When preparing for your next trip abroad, the last thing you want to be thinking about is more paperwork. Travel insurance is not always mandatory when travelling abroad but this doesn’t mean it should be skipped. Apart from general peace of mind, most travel insurance plans now include repatriation as standard.
So if the worst should happen and you need to receive medical repatriation, this can be sorted without you needing to foot the bill, which can often rise to 5 or 6 figures. Repatriation cover also protects you with you or a loved one should pass away while you are away, allowing for the repatriation of remains to be sorted or have the funeral service abroad in some cases.
What does repatriation mean in travel insurance?
Most modern travel insurance plans offer what is known as repatriation cover. The insurance typically covers repatriation for medical purposes in the case that you are unable to get the medical care you need where you are or it is cheaper to bring you home for treatment. In worst cases should you die abroad, it can also fund repatriation of the body or ashes home and in most plans, it will also cover the burial or cremation abroad if needed. Postmortem care and embalming are also typically covered but it’s worth checking your plan for what is covered and what the policy will handle.
Medical repatriation shouldn’t be confused with medical evacuation which is the immediate movement of a person to the nearest medical facility for urgent treatment. It may be the case that someone is medically evacuated and then needs to be repatriated for further treatment back home. Your insurance plan should cover both cases.
What does travel insurance cover?
Your travel insurance policy is going to differ depending on where you are travelling to and what provider you are using but repatriation cover is fairly standard across most insurance plans. That being said, it is always worth ensuring you know exactly what is covered as certain plans may just cover medical repatriation specifically. You can often find this information in the ‘medical cover’ part of your policy but it may also be separate. More guidance can be found here : https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/guide/repatriation/
Repatriation cover, as with most insurance, often has a limit on the amount that you can cover. Due to the importance of the cover and the general costs involved with medical and post-death repatriation, the repatriation cover available is generally quite substantial (upwards of £3 million in most plans). It’s worth checking exactly how much is provided as to where you are travelling to and what you plan to be doing can make a large difference in terms of how much cover you might need. For example, if you need travel insurance for a cruise, medical repatriation costs will be much more expensive than a holiday in a major city.
In the case where you or a loved one are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition, you will need to ensure that this is properly disclosed and in some cases, you may need to opt for a bespoke plan in order to cover your specific needs. Some plans may include exclusions due to prior medical histories or high-risk activities so it’s worth double checking the fine print to make sure you know exactly what your travel insurance prohibits.
Why should I get repatriation cover?
Planning for the worst scenario is not something any of us want to do and in most cases, you won’t need it but in the circumstances that you do, it is a vital resource. Being in a foreign country, potentially one where the language is unfamiliar, and having to navigate a repatriation process on your own while also having the weight of a substantial bill on your shoulders is not something anyone wants to face. Repatriation cover allows you to pass the bill and the process onto a professional team who are better equipped to manage it, allowing you to be there for your loved one or have adequate time to grieve.
Repatriation cover is now standard on most travel insurance policies but coverage does vary quite a bit so ensuring you have enough to cover your needs is paramount. It just gives you added peace of mind.
What should I do if someone I’m travelling with dies abroad?
We have a full guide for the steps you should take if someone you know dies abroad. Click the link for our repatriation guide. If the person is under insurance, you’ll need to contact their provider and they’ll provide you with next steps. If they’re not under insurance, you’ll need to organise the repatriation yourself or contact a third party who can arrange the repatriation back to the UK.
If you should require repatriation back to the UK for a loved one or you just need advice before travelling, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. We’ve got 24/7 support and help arrange repatriation worldwide so if you need us, we’ll be happy to help.
