3rd party fees, or ‘disbursements’ refer to elements of a funeral cost that are paid by the funeral director to 3rd parties on your behalf. These are cremation fees (national average £600), doctor’s fees (£164 nationally, except Scotland where they are free) and minister or celebrant fee (£180). With the exception of the Topaz option, all Safe Hands Funeral Plans contain an allowance of £1200 to cover 3rd party fees. This allowance rises annually at least in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI). There may be a balance to pay at the time of need if the 3rd party fees payable by the funeral director on your behalf when you die, exceed the allowance in your plan (+RPI) at that time.