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What NOT to do when someone dies abroad
Blam Online • Sep 29, 2023
The death of a loved one is a difficult and stressful time. This is made even more unnerving if your loved one died abroad. There are many things you should do in order to handle the necessary arrangements but there are also a myriad of things to avoid doing. When someone dies abroad, it’s important to be mindful of certain things to avoid or handle delicately. Here are some things you should try to avoid when someone dies abroad:
- Don’t panic: While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and distraught, try to remain calm. Panicking can hinder your ability to make clear decisions and handle the necessary arrangements effectively.
- Don’t make hasty decisions: Take your time to gather information and make informed decisions regarding the repatriation process, funeral arrangements, and other necessary tasks. Rushing into decisions may lead to additional complications or regrets later on.
- Don’t assume you know the local laws and procedures: Each country has its own laws, regulations, and cultural practices regarding death and repatriation. Avoid assuming you know the local customs or legal requirements. Instead, seek guidance from local authorities, the embassy or consulate, or a reputable funeral director familiar with the country’s procedures.
- Don’t neglect to notify the authorities: It’s crucial to promptly notify the local authorities in the country where the death occurred. They will guide you through the necessary legal procedures and assist you in obtaining the required documents.
- Don’t overlook documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including the death certificate, embalming certificate (if applicable), and any other relevant paperwork. Neglecting to obtain the proper documentation may cause delays in repatriation or other legal proceedings.
- Don’t assume the cost is covered: Repatriation and funeral costs can be substantial, and it’s important to understand who is responsible for these expenses. Contact the relevant insurance providers, travel agencies, or other organisations that may provide coverage or assistance. Familiarise yourself with the person’s insurance policies, travel insurance, or any other relevant arrangements.
- Don’t overlook cultural considerations: Respect the local customs, traditions, and religious practices of the country where the death occurred. Consult with local authorities, the embassy or consulate, or a knowledgeable local contact to ensure you are sensitive to cultural considerations when making arrangements.
- Don’t overlook communication: Keep family members, friends, and other relevant parties informed about the situation and any developments. Regularly communicate with them to ensure everyone is on the same page and to provide support to each other during this challenging time.
- Don’t neglect self-care: While it’s important to handle the necessary tasks and arrangements, remember to prioritise your own well-being. Take breaks, rest, eat well, and seek emotional support from friends, family, or professionals as needed. Grief can be physically and emotionally draining, so self-care is crucial.
- Don’t hesitate to seek assistance: If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about handling the situation, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate, consult with a reputable funeral director, or reach out to support organisations specialising in repatriation or grief counselling. They can provide guidance, support, and resources to assist you.
Navigating the process of handling a death abroad can be challenging, but by approaching it with patience, seeking guidance, and being respectful of local customs, you can navigate the situation more effectively. Repatriation companies are available to make the process as simple as possible and allow you to navigate through the process efficiently and ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is sorted and provided to appropriate authorities.
The post What NOT to do when someone dies abroad appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
The loss of a loved one is never easy and the stress of arranging a fitting funeral can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This process can be made even more challenging when the loved one dies overseas. The death of a loved one overseas will often mean that the body will need to be brought home and this will require a process known as body repatriation. The following information is provided to explain the process clearly with information around how long it can take, why some people choose to arrange body repatriation and how much the service can typically cost. If you require any further information or assistance please get in contact with us and we will do our best to support you and clarify anything about the process. What is body repatriation? Repatriation is the return of individuals to their country of origin. This may be voluntary or involuntary, and it may occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, people may be repatriated because they have been forced to leave their country of origin due to conflict or persecution. They may also be repatriated as part of an amnesty program, or because they have been granted asylum in another country. Repatriation can be a difficult and traumatic experience, particularly if it is involuntary. Individuals may face a range of challenges upon their return, including reintegrating into their community, dealing with family members who may have stayed behind, and rebuilding their lives. Repatriation may also be done for religious or cultural reasons, or because the deceased person’s family wishes to bury them in their home country. Whatever the reason, body repatriation is deeply personal and can often be a complex and costly process, and in some regrettable circumstances, it may not always be possible to repatriate the body of a loved one who has died overseas. How long can body repatriation take? The process of body repatriation, or the return of a person’s remains to their home country, can take a significant amount of time. Depending on the circumstances, it can take weeks or even months for the body to be returned. In most circumstances, the body can be returned to the preferred location in around 10-15 days but this depends on a large number of factors. The first is the location of the death. If the death occurs in a remote area, it can take time to get the body to a city where it can be prepared for transport. The second is the country of origin. If the deceased is from a country that is far away, it can take longer to get the necessary paperwork and travel arrangements in order. Lastly, the wishes of the deceased’s family can also impact the timeline. If the family wants a traditional burial or cremation, this can add to the length of time it takes to repatriate the body . Overall, body repatriation can be a lengthy and complicated process. The length of time it takes can be a burden on the family and friends of the deceased, as they often have to wait a long time for closure. It is important to be aware of the potential timeframe if you are dealing with the death of a loved one who is overseas. The people organising the repatriation should be able to give you an idea of a timeline so it is always best to keep an open dialogue with them and it’s always best to ask the question. How much does body repatriation cost? Cost for body repatriation is widely variable depending on where the loved one needs to be repatriated from and to but the average cost is around £2,000-5,000 and what is included can differ depending on the level of service. Our fees are usually around £2,000-3,000 and this usually includes collection of the person who has passed away, mortuary care including full embalming with certification, appropriate sealing of the coffin in line with international regulations, a simple oak effect coffin suitable for international repatriation, transportation of the coffin to the departure airport, flight fee and arrangement of all required documentation and administrative responsibilities. The death of a loved one is always a painful time and we are here to help. If you require any further information or assistance please get in contact with us and we will do our best to support you and clarify anything about the process.
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The post What to do when someone dies abroad appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
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The loss of a loved one is never easy and the stress of arranging a fitting funeral can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This process can be made even more challenging when the loved one dies overseas. The death of a loved one overseas will often mean that the body will need to be […]
The post What is body repatriation? appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
Global Funeral Repatriation provides a national and international repatriation service throughout the UK and globally.
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