A subscriber emailed me a nightmare scenario: His father passed away from a heart attack in Thailand. The US Embassy gave him a list of funeral homes, but no money. The lowest quote to ship the body back to Texas was $16,000. His father’s travel insurance was stalling because they needed a “Certified Translation of the Death Certificate,” which takes 2 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- The Cost is Staggering: Repatriating a body involves embalming, a zinc-lined coffin (mandatory for air cargo), and air freight. From Asia to the US/UK, this costs $10,000 to $20,000.
- Cremation is Easier: Sending ashes home costs ~$500 and requires far less paperwork. Insurers prefer this and will often pay for the local cremation + shipping ashes fully.
- The Paperwork Trap: You need a Death Certificate, Embalming Certificate, and “Free from Infection” certificate, all translated and notarized, before an airline will accept the cargo.
- Direct Pay is Rare: Unlike medical bills, funeral homes in foreign countries often demand cash upfront. You pay, then insurance reimburses months later.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Repatriation of Remains Limit.”
Many budget policies cap this at roughly $5,000 or $10,000.
- The Math: If the shipping cost is $16,000 and your limit is $10,000, the family must wire the remaining $6,000 before the body moves.
- Bureaucracy: Airlines will not fly a body without a “Consular Mortuary Certificate.” Getting this on a weekend is impossible.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Seven Corners: “We cover Repatriation of Remains up to the Principal Sum (often $50k or $100k).” This is excellent coverage. They also have an assistance team to handle the logistics.
- SafetyWing: Covers up to $20,000. This is usually enough, but just barely for long-haul routes like Bali-NYC.
- Local Funeral Directors: I called a repatriation specialist in Bangkok. “We need 100% payment before we book the flight. Insurance takes too long to pay us.”
Comparison Table: Repatriation Limits
| Feature | Budget Travel Insurance | Premium Travel Insurance | Credit Card Insurance |
| Limit | $5,000 – $10,000 | $50,000 – Unlimited | $1,000 – $5,000 (Low) |
| Coordination | You handle it | Assistance Team handles it | You handle it |
| Burial Abroad | Covered (up to limit) | Covered | Not Covered |
| Round Trip for Family | NO | YES (Sometimes) | NO |
[IMAGE: Graphic of a Zinc Coffin vs. an Urn, with price tags ‘
18,000′and′18,000′and′
800′ respectively]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call the Assistance Number ASAP: Do not hire a local funeral home yourself. Let the insurance company’s “Assistance Network” choose the provider. If you go out of network, you pay cash.
- Decide: Body or Ashes? Make this decision immediately. Ashes can fly with you in carry-on (with a certificate). A body takes 2-3 weeks to ship.
- Contact the Embassy: They cannot pay, but they issue the critical “Mortuary Certificate” needed for customs.
- Check the Cap: If your policy has a low limit ($5k), start fundraising immediately.
FAQ
Can I use frequent flyer miles for the body?
No. Mortal remains fly as “Sensitive Cargo” with specific freight rates.
Does the insurance pay for the funeral in the US?
No. They pay to get the body there. The funeral service in Texas is your cost (or life insurance).
What if the death was suicide?
Most travel insurance policies exclude suicide. They will pay $0 for repatriation.