A new funeral plan that targets Zimbabweans in the Diaspora has this week been launched, which aims to make it a bit easier to deal with the death of a loved in the Diaspora.

The Diaspora Funeral Cash Plan, insured by the Zimnat Life Assurance group, aims to alleviate some of the grief associated with a death by providing a cash pay out within 24 hours of a claim. The service is offered to Zimbabweans worldwide and people have to apply to be covered for up to US$20 000.

SW Radio Africa has for years heard stories of families been left 
financially ruined because of the associated costs of loved ones dying in 
the Diaspora, with mortuary costs and the price of repatriating a body out 
of reach for most.

In South Africa, where a conservative estimate of about two million 
Zimbabweans are living, mortuary costs are said to be about R150 a day. The costs of repatriating a body back to Zimbabwe meanwhile are anywhere between R7 000 and R14 000 for an adult. All these amounts are beyond the reach of many Zimbabweans in South Africa who earn monthly salaries as low as R1 500.

This is just in South Africa, but similar problems are also faced by the 
Diaspora community worldwide.

Godfrey Tenesi, the New Business Development Manager from Zimnat Life Assurance, told SW Radio Africa that the funeral plan hopes to make things a bit easier during the grieving period. He said the plan is available to Zimbabweans worldwide with guaranteed acceptance for applicants under the age of 70, and people can apply online.

For more information visit www.diasporafuneralcashplan.com