Brits are naturally squeamish about death. But talking about the subject, and managing it financially, can be a gift for our loved ones, says Sam Grice in today’s Notebook

Why do we not insure against death?

We insure our phones, our holidays and even our pets. Yet when it comes to something as precious as our lives, many of us shy away from planning for death. Whether that’s life insurance, wills, planning our funerals – or even just talking about it.

Part of the reason is the practical barriers people dread from the outset; providers requiring medical exams for life insurance, for example. But there is also, of course, a general British squeamishness around talking about death as a subject.

Luckily, there are signs things are starting to change. Recently, Ed Sheeran spoke on the Graham Norton Show about having already planned his posthumous album, the music for his funeral and even where he wants to be buried. In fact, the singer has already had his own grave dug on........

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