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Oct 15, 2025
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Estate planning is the process of deciding how your assets—such as your home, savings, or policies—will be managed and passed on after you pass away. It’s not just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones from stress and confusion during a difficult time.

In estate planning in Botswana, life and funeral insurance play a crucial role. They provide immediate financial support, ensure clarity around your wishes, and reduce the burden on your family. It’s one of the most thoughtful ways to take care of your family—long after you're gone.

Why Estate Planning Matters in Botswana

When a loved one passes, families are often left to navigate complex responsibilities while coping with grief. In Botswana, cultural expectations and financial pressures can add further weight—especially if there’s no plan in place.

Without clear estate documents or insurance, assets can be delayed in legal processes, or worse, cause disputes between family members. Having a proper plan is a sign of care. It allows you to make decisions today that protect your family tomorrow—reducing confusion, debt, and emotional strain.

 

The Two Pillars: Life Insurance and Funeral Insurance

Life and funeral insurance are essential tools in any estate plan. They serve different but equally important purposes:

  • Life insurance provides a lump-sum payment to your chosen beneficiaries when you pass away. This can be used to pay off debts, cover school fees, or maintain your family’s quality of life. It's a key part of family wealth transfer, ensuring your legacy supports those who matter most.
     
  • Funeral insurance is more immediate. It helps cover funeral and burial costs, allowing your loved ones to focus on grieving, not fundraising. For many, having funeral insurance in Botswana prevents financial pressure during an already difficult time.

It's also critical to nominate beneficiaries and review them regularly. This determines who receives your policy benefits. Outdated or unclear nominations can lead to delays or disputes.

Legal and Financial Implications

When someone passes, estate duties and legal processes can take time and money. But life and funeral insurance can offer a direct financial lifeline.

In some cases, life insurance in Botswana pays out tax-free, helping families avoid further financial strain. Having all your policy documentation in place—and up to date—also helps prevent legal delays.

While this blog offers general guidance, we recommend consulting a legal advisor to help create a complete estate plan that includes both a will and your insurance policies.

Planning for Seniors and Parents

Estate planning isn’t just for your children’s future—it’s also about protecting your parents.

Many Batswana adults are now supporting elderly relatives. In these cases, having funeral cover for parents can make all the difference.

The Thebe Funeral Plan by Bona Life is designed to offer accessible and flexible cover for senior citizens. It ensures your family can honour your parents' lives without financial stress—and with dignity.

How to Integrate Insurance into Your Estate Plan

Making insurance part of your estate strategy is easier than you think. Here are some practical steps:

  • Review all existing life and funeral insurance policies
     
  • Nominate or update your beneficiaries
     
  • Store policy documents securely and share their location with family
     
  • Schedule annual reviews of your plan and coverage
     
  • Hold a family conversation to make your intentions clear

This is the heart of legacy planning in Botswana—being proactive about how your values, support, and wealth will be passed on.

Secure the Future, One Step at a Time

You don’t have to do everything at once—but taking even small steps toward estate planning today can save your family a great deal tomorrow.

Incorporating funeral insurancelife insurance, and proper documentation is a powerful act of love, not just administration.

 

Start building your legacy today. Speak to a Bona Life advisor about integrating funeral or life insurance into your estate plan.


📞 Call: +267 398 1800
📱 WhatsApp: +267 76 744 686
🌐 Visit: www.bonalife.co.bw

 

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How do I make amendments to my policy?

Fill out an amendment form supplied by Bona Life, and attach relevant supporting documents based on the nature of the amendment. For example:

  • Addition of a child to policy – birth certificate
  • Change of name- marriage, divorce decree or affidavit
  • Change of bank- new banking details 
How do I get my statement for my investment or savings policy?

Send a request to client service team via the various touchpoints (walk-ins, email, Whatsapp, Facebook, telephone) to prepare a policy valuation. Policy valuation will be shared via your preferred medium.

How do I cede my policy for a loan?

Send a request to cede policy to Bona Life and on confirmation of policy status, you will complete a cession form. Attach the KYC forms and policy documents will be prepared showing the cession. This is what you will take to the bank to complete the cession.

How do I surrender my investment or savings policy?

Submit KYC documents, Complete surrender form, write surrender letter & attach bank statement for account that the money will be deposited to.