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Repatriation insurance is a type of travel insurance that covers the costs associated with emergency medical evacuation and the repatriation of mortal remains. It is often included as part of a comprehensive travel medical plan or international health insurance plan, rather than being sold as a standalone product. Repatriation insurance provides coverage for individuals who become ill or injured and require medical treatment that is not available locally, as well as for the transportation of bodily remains back to the individual's home country in the event of death. This insurance is particularly important for expats, international workers, and their families, as well as for international students who may be required to have this coverage by their institutions or governments. The benefits offered by repatriation insurance plans can provide peace of mind and support during difficult times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Covers the cost of travelling for medical treatment if it is not available locally or in the event of death |
| Coverage | Medical evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, emergency medical repatriation, 24/7 assistance and coordination |
| Cost | Between $3,000 and $20,000 |
| Exclusions | Pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, travel to restricted areas, self-inflicted injuries, non-medical repatriation |
| Additional benefits | Coordination with local authorities, removal and transportation of the body, coffin or appropriate container, coordination with government agents, translation assistance, lost document assistance |
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What You'll Learn
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
The insurance covers the cost of transportation by air ambulance, commercial airline, rescue boat, or other types of vehicles fitted with medical equipment. It is designed to provide additional coverage to plans that only offer limited benefits and can be purchased as part of a comprehensive travel medical plan. The cost of medical evacuation and repatriation can be high, ranging from USD 10,000 to 20,000 or more, depending on the location and unique circumstances of each case.
Some insurance providers, such as Allianz Worldwide Care, offer a 24/7 multilingual helpline that provides a rapid response service for potential evacuation or repatriation cases. Their evacuation team is made up of nurses and doctors, with each case being led by a senior medical doctor. This team serves as the central point of contact for clients and their families, providing updates throughout the evacuation process.
For individuals requiring coverage for longer periods, an International Health Insurance plan may be more suitable. These plans often include benefits such as hospital room and board, outpatient care, maternity coverage, and emergency room illness and accident coverage, in addition to medical evacuation and repatriation.
Overall, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance provide peace of mind for individuals and their families, knowing that they will have access to swift and safe transportation to a suitable medical facility in the event of a serious illness or injury, no matter where they are in the world.
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Repatriation of bodily remains
Repatriation insurance is typically included as a benefit in travel insurance plans or comprehensive travel medical plans, such as the Atlas Travel Insurance plan, rather than being sold as a stand-alone product. These plans often include basic or extensive coverage options and may cover additional expenses such as local burial or cremation in lieu of repatriation.
The repatriation of bodily remains is a critical aspect of emergency assistance, especially for organizations deploying personnel overseas. Having a clear plan in place can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty faced by the bereaved and the organization. Repatriation benefits may include coordinating with local authorities on the post-mortem exam, removal and transportation of the body to medical facilities, providing a coffin or appropriate container, and arranging the necessary services, authorizations, and approvals for transport.
In addition to repatriation of bodily remains, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance plans also provide coverage for medical evacuations. These plans offer protection in the event that the insured individual requires medical treatment that is not available locally. In such cases, the individual is transferred to the nearest suitable medical facility, which may or may not be in their home country, depending on medical appropriateness and preference.
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Costs and exclusions
Repatriation insurance covers the costs of emergency medical transportation services and travelling for medical treatment if it is not available locally. It is often included in travel insurance policies, but the level of cover may vary between providers. It is worth noting that repatriation insurance is not a stand-alone product and must be purchased as part of a more comprehensive travel medical plan.
The costs of repatriation vary dramatically depending on the location and the unique situation. The costs are much higher if death occurs in a remote location. The repatriation of remains may include coordinating with local authorities on the post-mortem exam, removal and transportation of the body to medical facilities, a coffin or appropriate container for transportation, and coordination with government agents to arrange services, authorisations, and approvals for transport.
The cost of an air ambulance alone could be as high as £35,000 in Europe, and from £50,000 to £100,000 from the US to the UK. The overall costs of medical treatment and repatriation from the US and other distant locations could be much higher. For example, the cost of medical treatment in Spain following a fall and emergency repatriation to the UK totalled £124,000.
Most insurance plans will cover between $10,000 and $20,000, but this amount may be higher depending on the policy. Some plans may require you to meet a medical deductible to be eligible for reimbursement. It is important to check the amount covered by your policy if this is a concern.
Exclusions from repatriation insurance typically include pre-existing medical conditions that have not been declared to the insurance provider, injury or illness due to drugs or alcohol, injuries caused by reckless or illegal behaviour, injuries from high-risk sports and activities that are not covered by the policy, and travelling against Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) advice.
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Travel insurance and repatriation
Repatriation insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of returning an individual and/or their bodily remains to their home country or country of principal residence. This can occur in the event of a medical emergency, death, natural disaster, political uprising, terrorist activity, or civil unrest. Repatriation insurance is often included as a benefit in travel insurance plans and can provide peace of mind for individuals travelling abroad.
Travel insurance is a vital form of protection for individuals planning to travel internationally. It provides coverage for unexpected events and disruptions that may occur during a trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen items, and travel delays. Repatriation is typically included as a standard benefit in travel insurance policies, providing coverage for the transportation of individuals back to their home country in the event of a severe illness, accident, or death. This benefit can also include the repatriation of bodily remains, covering the costs of returning the deceased person's body or ashes to their home country.
The cost of repatriation can vary significantly, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the country and specific circumstances. Travel insurance plans with repatriation benefits ensure that individuals and their families are protected from these potentially high costs. It is important for travellers to carefully review their insurance policies to understand the specific coverage and benefits provided, as well as any exclusions or limitations.
In addition to repatriation coverage, travel insurance can also offer a range of other benefits to protect travellers. These can include emergency medical and dental coverage, trip cancellation or interruption protection, lost or stolen item reimbursement, and travel assistance services such as translation assistance and lost document support. Some insurance providers may also offer additional benefits such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, legal expenses, and personal liability.
When purchasing travel insurance, it is essential to consider the duration and nature of the trip, as well as any potential risks or hazards associated with the destination. Individuals should also be mindful of disclosing any pre-existing medical conditions to their insurer and confirming that repatriation and other necessary benefits would be covered in relation to those conditions. By selecting a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes repatriation coverage, travellers can have peace of mind knowing that they are protected in the event of unexpected circumstances during their journey.
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Coordination of services
Repatriation insurance is a type of travel insurance that covers the costs associated with emergency medical evacuations and returning travellers' mortal remains to their home country. It is often included as part of additional services in a travel insurance plan and is not typically sold as a stand-alone product.
Case Management and Expertise: Repatriation insurance providers typically assign a dedicated case manager to handle the logistics and ensure a seamless process. These case managers are experts in managing the complexities of repatriation, providing valuable guidance and support to the bereaved family.
Communication and Updates: Effective communication is established between all parties involved, including the insured member or their family, local authorities, medical facilities, government agents, and transport providers. Regular updates are provided to keep everyone informed throughout the repatriation process.
Transport Coordination: Repatriation insurance companies coordinate with transport providers, including air ambulance services, commercial flights, and ground transportation, to ensure the timely and safe transfer of mortal remains or injured/ill travellers. They work closely with these providers to navigate the complexities of international travel, especially when dealing with remote locations.
Paperwork and Authorizations: The insurance company assists in handling the necessary paperwork, authorizations, and approvals required for repatriation. This includes coordinating with government agencies, embassies, or consulates to obtain the necessary permits and clearances for transporting mortal remains across international borders.
Local Burial or Cremation Options: Some repatriation insurance plans offer flexibility by covering the costs of local burial or cremation in lieu of repatriation. This option is often included up to a specified amount disclosed at the time of purchase.
Embalming and Cremation Costs: Repatriation insurance can cover the expenses associated with embalming, cremation, or international shipping arrangements, which can range from USD 3,000 to 20,000 or more. These costs can be significant, especially when dealing with remote locations.
The coordination of services provided by repatriation insurance offers peace of mind and support to individuals and their families during challenging times. It ensures that all aspects of the repatriation process are managed efficiently, allowing loved ones to focus on their well-being while honouring the memory of the deceased.
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Frequently asked questions
Repatriation insurance covers the costs and logistics of returning a traveller's remains to their home country. It also covers the cost of travelling for medical treatment if it is unavailable locally.
Repatriation insurance covers the costs associated with embalming, cremation, and international shipping arrangements. It also covers the coordination of services, including the arrangement of post-mortem exams, removal and transportation of the body, and the provision of a coffin or appropriate container.
Repatriation insurance is often required for international students and by governments for obtaining certain visas. It is also important for expats and their families living or working in remote areas without easy access to medical facilities. Additionally, individuals travelling for a minimum of 5 days up to 1 year may consider purchasing repatriation insurance as part of a comprehensive travel medical plan.
