VisitorsCoverage logo
Travel Insurance

Return Of Mortal Remains/Repatriation- An Essential Benefit

Return Of Mortal Remains/Repatriation- An Essential Benefit

Repatriation is a term that means ‘return of mortal remains’ and it’s a must-have feature in any travel insurance plan. It’s heartbreaking to imagine the death of someone you love, but it’s even more devastating when you realize that the costs of recovering their body can be a huge financial burden.  The cost of taking the mortal remains of a loved one back to the home country can be extremely expensive. So, for all practical purposes, it’s a good idea to purchase a plan that covers ‘Repatriation’.

It is hard to estimate the typical cost of repatriation because there are so many critical factors involved, but travel experts usually recommend having at least $10,000 in coverage. Of course, the costs involved are only one small part of a very tricky situation.

Travel Insurance Explained: Return of Mortal Remains from VisitorsCoverage on Vimeo.

How Travel Insurance Helps with Repatriation?

If someone dies while traveling in a foreign country, the repatriation coverage in their travel insurance plan means you won’t have to handle this difficult situation alone. The travel insurance assistance department would:

  • Negotiate with customs agents and authorities in their language
  • Navigate the health law and regulations to prepare the body for transport
  • Make arrangements and find an airline who can ship the body home
  • Handle the shipping costs, fees, customs requirements, and more (up to the plan limit)

The travel insurance company’s assistance department will make necessary arrangements, provide guidance and coordinate with foreign national authorities to help you during such unforeseen events. Travel insurance providers have multilingual experts who are fully experienced in the process of repatriation that will help get a body transported back home. Accidents or unfortunate situations do happen, and travelers are more at risk with health and safety issues. This is even more important if the traveler is old, or may have existing health conditions.

It’s wise to buy a good travel medical insurance plan which also covers for Return of Mortal Remains / Repatriation, even though you would hopefully not need to use it. Most comprehensive travel health insurance plans have Return of Mortal Remains / Repatriation coverage benefits even if the death is caused by a pre-existing condition.

When you consider that the expense of cremation, containers, and transportation fees to transport a body would cost several thousands of dollars, possessing travel insurance  is cost-effective and smart protection for yourself and your family. If you have any additional questions about repatriation benefits or choosing the right plan, contact our Customer Success Team.


Related Articles

Can Layoffs Affect Your Health Insurance?

We’re all worried about the recent direction the U.S. economy has taken. Now, not only…

Pre-certification: What, When & Why

Let’s get familiar with the term and process known as “pre-certification” to avoid any claim…

Emergency Room Coverage – When to Use It

Emergency room (ER) Visits in the U.S. are extremely expensive. This is true even for…

In-Network Vs. Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits

When you’re exploring the different options for your health insurance, and are zeroing in on…

Will My Health Insurance Cover Me When I Travel Abroad?

Unfortunately, most domestic health insurance policies don’t provide coverage outside your home country. In general,…

Whitewater River Rafting

Floating downstream through rock-strewn rapids, past breath-taking scenery, whitewater rafting is a popular outdoor thrill…

Infographics: Average Cost of Medical Services in the USA

For those who have never received medical care in the United States, the reality of…

Why is Europe Travel Plus the Best Insurance for Europe?

*Updated July 28, 2021 From the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower to the awe-inspiring…

Plan Updates: The Liaison Series is Now Better Than Ever

The popular Liaison Series from Seven Corners is new and improved! As of April 30,…

What is Return of Mortal Remains or Repatriation Coverage?
US-European Coronavirus Travel Ban

*Updated March 24, 2020 The United States announced a travel restriction, banning international travelers from…

5 Reasons You Should Purchase Family Travel Insurance

There’s nothing like the excitement of a family trip. Whether you’re heading on a short…

Can Travel Insurance Cover Your Vacation Home Rental?

So, you’ve scoured the internet and booked the summer vacation home of your dreams. Before…

ETIAS Visa Waiver: Everything You Need to Know

Europe is one of the most-visited regions in the world. Travelers from all over the…

What Is Accident & Sickness Insurance?

When we travel abroad, our domestic health insurance won’t usually cover us. This is what…

Disclaimer

Plan features listed here are high level, provided for your convenience and information purpose only. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Plan Contract (Policy) for a detailed description of Coverage Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions. Must read the Policy Brochure and Plan Details for complete and accurate details. Only the Terms and Conditions of Coverage Benefits listed in the policy are binding.