Safe Passage: Lessons in Global Care

Return of Mortal Remains

 

 
Q: Does international medical insurance automatically cover the cost of returning a traveler’s remains home if they pass away abroad?

A: Not automatically.

Most international medical plans require advance carrier approval before arranging or paying for the return of mortal remains. If local contacts act immediately without notifying the insurer within 48 hours, filing a claim becomes much more complicated.  And, coverage may be reduced an automatic 50% for lack of timely pre-certification.

Scenario Snapshot

When a traveler dies abroad, international medical insurance can help arrange and pay for the return of mortal remains, but only if notification, approval, and documentation are completed in time.

MissionSafe Pro-Tip: Always contact the insurer within 24 hours of a death abroad to preserve eligibility and obtain approval before committing funds.

Country & Claim Overview

Case ID: MSSP-01-101525

Focus: Timely Filing • Advance Approval • Pre-Existing Determinations

Participants: Mission team member from HopeWorks Travel Global (“Participant A”) on short-term mission.
SP Country

Country

Costa Rica
SP Claim Type

Claim Type

Return of Mortal Remains (Repatriation)
SP Claim Amount

Claim Value

~$4,300
SP Outcome

Outcome

Initially Denied 
Approved on Appeal

Narrative Summary

During a mission trip, the insured (Participant A) experienced a sudden fatal medical event on arrival overseas. Local contacts, acting under emotional stress, arranged immediate repatriation of the remains without prior Insurance Carrier authorization.

Several weeks later the sponsoring ministry filed for reimbursement. Insurance Carrier denied the claim citing (a) a possible pre-existing condition and (b) lack of advance approval.

After MissionSafe's advocacy team intervened, Insurance Carrier’s medical director determined the death could not be linked to a pre-existing illness and approved payment under the policy’s Return of Mortal Remains benefit. This intervention protected the ministry's funds and, more importantly, provided resolution for the grieving family and team.

*HopeWorks Travel Global is the anonymized name for an actual MissionSafe Client. All organization and individual names have been changed for the privacy of those involved.

 

Preparation Backed by Experience

 

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