Insurance for repatriation after a death
Many travel and assistance policies cover the repatriation of remains. We explain how to check the cover, who to call and how we work with the insurer.
Is a death abroad covered?
Travel insurance often includes the repatriation of the body or the ashes to the country of residence, up to a maximum amount. Some life insurance policies, funeral plans and bank or credit card insurance also include it.
Check the policy conditions or call the insurer: it will tell you what is covered and how to proceed. European health insurance cards such as the EHIC and GHIC do not cover repatriation.
Policies that may include repatriation
- travel insurance
- assistance cover included in a bank account or credit card
- life insurance and funeral plans
- insurance provided by an employer for business travel
How to contact the insurer
Call the assistance line
Call the insurer’s 24-hour assistance line before making any arrangements. Have the policy number and the details of the deceased ready.
We work with the insurer
The insurer can appoint us as funeral director in Italy, or work with us at your request. We send it the documents and agree the costs covered.
Documents requested most often
- policy number and identity document of the deceased
- death certificate and, where available, the medical report
- police report in case of an accident
- proof of relationship of the person making the claim
- quote or invoices for the repatriation
Documents the insurer may require
Every insurer has its own procedure. These are the documents requested most often. We obtain the ones issued in Italy and send them directly to the insurer.
When there is no coverage
The family pays
Without insurance, the costs are paid by the family. Embassies and consulates assist, but do not normally pay for repatriation.
Cremation as an alternative
Cremation in the country of death and the repatriation of the ashes usually cost less than the transport of the body.
Family costs and assistance
Even when the insurer pays for the repatriation, some costs may remain with the family, for example the funeral service at destination or expenses above the policy limit.
We list every item in our quote, so that you know in advance what the insurer covers and what it does not.
Do you need help with the insurer?
Call us: we explain the next steps and contact the insurer’s assistance service with you.
Request a quote
Tell us where the death occurred and where the body or the urn needs to go. We will call you back as soon as possible to explain timing, documents and costs.
If it is urgent, call us now, at any time:
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions families ask us most often. For your specific situation, call us: we answer at any time.
Related guides
How do I make a claim for repatriation?
Call the insurer’s assistance line before making arrangements. The insurer opens a file and tells you which documents it needs.
Does the insurer have to approve the costs in advance?
Often yes. Many policies require that the assistance service authorises the repatriation before it is organised. Check the conditions or call the insurer.
Can I choose the funeral director?
It depends on the policy. Some insurers appoint their own partners, others accept the funeral director chosen by the family.
What if the repatriation is urgent?
Call us at any time: we start the formalities and, at the same time, contact the insurer with you.
Does the insurer pay us directly?
When the cover is confirmed, we agree the payment directly with the insurer and tell you about any costs not covered.