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Urgent
First steps — in order
- Call a doctor and secure the death certificateThe death certificate issued abroad is the basis for all further steps. Keep the original.
- Notify the German embassy or consulateThe German mission in the country of death helps with formalities and can recommend a local funeral home.
- Call the insurerContact your travel or health insurance immediately. Most cover 100% of repatriation costs.
- Engage a repatriation companyCall us: +49 1511 7463888. We take over all further steps — documents, consulate, transport.
- Inform family and plan the funeralOnce repatriation is arranged, you can plan the funeral with a local German funeral home.
Documents
Which documents are needed
Foreign death certificate (apostille)Issued in country of death, authenticated with apostille if needed
Leichenpass (transport certificate)International document for transporting the deceased — we handle it
WHO embalming certificateProof of embalming to international standard
Consulate approvalAuthorization from the German consulate or target authority
Insurance
Who pays for repatriation
International health insurance
ADAC, DKV, Allianz, HanseMerkur — usually cover 100%. Call immediately.
Travel insurance
Travel health insurance typically covers full repatriation costs on death abroad.
Statutory insurance (GKV)
German statutory health funds reimburse about €1,000–2,500 for repatriation.
No insurance?
No problem. We offer instalments and advise on subsidies (e.g. § 74 SGB XII welfare).