Travel is a beautiful part of life. Whether you're visiting loved ones, exploring the world, or on a work trip, being away from home creates meaningful memories. But what happens if the unexpected occurs while you're far from home? For grieving families, handling end-of-life arrangements from hundreds or even thousands of miles away can be emotionally overwhelming and financially stressful.

That’s why understanding what to do and how to plan ahead matters.

More than 20% of American deaths occur outside a person’s home county, a trend driven by increasing mobility as more people retire in different states, travel frequently, or live part-time elsewhere (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).

For families, this often means dealing with unfamiliar local laws, out-of-state funeral homes, and complex transportation logistics all while coping with loss. But there are ways to reduce this burden.

The process depends on where the death occurs, but here are the general steps:

1. A Local Official or Medical Professional Confirms the Death

• If at a hospital or care facility, staff will handle this.

• If at a hotel, home, or in public, emergency services or a coroner will be involved.
  
  

2. The Body Is Transferred to a Local Funeral Home

• The closest licensed provider will typically handle initial care.
  
  

3. Transportation Back Home Is Arranged

• A second funeral home (in your home city or state) is contacted to receive the deceased.

• Transportation may involve air travel, ground transport, and compliance with legal/health regulations.
  
  

4. Documentation Is Completed

• This includes death certificates, transit permits, and other legal forms.
  
  

Each of these steps can involve high costs, time-sensitive decisions, and coordination between multiple service providers.

Depending on location and logistics, the cost of returning a body home can range from $2,000 to $10,000. This includes:

• Transfer from the place of death to a funeral home

• Preparation for travel (including embalming or refrigeration)

• Required shipping containers

• Domestic or international flights

• Local transfer upon arrival

Without prearranged coverage, these costs fall on the family, often with little warning.

To eliminate these unexpected burdens, many families are now enrolling in a transport protection plan such as the Travel Plan by Inman.

For a one-time payment of $450 (or less with flexible payment options), this plan covers:

• Contacting a local licensed funeral provider at the place of death

• Transfer from the place of death to a local funeral home

• Professional preparation for transportation

• Secure legal documentation and one certified death certificate

• Placement in an approved shipping container

• Transportation to your chosen funeral home back home

Many families experience profound relief knowing their funeral and end-of-life arrangements are planned in advance, helping reduce stress and ensure wishes are honored with just one phone call when needed (Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services, n.d.; NKY Cremation Society, 2025). Planning ahead offers invaluable peace of mind for both individuals and their loved ones by minimizing confusion, conflict, and burden during difficult times (NKY Cremation Society, 2025).

• 24/7 Worldwide Coverage: No matter where death occurs (75+ miles from home), you’re covered.

• No Need to Make Costly On-the-Spot Decisions: All logistics are handled by professionals.

• Lifetime Protection for One Low Cost: Pay once, be protected for life.

• Covers All Travel: Includes vacation, business trips, college, seasonal homes, or relocation.

Here’s what families can do now to prepare:

1. Talk About It

• It’s not an easy topic, but discussing preferences and planning is a loving gesture.

2. Enroll in a Travel Plan

• Choose a reputable provider like Inman and enroll through your local funeral home.

3. Keep Documentation Accessible

• Inform family members where your documents and plan information are stored.

4. Choose a Trusted Funeral Home to Receive Remains

• Having a pre-selected provider reduces confusion and stress.

Myth: Travel insurance covers funeral transport.
Truth: Most travel insurance plans exclude body repatriation or offer only limited support.

Myth: The U.S. embassy will handle everything abroad.
Truth: They offer assistance, but the costs and coordination are still the family’s responsibility.

Myth: This won’t happen to me.
Truth: Death while traveling is more common than most realize, especially among retirees.

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Having to navigate international or cross-country logistics shouldn’t be part of your grief. With the right plan in place, you can protect your family from last-minute costs, legal confusion, and overwhelming stress.

At Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations, we proudly offer the Travel Plan by Inman to help families plan with confidence. Whether you travel frequently or just want to be prepared, we’re here to guide you with compassion and clarity—wherever life takes you.

Call us today to learn more about travel protection options and how you can enroll.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). NVSS – Mortality Data. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/deaths.htm

Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services. (n.d.). Planning Ahead. https://www.cfcssacramento.org/planning-ahead/

NKY Cremation Society. (2025). The Benefits of Funeral Pre-Planning: Ensuring Peace of Mind. https://www.nkycremationsociety.com/the-benefits-of-funeral-pre-planning-ensuring-peace-of-mind/