No one is ever really prepared for the death of a loved one or companion, especially if the tragedy happened in the middle of a trip miles away from one’s hometown. And, no, we’re not just talking about the emotional sense.
We’re talking about everything that comes after. How to take care of the remains, how to accomplish all the necessary paperwork for your circumstance, and how to bring the body home among other things. If such a tragedy does happen to you, you’d probably have no idea of what you must do. After all, researching the repatriation of deceased body policies of the place you’re visiting is hardly on anyone’s trip preparation checklist.
Fortunately, you probably won’t have to face the entire ordeal alone if you secured a travel insurance before your excursion.
Is repatriation of remains covered by travel insurance?
Yes. Most—if not all—travel insurance packages cover repatriation. Repatriation in insurance is defined as the return of an insured traveller’s remains to their primary residence if they pass away while travelling. It’s a complicated and expensive process. Regardless of difficulties and circumstances, however, a travel insurance company that offers this service is compelled to help the companion or family of the traveller move his/her body home.
What assistance can a travel insurance company provide?
It depends on the plan that the traveller secured. Most of the time though, travel insurance company—not the family or companion of the deceased—cover the repatriation costs and accomplish all the necessary steps to bring the body home. The agency keeps the deceased’s family and companions up-to-date with their plans and progress.
What services are usually not included in a travel insurance company’s repatriation coverage?
A travel insurance company that covers repatriation services focuses on getting the remains home. This means that cremation, coffin/urn, burial, and funeral expenses are not included since these are the sorts of things that are done in the deceased’s home. The agency will take measures to ensure the body’s safe return home. This usually includes the embalming of the body prior to transport and keeping it in an approved sealed container during transit.
In which part of my travel insurance plan is repatriation located?
If it’s not mentioned explicitly on your insurance packages table of contents, look for the “medical evacuation” plan. Most travel insurance companies bundle repatriation with it. This makes sense since “medical evacuation” in insurance is defined as the necessary evacuation of a traveller to a medical facility due to serious health development. If you can’t find it there, contact your insurance agency.
What if my travel insurance doesn’t cover repatriation of remains?
If your travel insurance does not include or has extremely limited coverage of repatriation of remains, don’t worry. You don’t have to face the whole ordeal alone.
There are many credible agencies that offer fast, efficient, and reliable international repatriation services around the world. They can help you make all the necessary arrangements for the big move. They can ensure that everything runs smoothly before, during, and after the transfer. And, they’ll accomplish all of these with empathy and within the shortest possible time.
