Frequently Asked
Questions families, funeral homes, and insurers ask.
If you don’t find your answer here, call the 24-hour line — a coordinator can usually answer in a couple of minutes.
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Getting started
General
How do I start a case?
Call the 24-hour line or submit a case online. A coordinator is assigned within the hour and confirms what’s already known before moving forward.
What information do you need from me first?
The deceased’s full name, the country and city where the death occurred, the destination country, and your relationship to them. Everything else is gathered as the case moves.
How long does repatriation usually take?
Most cases move within 5–10 days of first contact, depending on how quickly local authorities issue certificates. Cases involving an autopsy or an unclear cause of death take longer. See the typical case timeline for a day-by-day example.
Do I need to travel to where the death occurred?
Not usually. Local partners handle identification, preparation, and paperwork on the ground, and your coordinator keeps you updated remotely throughout.
Paperwork
Documentation
What documents do I personally need to provide?
Typically a copy of the deceased’s passport or ID, proof of your relationship as next of kin, and any existing insurance or case reference numbers. Local certificates are obtained on the ground by our partners.
What if there’s no death certificate yet?
This is usually the first document arranged. We coordinate directly with the attending physician, hospital, or local authority where the death was registered.
Do all documents need to be translated?
Only into the destination country’s official language, and only where their customs or civil registry requires it. Your coordinator confirms exactly which ones apply to your case.
What exactly does a consular mortuary permit cover?
It’s the destination country’s confirmation, issued by their consulate or embassy near the place of death, that the case meets their requirements for entry. See the full document breakdown.
Moving the case
Transport
Who decides between ground and air transport?
Distance, the number of borders crossed, and how quickly documentation clears usually decide it. We confirm the right mode on the first call — see the air vs. ground comparison.
Can I choose which airline or route is used?
We book based on which carriers accept human remains cargo on that route and can meet your timeline. If more than one viable option exists, we’ll flag it for you.
Can a family member travel on the same flight?
Often, yes, as a passenger on the same or a connecting flight — though a seat on the same aircraft as the cargo hold isn’t guaranteed. We coordinate this whenever it’s requested.
What happens if a flight is delayed or cancelled?
Your coordinator rebooks and manages any customs implications directly. You’re notified as soon as a new schedule is confirmed.
Payment
Cost & insurance
Who pays for this, and does insurance cover it?
Many travel insurance policies, and some life insurance and pension schemes, include repatriation cover. We coordinate directly with the insurer once you share the policy details.
What does a case typically cost?
Cost depends on distance, transport mode, and each country’s specific requirements. We provide a written estimate before anything is booked, and confirm any change with you before it’s incurred.
What if there’s no insurance and the family is covering the cost directly?
We provide the same written estimate and full case management either way. Payment terms are agreed before work begins.
Less common cases
Special situations
What if the destination country requires cremation instead of the body?
We can arrange local cremation and repatriate the ashes instead. Ashes generally clear faster and face fewer transport restrictions than a body.
What if an autopsy is required?
We work directly with the local authority handling the case. This typically adds time before documentation and transport can proceed, and we let you know as soon as a revised timeline is clear.
What if the deceased didn’t hold citizenship in either country involved?
We still coordinate the case. It may involve an additional country’s consulate for documentation, which we factor into the timeline from the start.
Working with us
For professionals
I’m a funeral director — how does working with Meridian work?
We act as your logistics and documentation partner for the cross-border portion of a case, while you keep the direct relationship with the family. Contact us to set up a partner account.
I’m with an insurer — can you integrate with our claims process?
Yes. We coordinate directly with claims teams and provide the documentation needed to process repatriation benefits. Get in touch to discuss your policy terms.
Still have a question?
A coordinator is reachable day or night, and can usually answer in a couple of minutes.