What Happens if You Die While Traveling?

Most of us don’t like to think about death, especially our own. But whether you’re taking a dream vacation abroad or just driving across state lines, the truth is that none of us knows exactly where we’ll be when our time comes.

If you pass away more than 75 miles from home, your loved ones could be left with more than just grief. The emotional and financial burden of transporting you back, whether from the next county or another country, can be overwhelming.

That’s why it’s worth taking a few minutes now to plan ahead. Without additional protection, most prepaid cremation or funeral plans may still leave your family scrambling during an already difficult time. However, there are steps you can take today to eliminate this common situation. 

What Happens If Someone Dies Away From Home?

Each year, thousands of families face the added heartbreak of trying to bring a loved one home after they’ve died far away. Even if you’re traveling with family or friends, they may not know what to do in the moment or how to manage complicated logistics.

Here’s what to do:

• Contact local authorities and the closest U.S. embassy or consulate (if outside the U.S.)
• If death occurs abroad, the Bureau of Consular Affairs can help:
• Notify next of kin
• Assist with personal belongings
• Provide options for local burial or returning remains
• Help guide your family through the paperwork
• Issue a Consular Report of Death of an American Abroad

However, here’s the tough part: your family still has to make the arrangements and cover the costs.

Depending on your location, international repatriation alone can cost between $3,000 and $20,000, excluding costs associated with cremation and burial.

Protect Your Family with Away From Home Assurance

Most prepaid cremation plans only cover you locally. But Tulip’s plan includes optional Away From Home Assurance, which adds a vital layer of protection if death occurs 75+ miles from home.

This benefit can:

• Prevent your family from needing to coordinate with unfamiliar funeral homes or foreign officials
• Cover costly transportation logistics
• Ensure your wishes are followed, no matter where you are
• Offer peace of mind to the people you love most

Whether you’re retired and traveling more, visiting family in another state, or even just taking a weekend road trip, it’s comforting to know you’ve already taken care of this. It’s a one-time payment for lifetime peace of mind: no preapproval or annual renewal needed.

A Few Simple Things You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to have every detail figured out, but a little planning can make a big difference. Here’s how to start:

• Share your travel plans with someone you trust.
• Keep your ID and a medical directive with you when you travel.
• Create an estate plan with a valid will, healthcare directive, and preferences for cremation or burial.
• Tell your loved ones about your end-of-life plans and where documents are stored.
• Prepay for cremation with a plan that includes transport coverage, so your family won’t have to pay thousands out of pocket.

Not sure where to begin? This complete guide to prepaid funeral plans breaks it all down, step by step.

And if organ donation is part of your wishes, don’t forget to read these 5 reasons to consider organ donation to make your intentions known ahead of time.

Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared

We don’t plan for death because we’re afraid. We plan because we care. A little preparation now can spare your loved ones a lot of worry later. They won’t have to wonder what to do, who to call, or how to afford it.

Instead, they’ll know you already took care of everything, because you loved them enough to think ahead. Tulip’s direct cremation makes planning simple and affordable. Call our Care Team anytime at (844) 842-4909 or visit us online to arrange now.