International repatriation of deceased to Australia

When a loved one dies overseas, trying to navigate the process and requirements can be confusing for relatives who wish to bring their loved one back to Australia.

Each country has their own cultural and legal aspects of death and dying. While you may wish to hold their funeral in Australia this is sometimes not possible, and a burial or cremation will have to happen overseas, due to local laws, custom, or climate considerations.

What should I do if my loved one dies overseas?

If your loved one dies overseas, you or another family member are required toe engage the services of a funeral director in the country where the death occurred. The Australian Consulate can assist with a list of funeral companies. They must register the death in that country before repatriation to Australia can proceed. You will also need to select a funeral director in Australia. They will liaise with the funeral director overseas to organise the transfer of the deceased into their care.  While most of the work is done by the funeral director overseas, having an Australian funeral director who truly understands international repatriation can help ensure things go as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

What information do I need to provide to repatriate to Australia?

Your overseas funeral director will work with you, your family and key providers to gather the information required to repatriate to Australia.  Here is some information they will require:

• The deceased’s full name
• Where the deceased is located
• A copy of the Passport (if possible), but at a minimum the deceased’s Nationality and Passport number
• Details of the next of kin or the person responsible for the repatriation overseas. This includes their full name, contact details and relationship to the deceased.
• If travel insurance is available including the Insurer’s name, policy number and contact details
• Whether Cremation or Burial is planned for the deceased when arriving home, including the name and address of this location
• Name and full contact details for the receiving funeral home
• Whether the deceased is going to be accompanied by any family members on the same flight. If so, the funeral director will endeavour to connect the appropriate flight numbers.

How does the international repatriation process work?

The overseas funeral director will prepare all documents and permits, and embalm the deceased’s remains for the journey. Once the transfer flight has been arranged, they will coordinate with the receiving funeral home to ensure all laws and requirements of Australia are met. Arrangements will also be made to coordinate with the receiving funeral director in Australia to take your loved one into their care once they arrive.

What documentation is required for an overseas repatriation to Australia?

When repatriating the deceased to Australia, the overseas funeral director needs to complete many documents.  These include (but are not exclusive to) the following:

• Government Foreign Affairs & Trade clearance
• Embalming certificates
• Airline confirmations
• Notary of documents
• Consular approvals
• Health Department letters
• Medical letters
• Certified copy of Death Certificate

Is embalming required for an overseas repatriation to Australia?

it is a mandatory requirement for the deceased to be embalmed and placed in a coffin when being transported to any location by air travel. Embalming reduces the need to keep the deceased in a cooled location and assists in maintaining the condition of the deceased until they arrive home. It also ensures the safety of all staff handling the coffin during the various stages of the journey.

Do I have to travel to the overseas country where the deceased is located?

Your overseas funeral director knows that most of the time it is the desire of the family to travel with their loved one. However, it is not necessary to travel to the overseas country unless you wish to. When repatriating overseas, the funeral director abroad will coordinate with Australia’s embassy/consulate on your behalf.

How long does repatriation to Australia take?

It depends on the regulations in the other country as well as the circumstances that surround the death, especially when a Coroner is involved. However, it generally it takes between 7-10 days.

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

The funeral director in Australia will be in communication with you and your family throughout the whole repatriation process. They will ensure all funeral arrangements, including burial or cremation details, are organised and the funeral can take place as per normal procedures once when your loved one arrives back in Australia.

Does travel insurance cover repatriation?

Unfortunately, not all travel insurance policies have repatriation cover. You will need to check with your loved one’s insurance provider to see if it is included in their policy. Simply contact the insurer on their 24-hour emergency number. If repatriation coverage is included in the policy, it may only cover the legal transportation of the deceased and not any associated funeral or burial costs.

What is the cost to repatriate from overseas to Australia?

For overseas repatriation, the cost varies depending on consul or country requirements, flights, choice of airlines and the funeral director’s charges. The cost to repatriate cremated remains is more cost effective but might not suit your circumstances and wishes for your loved one. Your funeral director overseas will work with you to find the most cost-effective options available.

Can I have my loved one cremated overseas?

If the country overseas permits cremation, you may choose to have your loved one cremated and arrange for their ashes to be flown home.

Before you bring your loved one’s ashes back into Australia, you will need to first check the nearest Australian Embassy’s guidelines about any local restrictions. You’ll also need to check the airline’s own guidelines. While many airlines allow human ashes to be taken on board as hand luggage, they often place restrictions on the type of funeral urn allowed, for security reasons. For more information on bringing cremated ashes into Australia, visit the Australian Department of Health website.