Repatriation of deceased to an overseas country

To repatriate a loved one overseas from Australia requires expertise and knowledge of different countries and their regulations. Each country has different requirements regarding what they allow and this needs to be precisely followed

When it comes to selecting a funeral home to handle your loved one’s repatriation, there are several factors to consider. These include:

• If they are part of an established network of funeral homes
• If they are well connected with funeral homes overseas
• Whether they have extensive experience in organising repatriations overseas

Choosing the right Australian funeral home can give you peace of mind that this difficult time is being handled with sensitivity and efficiency on your behalf.

What should I do first if a loved one dies in Australia?

If a loved one dies in Australia, you are required to engage the services of an Australian funeral director so they can register the death and prepare all other required paperwork for the receiving country. This funeral director can assist you to contact a funeral director in the receiving country and together they will liaise with the appropriate authorities about all aspects of the repatriation.

What information is needed to start the repatriation process?

The Australian funeral director will work with the family and key providers to assemble all required information which includes:

• The full name of the deceased
• Physical location of the deceased
• Copy (or original) of the deceased’s passport
• Full details and relationship of either the next of kin or the person responsible for the repatriation
• Details of the travel insurance policy including contact details and policy number (if available)
• Whether cremation or burial is planned on arrival overseas including the location’s name and address
• Information about the receiving funeral home overseas, including their full contact details
• Whether the deceased will be accompanied by any family members on the same flight. If they are, the Australian funeral director will endeavour to match the flight number if possible, to ensure you travel together.

How does the international repatriation process work?

The Australian funeral director works with the Consulate and will prepare all documents and permits and arrange for the deceased to be embalmed for the journey overseas. Once the transfer flight has been arranged, the Australian funeral director will coordinate with the airport and the receiving funeral home overseas to ensure all laws and requirements of the destination country are met. Once your loved one arrives back in their homeland, arrangements will also be made for the receiving funeral director to take them into their care.

What documentation is required for an overseas repatriation?

The documents required include Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade clearance, embalming certificates, airline confirmations, notary of documents, translations (if required), consular approvals, Health Department letters, medical letters and the Certified Copy of Death Certificate to name a few. Your Australian funeral director will gather all documentation required for repatriation and do this as smoothly and as quickly as possible, however it is often a lengthy and time-consuming process.

Are there any special considerations with air travel?

A mandatory requirement with any air travel is that the deceased must be embalmed. There are two reasons why this is required. Firstly, this preservative treatment of the deceased alleviates the need to keep them in a cooled environment during transportation. The second reason is it also ensures the safety of the staff that handle the coffin during the various stages of the journey.

Do the family or friends of the deceased have to travel to Australia?

While it’s not necessary for family or friends of the deceased to travel to Australia, this is a personal decision which may provide comfort at a difficult time. If the decision is to not travel to Australia, the Australian funeral directors who are arranging the repatriation will liaise with the embassy or consulate in the homeland country on the family’s behalf.

How long does repatriation take?

There are many factors which impact time but it usually takes between 7-10 days. Factors include local regulations and the circumstances surrounding the death. If all goes according to plan, repatriation to overseas countries can happen in just days.

How do I organise the funeral after the deceased has been repatriated?

The receiving funeral director overseas will be in communication with you and your family throughout the whole repatriation process ensuring all funeral arrangements, burial or cremation details are underway for when your loved one arrives.

Do all travel insurance policies cover repatriation?

Policy inclusions vary between travel insurance companies. Not all policies include cover for repatriation. If your loved one had travel insurance, please check with the insurer by calling them on their emergency 24-hour phone number. If repatriation coverage is included in the policy, it will only cover the legal transportation of the remains and not the funeral or burial costs.

How much does repatriation overseas cost?

The cost varies depending on consul or country requirements, flights and choice of airlines. Your funeral director will work with international carriers and options available to find the most cost-effective options for you. There is also the death certificates, embalming, the transportation coffin and the professional fee of the organising funeral company.