Repatriation of Remains Insurance – Coverage Details
We often come across the term ‘Repatriation of Remains Coverage’ while purchasing Travel Insurance. Many of us would not be familiar with this term and would not understand it as this term is not often used in everyday conversations.
Repatriation of remains refers to the transportation of a deceased person’s body back to their home country.
If you or a traveling companion pass away while on vacation, The benefits can cover the cost of transporting the remains home or to the intended place of rest.
This coverage is not only an important benefit but a required benefit to have in travel or health insurance.
Let us understand in detail why repatriation insurance-medical evacuation coverage is so important.
What is Repatriation of Remains Coverage?
Also known as Repatriation of Mortal Remains Coverage, is a benefit provided by travel insurance.
The benefit provides coverage for the transportation of the covered individual’s bodily remains back to their area of principal residence.
In the unfortunate circumstance when death occurs during a trip, the cost and logistics of preparing and returning your remains are taken care of by this coverage.
In the event of a covered illness or injury resulting in death, the benefit provides coverage for the transportation of the covered individual’s remains back to his or her home country.
What does the Repatriation of Remains Benefit Include?
In the event of a covered illness or injury that results in death, the Return of Mortal Remains Benefit will provide coverage for the transportation of the covered individual’s bodily remains back to their area of principal residence.
The benefit covers the cost of repatriation of mortal remains (up to the policy limit) in addition to making arrangements for transporting the remains back home and negotiating with customs agents and authorities.
Benefits Include:
- Coordinating with local authorities
- Removal & transportation of the body to medical facilities, coroner, and airport
- A coffin or appropriate container for the transport of remains
- Coordinating with government agents to arrange for services, authorizations, and approvals for transport
- Air and ground shipping expenses
Why Buy Repatriation of Remains Insurance?
Some of the reasons why you should consider plans provided by travel insurance companies with the repatriation of remains coverage included are:
- Repatriation is Expensive: The process of repatriating the body and arranging for its safe return can be complex and costly
- Documentation: The burden of managing the documentation, customs negotiations, and costs typically falls upon the family of the deceased traveler
- Coverage and Expert Help: With proper coverage, the benefit covers the cost of repatriation of mortal remains, as per limits defined in the policy document, and making arrangements for transporting the remains back home and negotiating with customs agents and authorities
- Emergency Assistance: During the entire process, the insurance company’s emergency assistance department will be in touch with close family members or next of kin to coordinate and provide an update
- Other Help/Assistance: The insurance company will also assist with the necessary arrangements, such as obtaining the required documents and navigating language barriers, following local laws and procedures, and customs negotiations
- Peace of Mind: The insurance provides peace of mind to the traveler and their family, knowing that they will be covered in the event of an unexpected death while traveling abroad
General Procedure to Organize the Repatriation of Remains to Home Country
Local embassies, travel insurance companies, and tour operators are good sources of information on how to organize the repatriation of mortal remains
The general procedures involved include:
- Contact the local embassy, your travel insurance company, or tour operator for information on how to organize the repatriation of remains
- Reasonable preparation of the body for transportation, including cremation or embalming, a minimally necessary container appropriate for transportation, shipping costs, and the necessary governmental authorizations
- Air or ground transportation of bodily remains or ashes to air or ground transportation terminals
- Navigating language barriers, following local laws and procedures, and customs negotiations
Repatriation of Remains Cost
The cost could vary and completely depends on the situation and various factors, such as:
- The distance traveled
- Location of death
- Government regulations in the country of death
- Government regulations in the home country or country of repatriation
- Body weight of the deceased person
Remote Locations: If death occurs in a remote location, the process is difficult and costly.
Major Cities: If death occurs in a major city, the process is much easier and less costly. The cost could range anything between $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
Documents required for Repatriation of Remains
The documents required may vary depending on the country of death and the home country. However, the following are some of the documents that may be required:
- Consular Mortuary Certificate
- Affidavit of Death
- Death Certificate
- Post-Mortem Report
- Embalming Certificate
- Bill of Lading
- Apostille for the Death Certificate
The consular officer will ensure that all required documents accompany the remains to the home country.
Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances of death.
Factors to consider when choosing a Repatriation Insurance Plan
When choosing repatriation insurance, there are several factors to consider. These factors can help you select a plan that meets your needs and provides comprehensive coverage.
Here are some key factors to weigh in:
- Inclusion of Repatriation as Standard: Ensure that repatriation is included as a standard feature in the travel insurance policy. This ensures that you have coverage for the transportation of your bodily remains back to your home country in the event of a covered illness or injury that results in death.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Consider opting for comprehensive travel insurance that includes repatriation benefits. Comprehensive plans often provide a wide range of coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and repatriation benefits. This can provide you with comprehensive protection during your travels.
- Price Limits and Coverage: While price is an important factor, it should not be the sole consideration when choosing repatriation insurance. Pay attention to the price limits on medical repatriation and evacuation coverage. Ensure that the coverage is sufficient to meet the potential costs associated with repatriation.
- Additional Benefits: Look for any additional benefits or services provided by the insurance plan. Some plans may offer assistance with necessary arrangements, such as obtaining required documents and navigating customs procedures. These additional services can provide valuable support during a difficult time
- Reputation and Customer Reviews: Research the reputation of the insurance provider and read customer reviews. Look for feedback on their handling of repatriation cases and customer satisfaction. This can give you an idea of the quality of service and reliability of the insurance company.
- Policy Exclusions and Limitations: Carefully review the policy exclusions and limitations. Understand what circumstances are covered and any specific conditions or restrictions that may apply to the repatriation benefit. This will help you ensure that the coverage aligns with your specific needs.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a repatriation plan that provides comprehensive coverage and peace of mind during your travels.
J Visa Requirements
J Visa holders studying in the United States need to have mandatory medical insurance coverage. International students studying (J visa holders) in the United States are required to have:
- Repatriation of Remains: Minimum $25,000
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage: Minimum $50,000
- Medical Benefits per accident or illness: Minimum 100,000
- Deductible per accident or illness: Not to exceed $500
NOTE: Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage medical insurance plans may not do not provide all mandatory benefits needed for J visa holders. Check with your college or university on the mandatory coverage and limits required in a student health insurance plan.
What is Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage?
A travel medical insurance or trip insurance plan offers coverage for expenses associated with either medical evacuation and/or the transport of bodily remains of a deceased individual.
Emergency medical evacuation may only be limited to the nearest medical facility in a life-threatening situation. Travel insurance companies provide coverage details in the policy document, always read the terms before you buy a travel medical insurance plan.
Do you need Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation-Only Coverage?
Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation-Only coverage can be essential for travelers who want to ensure that they have sufficient coverage for these services.
It can provide peace of mind, additional coverage, and customizable options to meet your specific needs.
Which Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage is right for me?
When choosing a medical evacuation and repatriation coverage plan, it is important to consider visa requirements, coverage limits, comprehensive coverage, additional benefits, reputation, and customer reviews, as well as policy exclusions and limitations.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision to buy a travel insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage and peace of mind during your travels.
Best Travel Insurance With Repatriation Benefits
Some of the best travel insurance plans that offer Repatriation of Remains coverage are:
Before you shortlist a plan to buy it is a good idea to Compare Travel Insurance Plans to evaluate the policy’s maximum limits, deductibles, coverage, and exclusions along with the cost of coverage.
Summary
In summary, repatriation insurance is an important coverage to have in a travel insurance plan. In the event of a covered illness or injury that results in death, it provides coverage for the transportation of the covered individual’s bodily remains back to their area of principal residence. The benefit covers the cost of repatriation of mortal remains (up to the policy limit) in addition to making arrangements for transporting the remains back home and negotiating with customs agents and authorities. Repatriation insurance is expensive, and the insurance company’s emergency assistance department will be in touch with close family members or next of kin to coordinate and provide updates.
