Repatriation Insurance Meaning (2026) | Coverage Explained for Expats
Repatriation insurance is a type of international coverage that pays for the return of a person’s remains to their home country if they pass away while living or travelling abroad.
Although it is often associated with visas and travel insurance, repatriation insurance is also one of the most important protections for expats, students abroad and long-term travellers.
This guide explains, in clear terms, what repatriation insurance means, what it covers, when it is required and how it fits into travel and expat insurance in Spain.
What Repatriation Insurance Means (Simple Definition)
Repatriation insurance covers all logistical and financial costs required to return a deceased person to their country of origin, including:
- International transport
- Legal and consular documentation
- Preparation of remains
- Coffin compliant with international transport rules
Without insurance, these costs are paid by the family and can easily exceed €6,000–€12,000, depending on distance and country.
Repatriation coverage is also commonly included in travel insurance policies, especially for short stays, frequent travel, or international mobility. To understand how travel insurance works for expats living in or moving from Spain, see our Travel Insurance for Expats in Spain Guide.
What Repatriation Insurance Covers
A proper repatriation policy typically includes:
- Transport of remains to the home country
Flights, coordination and handling.
- Legal & consular paperwork
Death certificates, permits, translations if required.
- Preparation of the body abroad
According to international health and transport regulations.
- International coffin
Mandatory for cross-border repatriation.
- 24/7 assistance coordination
The insurer manages the entire process.
What it does not cover:
- Routine medical care
- Hospitalisation
- Doctor visits
This requirement is defined by the Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), which establishes mandatory medical and repatriation coverage for short-stay visas, as published by the European Commission.
For medical care abroad, see:
Who Needs Repatriation Insurance?
Repatriation insurance is strongly recommended — and sometimes required — for:
- Expats living outside their home country
- International students
- Long-term travellers
- Retirees abroad
- Non-EU citizens applying for visas
It is often mandatory for:
- Schengen short-stay visas
- Some student visas
For visa-specific requirements:
Repatriation Insurance vs Travel Insurance
Feature | Travel Insurance | Repatriation Insurance |
Covers repatriation of remains | Sometimes limited | Yes |
Valid for visas | Only if specified | Often |
Suitable for expats | No | Yes |
Duration | Short trips | Short or long-term |
Most travel insurance policies include repatriation, but only if clearly stated in the certificate.
How Repatriation Insurance Fits into Travel Coverage
For short stays (tourism, business, family visits):
- Repatriation is usually included within Schengen-compliant travel insurance
For long stays:
- Repatriation is often purchased separately or added to life/funeral insurance
It’s important to note that repatriation insurance does not cover day-to-day medical treatment, hospital stays, or diagnostics. These costs are handled under Medical Expenses Coverage, which is a core component of both travel insurance and private health insurance policies.
Final Note
Repatriation insurance is not about travel convenience — it is about protecting your family from financial and administrative burden at the most difficult moment.
Understanding it properly helps you choose the right type of travel or expat insurance, instead of relying on assumptions.
