The Cost of Coming Home: What Happens When the Worst Happens Abroad

If a Canadian dies while travelling abroad, bringing their remains home involves complex logistics and substantial expenses. This guide explains how much international repatriation costs, what provincial healthcare covers, and how travel medical insurance handles the return of mortal remains.

How much does it cost to return human remains to Canada?

Repatriating human remains to Canada typically costs between $8,000 and $35,000 CAD, depending entirely on where the death occurs. Families must cover specialized transport, consular fees, and strict regulatory requirements without proper coverage.

• Repatriation from the US: $8,000–$15,000 CAD
• Repatriation from Europe: $15,000–$25,000 CAD
• Repatriation from Asia: $20,000–$35,000 CAD

These costs include: preparation of remains, mandatory zinc-lined casket for international transport, embassy documentation, consular death certificates, airline cargo fees (human remains fly as special cargo), customs clearance, and receiving funeral home coordination at home.

Do provincial health plans cover the repatriation of remains?

No, provincial government health plans do not pay to bring a deceased Canadian home. Plans such as OHIP, MSP, and AHCIP provide zero coverage for international transport, embalming, or documentation costs.

Does travel insurance cover the cost of bringing remains home?

Yes, Emergency Medical Insurance includes Return of Mortal Remains as a standard benefit to handle transport expenses and logistical arrangements. This protection is included in every emergency medical policy at no additional cost.

This benefit covers:

• Preparation and embalming required for international transport
• Purchase of a transport-appropriate casket
• All shipping and cargo costs
• Required documentation and permits
• Coordination between the assistance company, local authorities, and your family at home

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Questions travellers ask

Does OHIP or provincial health care pay for repatriation?

Provincial health care plans like OHIP, MSP, or AHCIP pay nothing toward returning remains to Canada. If a traveller dies outside Canada, provincial plans do not fund the international shipping, embalming, or consular paperwork required to bring a deceased person home.

How much does international repatriation of remains cost?

Repatriation costs range from $8,000 to $15,000 CAD from the United States, $15,000 to $25,000 CAD from Europe, and $20,000 to $35,000 CAD from Asia. Expenses include airline special cargo charges, consular documentation, customs clearance, and specialized caskets required for transport.

What does the Return of Mortal Remains benefit cover?

Return of Mortal Remains covers mandatory preparation and embalming, purchasing a transport-appropriate casket, international cargo shipping costs, permits, and documentation. The emergency assistance team also coordinates between local authorities abroad, the receiving funeral home in Canada, and the family at home.