How much does cremation pre-planning cost per month?

Cremation pre-planning through After.com starts as low as $25/month with no money down. Three plan tiers are available: Base ($25/mo), Crest ($30/mo), and Summit ($40/mo). Payment terms are typically 3-year or 5-year installments, or you can pay in full upfront. All plans include the core cremation service, transportation (25 miles), a dedicated care specialist, secure refrigeration, a cremation container, online obituary, and a year of grief support. Higher tiers add price-lock guarantees, travel protection, premium urns, and death certificates.

What does a basic cremation plan include?

A basic cremation plan from After.com includes everything needed for a complete direct cremation, starting at under $1,000 for immediate need. That covers: safe transfer of your loved one into their care, all required legal authorizations and permits, dignified cremation, a temporary scattering urn on request, a cremation container for those under 200 lbs, secure refrigeration for 3 business days, return of remains via USPS Priority Mail with tracking or local courier, an online obituary listing, a dedicated care specialist, and one year of grief support. What it does not include: embalming, viewing, funeral ceremony, casket, burial plot, or headstone.

What do I do when someone dies at home?

If your loved one dies at home without hospice, call 911 first, then call After.com at 844-905-2639. Emergency personnel will respond and make an official determination. Once that is complete, After.com coordinates pickup from your home. If your loved one is under hospice care, skip 911 and ask the hospice nurse to contact After.com directly. The nurse will coordinate the transfer, and After.com typically arrives within 1 to 2 hours. You are allowed to remain at home with your loved one for up to 24 hours before transport is required. After.com staff arrives in a discreet van, dressed professionally.

What do I do when someone dies at a hospital or in hospice care?

Notify the hospital or hospice facility that you have chosen After.com, and they will coordinate the release directly. You do not need to arrange transportation yourself. For hospice care at home, ask the hospice nurse to call After.com at 844-905-2639. Pickup typically happens within 1 to 2 hours. For hospital deaths, inform the hospital staff of your choice and the facility will authorize the release to After.com once paperwork is complete. After.com handles the transfer, documentation, legal permits, and all next steps. If your loved one pre-planned with After.com, the process moves even faster because their wishes and information are already on file.

How long does the cremation process take from start to finish?

The complete process from death to return of remains takes approximately 3 weeks, though it is often faster for pre-registered or pre-paid families. After.com picks up your loved one and places them in a climate-controlled facility within 24 hours. They then gather all required legal authorizations and permits, which depends on county processing speed and doctor certification timelines. The actual cremation happens in the days immediately following authorization. Remains are returned via USPS Priority Mail with tracking or local courier. Death certificates typically arrive within 2 to 3 weeks after cremation is completed.

Does the cremation company pick up the body?

Yes. After.com handles all transportation as part of their cremation service. Their team arrives in a discreet van, dressed professionally, and transfers your loved one safely into their care. Transportation is included for up to 25 miles in all plans. For at-home deaths under hospice, pickup typically happens within 1 to 2 hours. For hospital or facility deaths, After.com coordinates directly with the institution once they authorize the release. Your loved one is placed in a climate-controlled facility within 24 hours. You do not need to arrange any transportation yourself.

What happens to the body before cremation?

Your loved one is picked up by After.com's team, transported in a discreet van, and placed in a dignified climate-controlled facility within 24 hours. After.com does not perform embalming. The body is safely held in refrigerated storage while the team gathers all required legal authorizations, permits, and documentation. Once authorizations are complete, cremation happens in the days immediately following. There is no viewing or funeral service beforehand unless you arrange one separately. The body is cremated in a simple cremation container included in the plan for those under 200 lbs.

Do you need a funeral service before cremation?

No. Direct cremation means cremation happens without a viewing or funeral service beforehand, and that is exactly what After.com provides. You have complete flexibility to hold a memorial, celebration of life, or gathering on your own terms, either before or after cremation. Many families choose to hold an informal memorial at home, a park, or a meaningful location days or weeks later, without the time pressure and cost of a traditional funeral home service. If you do want a formal viewing or service before cremation, you would need to arrange that through a traditional funeral home separately, as After.com specializes in direct cremation only.

Why is direct cremation so much cheaper than a funeral home?

Direct cremation eliminates the most expensive components of a traditional funeral: embalming ($725+), casket ($2,400+), burial plot ($2,000+), vault ($1,400+), and venue and staff fees ($2,100+ base). The median traditional funeral costs nearly $9,000 according to the NFDA. Direct cremation involves a single transfer, the cremation itself, and return of remains. The simplicity is the savings. You can still hold a memorial or celebration of life separately, on your own terms and budget, without paying funeral home markup.

Is cremation more affordable than traditional burial?

Yes, significantly. Direct cremation can cost under $1,000, while the average traditional burial costs approximately $7,848. That is a savings of $6,000 or more. Traditional burial expenses include embalming ($725+), a casket ($2,400+), a cemetery plot ($2,000+), vault ($1,400+), headstone, gravedigger fees, and ongoing maintenance. Cremation eliminates all of those. After.com keeps costs low by operating online with upfront, transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Pre-planning locks in today's price and can be spread over monthly payments starting at $25/month.

What if I cannot afford cremation?

After.com offers flexible monthly payment plans through Lilypay with 3, 6, or 12 month installment options so you do not need to pay the full amount upfront. For pre-planning, you can start at $25/month with no money down. For immediate need, contact After.com at 844-905-2639 to discuss payment options. After.com direct cremation pricing is under $1,000 in many areas, which is already a fraction of the $7,848 average traditional funeral cost. Other options to explore: some states have indigent cremation programs through the county, veterans may qualify for VA burial benefits, and some nonprofits offer emergency funeral assistance.

Does life insurance pay for cremation?

Yes, life insurance can pay for cremation, but there is a timing problem: death benefits typically take weeks or months to process, and cremation costs are due upfront. That is why After.com recommends a separate pre-paid cremation plan even if you have life insurance. With a pre-plan, the cremation is already funded through a dedicated final expense insurance policy, so your family pays nothing out of pocket when the time comes. If you are relying on life insurance for an immediate need, your family will likely need to cover cremation costs upfront and wait for reimbursement. After.com offers flexible payment plans through Lilypay with 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments for immediate-need families.

Can I get cremation insurance or pre-plan with pre-existing health conditions?

Yes. After.com pre-plans use a final expense insurance policy, and acceptance is generally available regardless of health status. Unlike traditional life insurance that requires medical underwriting, preneed and final expense policies typically have simplified or guaranteed acceptance. The tradeoff is a two-year contestable period: if you pass within the first two years, the full benefit may not be paid out. After that period, you are fully covered. Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you from pre-planning.

Does a cremation pre-plan transfer if I move to another state?

Yes. After.com pre-plans include out-of-area protection, and the underlying insurance policy is valid nationwide. Your premiums are paid to a national insurance carrier licensed in all 50 states, so your coverage follows you. Crest and Summit plans specifically include nationwide or international travel protection. If you want to switch funeral providers entirely, the policy can also transfer to another funeral home. You are not locked into After.com. When evaluating any preneed contract, always confirm it has a transfer clause so you can move without penalty.

Do I need my spouse or family approval to pre-plan my cremation?

No. You do not need anyone's permission to pre-plan your own cremation. A cremation pre-plan is a personal decision and a legal agreement between you and the provider. You are the policyholder and can designate any beneficiaries you choose. That said, informing your family is strongly recommended so they know your wishes and can act on your plan when the time comes. After.com allows you to name multiple beneficiaries and record your preferences so there is no confusion later.

How do I pre-plan cremation for myself without it feeling morbid?

Reframe it as a gift to your family, not a reminder of death. You are recording how you want to be remembered and celebrated, which is an act of love, not dread. The entire arrangement can be done online in minutes from your couch, so there is no somber funeral home visit. Focus on what you are preventing: your family making rushed $9,000+ decisions while grieving. Many people find that once it is done, they feel genuine relief. Think of it like writing a will: uncomfortable for five minutes, then peace of mind for years.

How does my family use my pre-planned cremation when the time comes?

Your family simply calls After.com, and the team handles everything from there. After.com files a claim with the insurance provider to access your policy benefit and coordinates all arrangements: transportation, authorizations, cremation, and return of remains. Your recorded wishes guide the process so your family does not have to make difficult decisions under pressure. The entire process typically takes less than two weeks. If the policy is fully paid, there is no cost to your family.

What if I miss a payment on my cremation plan or cannot afford monthly payments?

If you pass before completing payments, premiums already paid remain available toward your cremation services, with any shortfall owed by your family. There are no penalties for paying off your policy early, and you can choose 3-year or 5-year installment terms starting at $25/mo. If you have paid more than the cost of services, the excess is returned to your family. The key risk of lapsed payments is during the two-year contestable period. Contact After.com directly to discuss hardship options rather than simply stopping payments.

Can I change or cancel my cremation plan after I sign up?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund within 30 days of signing. After the 30-day window, no refunds are available on premiums already paid, but the money stays allocated toward your future cremation services. You can pay off your policy early with no penalties, and the policy can be transferred to a different funeral home if you change providers. You have a risk-free month to decide, and even after that, your money is not lost.

What is included in a cremation plan and what is not?

All After.com plans include: honorable cremation, transportation (25 miles), secure refrigeration (3 business days), a cremation container, a temporary scattering urn on request, an online obituary, a dedicated care specialist, and one year of grief support. Not included unless you upgrade: price-lock guarantee (Crest and above), premium urns, death certificates beyond one, travel protection, fingerprint preservation, and financial account discovery. The Base plan carries a $75 administrative fee. Weight surcharges may apply over 200 lbs. Viewings, embalming, and funeral ceremonies are not part of any plan.

What is the difference between After.com and Neptune Society?

After.com is a fully online, transparent-pricing cremation provider. Neptune Society is a traditional preneed cremation chain with in-person sales and local offices. After.com lets you arrange everything online in minutes with upfront pricing, while Neptune Society typically requires consultations and has been known for sales pressure. After.com premiums go directly to a national insurance carrier, which protects your money if the provider ever closes. After.com plans start at $25/month. Both offer direct cremation. The core difference is a modern, transparent experience versus a legacy model.

How do I talk to my family about pre-planning my cremation?

Lead with your reason. You are doing this to protect them, not to be morbid. Frame the conversation around relieving their future burden: you do not want them making $9,000 decisions while grieving. Share that you have already looked into it and have a plan, which makes the conversation feel proactive rather than heavy. Cover where your documents are, what your wishes are, and who to call. Many families find the conversation brings relief and closeness. Pick a calm, everyday moment and keep it short.

How do I get a death certificate after cremation?

After.com orders death certificates on your behalf once the death is officially registered with the County Health Department. Certified copies typically arrive within 2 to 3 weeks after cremation is completed, though timelines vary by county processing speed and how quickly the attending physician signs off. The Crest plan includes 1 complimentary death certificate and the Summit plan includes 4 with 12 months of error protection. You will need certified copies for closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, transferring property, and settling the estate. Most families need between 4 and 10 copies. Order enough upfront because reordering later takes additional time.

Can you divide cremation ashes between family members?

Yes, cremation ashes can be divided among family members. There are no laws prohibiting it, and it is a common practice. A typical adult cremation produces 3 to 7 pounds of remains, which is more than enough to share. You can use smaller keepsake urns, jewelry pendants, or other memorial containers to distribute portions among loved ones. After.com provides a temporary scattering urn with their plans, and you can purchase additional keepsake urns from any retailer. Just ensure the primary recipient listed on the cremation authorization agrees to the division.

What can I do with cremation ashes, including scattering?

You have many options: keep them in an urn at home, scatter them in a meaningful location, divide them among family, or transform them into memorial keepsakes. Common choices include scattering at sea, scattering in nature, planting with a memorial tree, placing in a columbarium niche, or burying in a cemetery. Keepsake options include cremation jewelry, glass art, diamonds, or reef memorials. After.com provides a temporary scattering urn on request with all plans. Always check local ordinances before scattering on public property. Many families choose a combination: keep some, scatter some, and share the rest with loved ones.

What do real customers say about After.com?

After.com holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating across 932+ reviews, making it one of the most highly reviewed cremation providers in the areas it serves. Families consistently praise After.com for its transparent pricing, compassionate care team, and the simplicity of arranging everything online during an overwhelming time. Customers value that the price they see is the price they pay, with no surprise fees at a vulnerable moment. The high rating spans all service types: immediate need, passing soon, and pre-planning.

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Families usually find us at a hard moment, and the first thing they want to know is simple: is After.com real? Yes. After.com is a licensed cremation provider, trusted by thousands of families across 12 states. Every location we operate is a state-licensed establishment, and we make it easy to see the license, the price list and the reviews for the team that would serve you.

Here's who we are, how we work and why families recommend us.

"I wasn't quite sure how this would go considering it was a website. They were very compassionate and very helpful through this extremely difficult time. Jared was exceptional."

Jeannie, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2022 (profile)

"After.com is a very caring service. And the person who I had the pleasure of being assigned to work with me, was Phillip. A very kind, understanding, and patience man, who helped guide me through this very difficult time."

Kim Williams, Trustpilot, 5 stars

After.com at a glance

Licensed in every state we serve: Each location is a state-licensed establishment with its own entity name and license number, listed on our service-areas page.
Clear, published pricing: Every region has a General Price List (GPL) you can read online before you ever pick up the phone. Start from our service-areas page.
Highly rated by families: 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot from more than 1,300 reviews, 4.9 out of 5 on Google for our Mesa, AZ location, and an A rating with BBB accreditation since 2022.
Here for you around the clock: A Care Specialist answers 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

"I would highly recommend After.com. They were caring, responsive, attentive and professional. On top of that, they had a very reasonable rate. Jared was a pleasure to work with and you could tell he wanted nothing but the best for my father and our family. Highly recommended."

Chris Saurenmann, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2025

What is After.com, and who is behind it?

After.com started in 2020 with one goal: make cremation and arrangements simpler, clearer and kinder for families. Our roots are in funeral service. Co-founder Bryce Bunker is a fourth-generation funeral director (interview). He started After with co-founders Jackson Buntrock and Wesley Eames, pairing generations of funeral-home experience with a simpler way to make arrangements online and by phone.

Our first licensed establishment opened in Mesa, Arizona. It's still one of our regional offices, and it's one of the highest-rated cremation providers in the area.

Who owns After? After.com is a privately held company, backed by investors who believe in what we're building, including a Series A round announced in July 2024. That support lets us keep growing into new communities and keep investing in our care team.

The reason we exist is simple. A family should be able to focus on each other while qualified people handle the permits, the paperwork and the logistics. One call. We handle the rest.

"Your company was recommended to me by both a nurse and my brothers hospice case worker. You showed him so much dignity and care and thought of everything. The speed in which things were done was very impressive. I highly recommend your company, the team and our Rep Brittanie. Thank you"

Pam Park, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2025

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Is After licensed where I live?

Funeral and cremation licenses are issued state by state, and we hold one everywhere we operate. We serve selected areas in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin, and we're adding communities all the time.

Seeing our license for yourself takes a minute:

Find your area on our service-areas page.
See the legal entity name and license number for the location that serves you, right on the page.
Call us with any question at 1-844-717-5170. A Care Specialist can confirm the licensed team for your area in a minute.

Two helpful notes. We publish pages for many cities, and the license belongs to the establishment serving that city, which may be in a nearby town. And if you're planning ahead with a prepaid plan funded by insurance, that plan is protected under your state's insurance rules in addition to our funeral license. Read Is my After prepaid cremation plan safe? for the details.

"After.com made it as easy as it possibly could be. They were kind and compassionate with us and very respectful and careful with our passed loved one."

Susan & John Marshall, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2022

What happens when a family calls After?

From the first call to the return of ashes, one team guides you through it:

First call. You call us or start online, any hour of the day. A Care Specialist confirms your loved one is in our service area and walks you through the options and the price, with no pressure.
Authorization and transportation. The legal next of kin signs the cremation authorization, and we bring your loved one into our care. Transportation within the mileage on your price list is included.
Paperwork. We prepare the death certificate and file for permits with the county and state. Many families tell us this is the part they're most relieved to hand off.
Cremation. The cremation takes place as soon as the required permits are issued and any waiting period required by state law has passed.
Return of ashes. Ashes are returned to the family by pickup or delivery, whichever you choose.

How long does it take? We move as quickly as the process allows. The timing mostly depends on how fast the medical certifier signs the death certificate and how fast the county issues permits, and your Care Specialist keeps you updated at every step.

"From the time my mom was picked up right through her returning home, everyone who we came in contact with was so sincere and made the experience alot less stressful. I felt at ease and knew I had made the right choices."

Jennifer Rowan, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2024

"I had an excellent experience with After.com from their pickup of my Dad until the dropping off of the Ashes. The entire experience was handled with dignity and their were no hassles involved."

Robert S. Hicks, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2022

"Everyone made it easy to understand how the proces works."

Joseph Damato, Google review of our Mesa, AZ location, 5 stars (review)

Can we have a viewing or service?

Yes, in many regions. Direct cremation is simple by design, and you can add a ceremony whenever you'd like one. Our Arizona price list, for example, offers viewing, witnessed cremation and chapel services. Your local GPL shows what's available near you, or just ask your Care Specialist.

"I appreciate that me and my kids got to choose a few items of sentimental value to be cremated with my husband. And it was so nice that his ashes were delivered to my home by a very nice and sympathetic lady."

Tami Ross, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2025

How much does After cost?

Prices are set by region, and we publish them. Your region's General Price List shows every item with its price and an effective date, and you can read it online from our service-areas page before you talk to anyone. Posting our price lists online goes beyond what the federal FTC Funeral Rule requires, and we do it because families deserve to see the numbers up front.

There are three kinds of pricing, and we keep them clearly separate:

Cremation when a death has already happened is priced on your region's GPL.
Planning-ahead packages are priced separately, include added benefits, and can often be paid over time.
Insurance premiums fund prepaid plans and are shown as their own part of the plan.

What's included

Transportation: Bringing your loved one into our care, within the mileage listed on your GPL.
Care before cremation: A climate-controlled environment for the number of days listed on your GPL.
Paperwork: Filing permits and preparing the death certificate. Certified copies are available per copy.
Container: A basic cremation container.
Return of ashes: The return method in your package.
Optional additions: Viewing, witnessed cremation, urns and memorial items are listed on your GPL so you can add exactly what you want and nothing you don't.

Your Care Specialist will give you a written, itemized quote so your total is clear before you sign. It matches the GPL, line by line.

"The simplicity of the process is number one. Cut and dry with more than reasonable costs. Jonah answered every question I had and left communication open for future need. If anyone wants this route to go in the cremation process I highly recommend After.com."

Richard Waldow, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2023

"I was dealt with in a professional manner. The process was easy. The customer service I received from Jake was outstanding. Also, the price point was right."

James Johnson, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2025

"Kayt was phenomenal in effort and info."

John T, Trustpilot, 5 stars

What families say about After.com

Independent review platforms each keep their own score, so we list them separately. These figures were checked October 26, 2026:

Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 from 1,306 reviews across the company.
Google, Mesa, AZ: 4.9 out of 5 from 228 reviews for our original location.
Better Business Bureau: A rating, BBB-accredited since August 24, 2022.

Our own reviews page collects more stories from families we've served.

A theme runs through them: families remember the person who guided them. Phillip. Kayt. Jared. Vickie. Cameron. The Care Specialist who picked up at 2 a.m. and stayed on the line. That's the standard we hire for and train to.

"After.com eased my way through this very difficult journey with grace, compassion and professionalism."

Nancy Landes, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2024

"They took a lot of the stress out of the experience of losing a loved one and trying to make final arrangements. They kept me informed every step of the way. My care specialist was Vickie and she was wonderful."

Lynna Johnson, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2024

"Cameron provided excellent customer service. He patiently answered my many questions and was very kind and compassionate. I appreciate how easy the process has been and how much peace of mind the decision to work with After.com has brought me. Thank you!"

Michelle Prince, Trustpilot, 5 stars, 2024

Questions at any point? We're one call away

Whether you have a question about a quote, a document or a timeline, our care team is here 24/7.

Call us, 24/7, at 1-844-717-5170.
Have the name of your loved one or the plan holder handy, so we can find your file fast.
Prefer it in writing? Ask your Care Specialist and we'll follow up by email.

Questions about a prepaid plan, like refunds, cancellation or your insurer? Read Is my After prepaid cremation plan safe?

How to choose a cremation provider with confidence

Whoever you're considering, these are the questions worth asking. We're glad to answer every one of them.

Is the establishment serving you licensed in your state? Ours are, and the license number is on our service-areas page.
Can you see the General Price List before you call? Ours is online.
Will you get a written, itemized quote? Always, from us.
Is someone available 24/7? Yes, at 1-844-717-5170.
What do families say on independent platforms? Read ours on Trustpilot, Google and the BBB.
If you're planning ahead, who is the insurer, what does the price guarantee cover and how does cancellation work? We put all three in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Is After a real funeral home?

Yes. After provides cremation and funeral services through state-licensed establishments, each listed with its entity name and license number on our service-areas page. Much of the planning happens online and by phone for your convenience, and the services are carried out by licensed staff under the same state licensing rules that apply to traditional funeral homes.

Does After serve my ZIP code?

We serve selected areas in 12 states and are expanding. Check your location on our service-areas page or call us, and a Care Specialist will confirm right away.

Who owns and operates After?

After.com is a privately held company founded in 2020 by Bryce Bunker, Jackson Buntrock and Wesley Eames, and backed by outside investors. Services are provided by a licensed After company in each state, such as After AZ1 LLC in Arizona.

Can I arrange a viewing or witness the cremation?

Yes, in many regions, as optional add-ons. Our Arizona price list includes viewing, witnessed cremation and chapel services. Your local GPL shows what's available near you.

Why can direct cremation cost less than a traditional funeral?

Direct cremation leaves out the services that drive up traditional funeral costs, like embalming, a casket, and a viewing or ceremony before the cremation. Families can add any of those back if they want them. Your local GPL shows exactly what's included.

How do I reach After?

Call us, 24/7, at 1-844-717-5170, or start online. A Care Specialist is always available.

Next steps

See who serves your area and what it costs there. It takes about a minute.

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Dallin Preece

CRO, After.com - Cremation & Preplanning Divisions

Published Date:

October 27, 2026

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