What does "pre-need" mean in funeral service terminology?

In funeral service terminology, "pre-need" refers to the planning and payment for funeral services before they are actually needed, meaning before the death occurs. This practice allows individuals or families to make decisions about funeral arrangements ahead of time, addressing details like the type of service, burial options, and other preferences. It can alleviate the burden on loved ones during a difficult time, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored.

This option encompasses the broader concept of pre-arranging funeral services, which may involve financial considerations such as pre-paying for costs at current rates, thus protecting against inflation. While preparing the body in advance could refer to aspects of embalming or other preparations, it does not encapsulate the full meaning of "pre-need" services. Similarly, assigning burial plots and establishing a will are related to funeral planning but do not specifically define the comprehensive concept of pre-need planning that includes both service planning and financial arrangements.