cover Cremation Costs in Canada?
The short answer is yes, but you should check your policy and ask the insurance provider to determine what type of coverage you have for funeral expenses. Generally speaking, both term and whole life insurance provide death benefits. However, you can always get dedicated funeral insurance if you anticipate that your funeral costs will be high.
Overview of Cremation Costs in Ontario (Infographic)
Cremation Expenses vs Traditional Burial Expenses
While basic cremation excludes services like flowers, stationery, and obituaries, these can be added at an extra cost. Alternatively, opting for a cremation with a memorial service incurs higher costs but remains more affordable than a traditional burial service.
Here’s a detailed comparison table that outlines the expenses associated with a traditional burial versus a cremation:
| Expense Category | Traditional Burial Costs | Cremation Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Death Certificate & Registration | $5,000 – $15,000 | Included in Professional Services |
| Transfer Service | $5,000 – $11,000 | Included in Professional Services |
| Funeral Home | $2,000 – $12,000 | $250 – $500 (Professional Services) |
| Church Ceremony | $4,000 – $12,000 | Not Applicable |
| Flowers | $5,000 – $10,000 | Variable |
| Reception | $7,000 – $11,000 | Variable |
| Cemetery Costs | $5,000 – $10,000 | Not Applicable |
| Cremation Costs | Not Applicable | $575 (Cremation Fee) |
| Cremation Casket | Not Applicable | $50 – $400 |
| Facilities Use | Included in Funeral Home Costs | $300 – $450 |
| Additional Services | Variable | Variable |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL: | $33,000 – $71,000 | $1,200 – $1,900 (Excluding Variable Costs) |
Cremation: Provincial Differences
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of cremation laws and procedures across five Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba.
| 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 |
Key Advice from MyChoice
Below are a few life insurance-related recommendations to help you alleviate some of the funeral-related expenses, such as the cost of cremation.