When you’re living abroad or travelling solo, the last thing on your mind is what would happen if you died. It’s uncomfortable. It feels distant. But for those who spend a lot of time overseas, planning for the unexpected is not morbid, it’s smart.
Here’s what every frequent flyer, remote worker, or international adventurer should know.
Why Planning Matters
If something were to happen abroad, your family would need to act fast. That means contacting the right authorities, gathering paperwork, and arranging transport. It’s a high-pressure situation, made harder if no one knows your wishes or how to access your documents.
Having a clear repatriation plan means your loved ones won’t be left scrambling in the dark. It removes uncertainty and gives them a practical starting point in a moment of emotional chaos.
What Should You Put in Place?
- Travel Insurance with Repatriation Cover: Make sure it includes cover for returning remains.
- Emergency Contacts: Share them with your insurer and travel companions.
- Location Info: Keep a secure digital note of where you’re staying and who to call locally.
- Written Wishes: Let someone close to you know what you’d want if you passed away abroad. Burial? Cremation? Returned to a certain location?
- Use a Trusted Repatriation Company: If something happens, your family should know who to call.
Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
Most people only think about repatriation when they’re in crisis. We see the fallout of that every day. Paperwork goes missing. Next of kin have no idea what to do. Valuable time is lost.
Putting a plan in place is an act of kindness to the people you love. It means that, even if the worst happens, they’re not left to figure it out alone.
If you travel often or live overseas, ask yourself, if something happened to me tomorrow, would my family know what to do?
If the answer’s no, now’s the time to change that.
