Repatriation of the deceased to Germany

Call us and inform the German embassy or consulate in the country where the death occurred. Check whether travel or international health insurance, a credit card or funeral expenses insurance covers the repatriation, and report the case to them early. Do not sign any contract locally before the costs are in writing. Keep the passport, medical reports and police certificates safe – photos are enough for now. We talk to the hospital, the authorities and the local funeral director, even if you don’t speak the local language, and organise the repatriation to Germany.

No. The German Federal Foreign Office cannot advance repatriation or funeral costs from public funds. However, the German embassy or consulate helps with documents, can name local funeral directors and assists with communication with the local authorities. The costs of repatriation are usually borne by the heirs or an insurer.

That depends on the policy. In the event of a death abroad, many travel and international health insurance policies cover repatriation to Germany, sometimes also credit cards with travel cover. Funeral expenses insurance pays an agreed sum that you can use for the repatriation. Report the death as early as possible, as some insurers want to organise the repatriation themselves or give their approval in advance. You can submit our written fixed price to the insurer.

For repatriation from abroad, too, the price is determined by the route, the flight connection and the documents of the country of death. On top of that come the services of the local funeral director, such as care, embalming and coffin, as well as translations and certifications. Always get local costs in writing before you sign a contract. We obtain the quotes, review them with you and give you a written fixed price for the entire repatriation.

Yes. For a cremation, the authorities require additional documents depending on the federal state, such as a further medical examination and confirmation from the authority. We clarify this in advance with the local funeral director so that there is no delay after arrival.

The coffin travels as freight in the aircraft’s cargo hold. Relatives can usually fly as passengers on the same aircraft if the connection allows. We clarify this when booking, so that you arrive at the destination airport together with the coffin and can be present at the handover.

No. The deceased may only be transferred by licensed funeral companies. Airlines also only accept coffin bookings from funeral directors and specialised forwarders, not from private individuals. We handle the entire transport and keep you informed throughout.