A Step-by-Step Guide On What to Do If a Loved One Died in Another Country

Losing a loved one can be painful, especially if they died away from you. Many families don't know how to bring the body back to their native country before they begin the necessary funeral arrangements.

Some may not be familiar with funeral repatriation and find the steps they should take confusing. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do.

Step #1. Make a phone call to the authorities

If a family member dies overseas, before you call for funeral repatriation services, the first thing to do is notify the local authorities. You’ll need to contact MFA and provide details such as their personal information.

Step #2. Obtain a death certificate

Once you contact the authorities, make sure you obtain the birth certificate. There must be a match between the deceased's Singapore passport and the name to confirm. It is needed to be able to proceed to human remains repatriation.

Step #3. Verify the specifics of insurance

You can contact your insurance provider immediately if the deceased has a travel insurance policy. It can cover repatriation costs and other medical expenses.

Step #4. Decide if you are going to travel

The deceased's belongings may need to be collected, or a funeral director who handles human remains repatriation may need to be contacted to help make adjustments. Each traveller must provide the embassy or consulate with a complete set of personal and travel details.

Step #5. Select a local or international funeral director

A Singaporean funeral director with foreign funeral repatriation experience is ideal to call. Make sure they know the arrangement and the requirements needed should you wish to bring the body back. If you choose funeral repatriation services, make sure you have all the requirements such as death certificate, deceased particulars, embalming certificate, a sealing certificate for the coffin, coffin export permit and air waybill.

Flying Home provides low-cost funeral repatriation services to bereaved families worldwide. Experience their professional and reliable services by contacting them today.