I have been informed that you can pay into a Funeral policy which will cover all funeral costs. I would like to cover a elderly parent. I have no contact with this parent due to various reasons but I know it will be down to me to cover the funeral costs. Can anyone advise

Many undertakers have funeral plans. Usually a lump sum is paid now and it covers identified costs when the person passes away at any time in the future. However as this would be for your parent's funeral they would have to sign the plan, although you could of course pay the funds.

I do not believe you can do this without your parent's knowledge, so you would need to save the money yourself if you feel it's required.