Facing the death of a loved one can be difficult under any circumstances, but when someone we love passes away in another country, it adds a layer of complexity.
Thankfully, it’s possible for them to be returned to the UK to be laid to rest.
What happens when someone dies outside of the UK
When someone dies outside of the UK, it can be difficult to decide where (and how) their body should be laid to rest.
Repatriation allows for family and friends to give their loved one a dignified funeral in their home country.
So, what does repatriation mean? In simple terms, repatriation is the preparation and return of the deceased to their home country for their burial or cremation.
Can civilians be repatriated to the UK?
You may be familiar with military repatriations when a member of a the armed forces dies overseas. Sometimes, we see images of a UK flag draping a coffin being carried off a plane by their comrades.
However, if someone dies overseas who’s not in the military, they can also be repatriated.
The main difference is who’s responsible for the logistics of bringing your loved one home.
In the case of a military repatriation, the Ministry of Defence oversees all matters relating to the next of kin being notified and the physical and legislative requirements.
If a civilian dies outside of the UK, their repatriation will be privately arranged in consultation with a tour company if they were on tour, the British Embassy, Consulate, or High Representative, and an appropriate repatriation service chosen by their family.
Why is repatriation important?
Regardless of the religious or philosophical views of the person who’s passed away, repatriation is an important part of laying them to rest.
There are several aspects that must be considered, including:
Legal
Local authorities should be be informed of the person’s death, a death certificate obtained, and the death registered in the country where your loved one passed away.
There may also be other documentation required, and British authorities in the country where your family member died will be able to assist in navigating local requirements.
It’s important to notify the British Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible.
If the death was not of natural causes, there may be an investigation and a coroner’s report required.
In these circumstances, the repatriation may be delayed until all legal requirements are met.
As your chosen repatriation provider, Middleton’s Funeral Services can help you understand and navigate these processes.
Emotional
With the shock and devastation that often follow the death of a loved one, what does repatriation mean for those who are left behind?
Often repatriation enables a final goodbye, a sense of closure, and the opportunity to have a grave or memorial to honour your loved one on home soil.
Cultural
Just as we all live according to our cultural values, death and the final farewell will also be layered with cultural importance and sensitivities.
What is repatriation if not an opportunity to lay your family member to rest in a way that honours their culture and manner of life?
Financial
Often, travel insurance will partially or completely cover the costs of repatriation, so it’s important to understand what cover is available to help ease that burden.
How Middleton’s Funeral Services assists with repatriation
If the worst has happened, and you’ve received news that a family member or loved one has died overseas, you’ll need the support of experienced repatriation providers to help you get your family member back home.
That’s where we can help.
We’ll guide you through the process of bringing your loved one home, working professionally and diligently.
Contact Middleton’s Funeral Services today for support when you need it the most.