No one imagines having to arrange for the repatriation of a body, let alone the cost of doing so. Bringing home a loved one who has died in a country that is not their home is heartbreaking enough.
Repatriation, like funerals, are not packages. They’re based on the individual requirements of the person who’s died and the expectations of those responsible for making arrangements. Consequently, the costs vary too.
Here’s a summary of the factors that influence the final cost.
- Distance to travel home. UK-based repatriation costs are considerably lower than those involving overseas travel
- Fees for the services of local funeral teams or mortuary services in the country of death
- Care of the deceased before travel including embalming which is a requirement for travel
- Administration and certification services, particularly if this involves various organisations
- A coffin and sealing materials
- Transport from place of death to the airport, ferry or by car
- Onward travel which may involve multiple routes and carriers
- Collection from the arrival destination and onward travel to home funeral director
Prices for repatriation of a body within the UK may start from £500.
Overseas repatriations will start around £3500 but can rise to tens of thousands depending on the complexity and distances involved in bringing someone home.
Repatriating the person who’s died in a coffin can cost more than the fees associated with repatriation of their ashes.
Who is responsible for covering repatriation costs?
Most repatriation costs will be covered by insurance policies. That can include travel insurance for tourists or an employer’s cover for travelling staff as they’re designed to provide financial reassurance for repatriation. In the absence of a policy or financial cover for repatriation, the costs will be borne by families or those responsible for making arrangements.
Added Value
Purves Repatriation can provide a full range of personal and practical support with added value services for families such as:
- Organising travel on the same flights as their loved ones
- Concierge service for deaths in the UK to store and arrange onward despatch of luggage and personal possessions
- Support for families to find temporary accommodation or provide other services as required
- Arranging a UK funeral including cremation should families decide this is their preferred option including personal touches such as reading letters or livestreaming the service
- Administration and onward travel of the ashes
- Translation services
Reliable and Responsive
Our team of specialists are on hand to discuss requirements with clients or corporate partners such as insurance agents or other funeral directors. Estimates can be issued quickly and, whether independently or alongside other contractors, our team can provide support from start to finish.
As funeral directors, our goal is to provide the highest standards of care for the person who’s died, for the family left behind as well as those responsible for organising the safe return home.
Patience, clarity, and care from professionals who are here to help families get their loved ones safely home.
