If someone dies 75 miles or more from home, their family has to arrange, and usually pay upfront for, bringing them back. Within the U.S. that commonly costs $3,000 to $7,000; from abroad it regularly exceeds $15,000. This guide explains what a repatriation of remains plan covers, what it doesn’t, and who it is worth it for, whether you travel for business, leisure or spend the winter away as a snowbird.
The Travel Protection Plan from Death Away From Home offers a one-time, affordable solution to cover repatriation, legal expenses, and cremation arrangements, providing peace of mind for travelers and their families.
Why Repatriation of Remains Protection Matters
The death of a loved one away from home—defined as 75 miles or more from their legal residence—can create significant emotional and financial burdens. Arranging for the return of remains, navigating legal requirements, or organizing cremation in an unfamiliar location can cost thousands of dollars and take weeks to resolve.
Bringing someone home within the U.S. commonly costs $3,000 to $7,000 once both funeral homes, transport and paperwork are included.
International repatriation, from a location like Asia, regularly exceeds $15,000 to return a loved one to their family for a funeral. See what repatriation and funeral shipping cost, fee by fee.
ENROLL TODAY AND TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
The Travel Protection Plan addresses these challenges with a one-time enrollment fee of $450, offering lifetime coverage with no recurring costs. This plan ensures that if a participant passes away while traveling, their family is spared the stress and expense of managing complex logistics.
What the $450 Repatriation Plan Covers
The Travel Protection Plan from Death Away From Home provides comprehensive support, including:
- Repatriation of Remains: The plan covers all costs associated with transporting a loved one’s remains back to their home, whether domestically or internationally. This includes coordination with funeral homes, airlines, or other transport services, saving families thousands in unexpected expenses.
- Legal Expenses: Navigating legal requirements, such as death certificates, permits, or international documentation, can be daunting and costly. The plan handles these legal aspects, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations without additional fees.
- Cremation Arrangements: If the family prefers cremation at the place of death, the plan facilitates these arrangements, covering associated costs and simplifying the process in an unfamiliar location.
- No Reimbursement Claims: Unlike traditional travel insurance, this plan does not require families to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. All covered services are managed directly, reducing financial strain during a difficult time.
Business Travelers: A Critical Safety Net
Business travelers, who often make frequent trips, are particularly vulnerable to the risks of passing away far from home. Many assume their employer’s policies or credit card benefits cover such scenarios, but these often exclude repatriation or legal expenses related to death.
The Travel Protection Plan ensures that business travelers are protected, with coverage that activates automatically if death occurs 75 miles or more from home. This allows families to focus on grieving rather than managing costly logistics.
For example, a business traveler passing away in another state could commonly leave the family facing $3,000 to $7,000 to bring them home. With the $450 lifetime plan, these expenses are fully covered, offering significant savings and peace of mind.
Snowbirds: Safeguarding Seasonal Travel
Snowbirds—retirees who migrate to warmer climates for extended periods—face unique challenges. Long-term stays in rental homes or on cruises involve substantial upfront costs, and the likelihood of health issues increases with age.
The Travel Protection Plan is ideal for snowbirds, as it covers repatriation or cremation costs for up to a six-month stay away from home in a one-year period.
For instance, a snowbird passing away in Florida while their legal residence is in New York could leave their family with hefty transportation or legal fees. The plan eliminates these burdens, ensuring seamless arrangements for a one-time fee.
The Cost of Going Unprotected
Without a Travel Protection Plan, families face significant expenses. Bringing someone home commonly costs $3,000 to $7,000 within the U.S., and international repatriation regularly exceeds $15,000, depending on the distance and international requirements.
Permits, documentation and any cremation arranged far from home add further costs on top of transport.
These costs can quickly overwhelm grieving families, especially if they must pay upfront.
If you already have travel insurance, check what it actually pays for. Our guides explain whether travel insurance covers a death in the family and whether travel insurance covers repatriation of a body.
By contrast, the $450 lifetime fee from Death Away From Home is a small price to pay for comprehensive protection. Unlike annual travel insurance, this plan requires no renewals, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers.
Who Should Enroll for Travel Protection?
The Travel Protection Plan is a must-have for:
- Frequent travelers, including those who take multiple trips annually, travel more than 75 miles from home.
- Business professionals who travel regularly and may not have adequate coverage through work.
- Seniors and Snowbirds, who spend months away from their legal residence.
- Baby Boomers who like to travel.
- Anyone seeking to protect their family from the financial and logistical challenges of a death away from home.
Repatriation of Remains Coverage: Common Questions
Doesn’t travel insurance already cover repatriation of remains?
Some travel insurance policies include a repatriation benefit, but it is usually capped and applies only during an insured trip. Our guide explains why Medicare, travel insurance and credit cards often don’t cover repatriation.
How far from home does the plan apply?
The plan covers a death 75 miles or more from your legal U.S. residence, anywhere in the United States or worldwide.
How much does it cost, and is there an age limit?
It is a one-time fee of $450 for an individual or $875 for a couple, with no renewals and no age limit.
What isn’t included?
Any extra services the family requests at the place of death before transport, such as a viewing or ceremony, cost extra. Arrangements a family makes before calling the plan’s support team are not reimbursed, so make sure your family knows you are enrolled.
When does coverage start?
As soon as you submit the enrollment form and payment. If you enroll while you are away from your legal residence, coverage starts once you return home. See the full FAQ for details.
How to Enroll in the $450 Plan for Lifetime Protection
ENROLL TODAY AND TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
Enrolling is straightforward at Death Away From Home. A one-time payment of $450 secures lifetime coverage, with no age restrictions or health questions, or ongoing fees. The process takes minutes, and the plan activates immediately, ensuring protection for your next trip.
Conclusion: Peace of Mind for Every Journey
The Travel Protection Plan from DFS Memorials is an affordable, one-time investment that helps families avoid the emotional and financial burden of managing a death far from home. By covering repatriation, legal expenses, and cremation arrangements, it offers unparalleled support for frequent travelers, business professionals, and snowbirds.
Don’t leave home without this essential safety net—enroll today and travel with confidence.
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past 18 years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.
