What to Do If a Death Occurs Away From Home

Oklahoma City Cremation • March 13, 2023

It is difficult when a loved one dies, especially when away from home. Nowadays, people spend extended time away from home for vacation, visiting relatives, attending special events, or living in warmer climes during the winter—all of which contribute to the possibility of a death away from home. When a death occurs, you must decide what to do with the body—whether to have a local burial or donate the body, among other options. Providers of  direct cremation services in Yukon, OK , have listed the following options if your loved one passes away while far from home.

Hold a Local Burial

Holding a local burial is often the least expensive option. However, a few countries do not allow the burial of foreigners. Consult with the Consular Officer to understand your options.

Cremation

Cremation is available in most countries, though it may be prohibited or limited in predominantly Catholic or Muslim countries. Some countries have few crematories, which might increase costs and delay the return of the ashes. However, you can inexpensively return cremates homes compared to the high cost of transporting a body. In addition, the ashes are easy to mail or carry on an airplane at no cost—as carry-on or in luggage.

Body Donation

There is an urgent need for body donors in many countries. For this reason, a body donation is still an option when your loved one dies while far from home. The Consular Officer will assist you with the arrangements.

Return the Body Home

Preparation and shipment are according to local laws, regulations, and customs. Embalming is not widely practiced in most foreign countries, though there are other methods of preparation for shipment, some of which will preclude viewing (such as chemically saturated shrouds). Charges for these services are high and vary widely from one location to another. After paying the necessary funds, there may be a 3 to 10-day interval until actual shipment. You will need to notify a funeral director in the US who can assist with arrangements.

What Legal Procedures Need to Be Completed to Transport a Deceased Body?

This varies depending on each state’s or country’s legal requirements. The death certificate must accompany the deceased and any additional paperwork, as required. Ground transportation will involve transit permits. For overseas funeral shipping, the consulate and customs import/export documentation must all be in order and accompany the deceased.

Consider the Costs Associated with Transportation

Transporting human remains can be costly, especially by air. Your local funeral home may send its vehicle to pick up the body or arrange transportation with an approved carrier, depending on the distance.

The cost of shipping a body will depend on the weight of the shipment and the distance between the place of origin and the final destination. Additional costs may include the cost of the shipping container and any fees related to the funeral home’s coordination of the shipping.

How Is The Deceased Prepared For Transportation?

direct cremation services in Yukon OKThe deceased is either embalmed or sheltered in refrigerated storage and then shipped on dry ice. Finally, the body is placed in a casket or other suitable (and approved) container for transportation. All the legal paperwork must accompany the body during transport.

Providers of direct cremation services in Yukon, OK, are here to help if you need a receiving funeral home to coordinate the transportation of your loved one. Call us now to speak with one of our knowledgeable funeral directors Visit our location now for preplanning need.

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