Travel Assistance 101: Understanding the Return of Remains

Each year, thousands of travelers pass away while working, studying, or traveling abroad. For organizations that deploy personnel overseas, the repatriation of remains is a critical yet often overlooked element of comprehensive emergency assistance. While this aspect of emergency response may not always be top of mind, having a clear plan in place for repatriating remains can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty faced by both the bereaved and the organization.

Ensuring that both organizations and travelers are aware of the support available in such tragic circumstances is an integral part of any robust risk management or duty of care strategy.

Key Components of Effective Repatriation Assistance Include:

• • Storing or Transporting Remains:
    Ensuring that the remains are handled with the utmost care, either by storing them securely at a local facility or arranging for their immediate transportation to an appropriate location for preparation. This includes coordination with local authorities, transportation providers, and any necessary embalming or preservation services, all in compliance with local laws and international shipping regulations.

  • Communicating with Family Members:
    The loss of a loved one, particularly when it occurs far from home, is an incredibly emotional and overwhelming experience. In addition to navigating their grief, family members are often confronted with the complex and sensitive task of repatriating the deceased’s remains. During this time, it’s crucial to have continuous communication with the family to guide them through the process, ensuring they are fully informed of each step, while also handling legal, cultural, and language barriers that may arise during this difficult time.

  • Respecting Family Wishes:
    Recognizing that each family may have unique customs, beliefs, and preferences regarding the preparation and handling of their loved one’s remains. Prioritizing clear communication to ensure these wishes are fully understood and respected. Whether it involves specific embalming procedures, the inclusion of personal items, or the type of final arrangements, making every effort to fulfill the family’s requirements with compassion and dignity should be of utmost importance.

  • Coordinating with Funeral Homes:
    Working closely with both sending and receiving funeral homes to manage the logistical details of the repatriation process. This includes ensuring that all required documentation is properly completed, coordinating with local authorities for necessary permits, and facilitating communication between parties to ensure compliance with both local regulations and international guidelines. Additionally, navigating the differences in funeral customs and traditions across cultures, religions, and regions in effort of meeting the deceased family’s expectations as closely as possible.

  • Supporting Travel Arrangements:
    In addition to coordinating the repatriation of remains, assisting the deceased’s traveling companion with any necessary travel arrangements is a key part of the process. This includes helping with flight changes, accommodation bookings, and any other adjustments needed to support the surviving family member or companion during this difficult time.

  • Monitoring Transportation:
    Throughout the entire repatriation process, it’s critical to carefully track the remains during transport to ensure that they are handled with care and reach their destination safely. This includes maintaining constant communication with the transport carriers, monitoring every stage of the journey, from the initial pickup to arrival at the final resting place. This diligent oversight ensures that the remains are returned in a timely and respectful manner, with full compliance to international transport protocols and local regulations.

Repatriation of remains involves several critical steps, including the preparation of necessary documentation, coordination with local authorities, and the transportation of the deceased to their home country. Both organizations and the families of bereaved travelers may find managing these arrangements overwhelming on their own. In such cases, collaborating with a trusted emergency assistance resource is invaluable, providing expertise in navigating complex logistics and offering support throughout each stage of the process.

About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.