It’s the time of year when everyone is thinking about holidays and exploring new places. Maybe you have just returned from your holiday and are already thinking about next years. Perhaps you are one of those who wait until the schools go back, so travel when it is a little quieter. We hate to put a dampener on anything, but every year over 4,000 people die abroad, and many more will die in the UK but away from home.
Dealing with such an unexpected death is traumatic, as you cope with the logistics as well as the emotional consequences.
This can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to know what to do if the worst happens.
Prepare before you travel
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of knowing where essential information is in case of emergency. In any event, you should make sure you have your travel insurance sorted and paperwork ready to take with you. It is also an idea to ensure your next of kin knows where your important paperwork is for example your will, life insurance and any other important documents.
If you’re travelling with friends – be sure to have emergency phone numbers for each other. You may not be able to access their phone so swap details beforehand. Likewise, make sure people at home know where you are staying and have the next of kin numbers of those travelling with you.
If the worst happens.
When Someone Dies Elsewhere in the UK
If your loved-one or companion dies when you are travelling in the UK
- Contact the authorities: Contact the local police or emergency services in the area where the death occurred. They will help arrange for a medical professional to confirm the death and issue a medical certificate. There may be a postmortem or an inquest. This won’t necessarily delay things as the coroner can issue a certificate so that the funeral arrangements can be made.
- Find support: There will be a lot of things to sort out, and this can be overwhelming. Try to have someone with you, if you can, to provide extra support. Don’t try to do everything yourself.
- Register the Death: You must register the death within 5 days of being told you can by the medical examiner. Ideally this will be in the district where the death occurred. It can be registered by a relative, or someone present at the death. Contact the nearest Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, they will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary documents.
- Funeral Arrangements: You can contact us while you are away, and then we can contact the medical examiner and or coroner in that district to arrange to bring them back to Cornwall.
At Wedlake Funeral Home, we are used to bringing people into our care from all over the UK.
From the UK we can be contacted on
01726 211555 or 01726 850216
When Someone Dies Abroad
Someone dying abroad can be more complicated, especially as there may be language barriers, and it might be more difficult to find personal support. However, there is a process to go through:-
- Notify the local authorities: As soon as possible, contact the local authorities in the country where the death occurred. They will guide you through the legal requirements, including obtaining a death certificate and any necessary paperwork.
- British Consulate or Embassy: Get in touch with the nearest British Consulate or Embassy, who will be able to help you. They can give advice in dealing with the local authorities, language barriers, and cultural differences.
- Repatriation or Local Funeral: There can be a local funeral, or you can repatriate the deceased back to the UK. This is entirely your decision and will depend on cost, cultural considerations and personal circumstances. The British Consulate or Embassy will help you with the repatriation process if you want to bring them home. There is paperwork that you will need, and they can help and advise you about the necessary transportation arrangements.
- Insurance and Legal Matters: Check your travel insurance to make sure they cover the cost of repatriation or funeral expenses.
What about the holiday company?
If you are on a package holiday, the holiday company involved also needs to be informed. They can provide you with some additional support and may be able to help you with arrangements.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it happens while they are on holiday or away from home, it makes things even more difficult. A sudden bereavement is always traumatic, as well as complicated logistics and arrangements.
Contact the professionals
We are always here to help and advice, 24 hours a day. If the worst does happen while you are away, do get in touch with one of our branches and we will be able to support you. We sincerely hope you never need to.
If you are ringing us from abroad do not forget the international dialling code, so ring either
+441726 211555 or +441726 850216
Safe travels.