Who Pays for the Repatriation of a Body, and What Does Insurance Cover?

A difficult moment, and a practical question

The loss of a loved one abroad is a difficult moment, and the family also has to face practical questions, among them the cost of bringing the body home. This article gives general information to help you understand who may bear the cost and what to do first. Our team is available 24/7 to support you.

What the cost depends on

The cost of repatriating a body depends on several elements, which vary from one case to another:

• the distance and the route;
• the local formalities and the preparation of the body, as required by the destination country and by the airline or aircraft;
• the coffin, which has to meet local and international requirements;
• the local funeral services and the ground transport at both ends;
• the administrative documents and the consular formalities.

Who may bear the cost

• The travel insurance or the assistance contract: many contracts include a guarantee for the repatriation of the body, often up to a ceiling. The exact guarantee depends on your contract, so check the wording.
• The bank card: some cards include a similar guarantee, under conditions such as paying the trip with the card.
• The employer: when the death occurs during a professional assignment, the employer's insurance may apply.
• The family: without coverage, the cost is borne by the family, who can organize the repatriation directly.

In general, consulates and embassies help with the formalities but do not cover the cost of the repatriation.

The first steps for the family

• Call the assistance company or the insurer as soon as possible, before committing to any expense.
• Obtain the medical death certificate from the local authorities.
• Contact the consulate of the country of the deceased, which can explain the local procedure.
• Gather the identity documents of the deceased and the insurance contracts.
• Contact us: we coordinate with the local funeral partners and the authorities, and give a written quote before departure.

Our role

We organize the repatriation of the body with respect and discretion: preparation, documents, coffin, flight and handover to the funeral service at the destination. We work directly with the insurer or the assistance company, where there is one, so that the family does not have to manage the procedures.

To go further, read repatriating a body by air: steps and timelines to know, and see our coffin flights service.

General information only — not personalized medical, legal or insurance advice. Your insurance contract and the treating physician's opinion prevail in your situation.