Repatriation: What happens when someone dies in Spain

Repatriation: What happens when someone dies in Spain? Article by Avalon Funeral Plans.

It’s not something anyone likes to dwell on, but if you’re an expat living in Spain, it’s important to think about what might happen when you or your loved ones pass away.

Do you want to be buried or cremated?

Have you thought about if you want to be laid to rest at home in Spain, or back in the UK?

More importantly, do your next of kin know what you want to happen after you die?

If you want to be taken back to the UK to be buried or cremated, this is called repatriation. Repatriation can be a complicated and expensive process – especially in a second language – so it’s essential that you know all the facts before the time comes.

How does repatriation work?
Before you can repatriate someone to a different country, you will need to register their death with the local authorities in Spain. You’ll be given a local death certificate.

To repatriate the person who has died, you’ll then need a certified English translation of the death certificate and permission from the coroner in Spain to transport them abroad.

You’ll then need to work with two Funeral Directors – one in Spain and one in the UK. Not all Funeral Directors provide repatriation, so you may need to look for a specialist with experience repatriating British expats.

The Spanish Funeral Director will help you with the paperwork, booking flights, and sourcing a regulation hermetically-sealed coffin for the flight. The British Funeral Director will be there to receive the coffin when the flight lands and to arrange the burial or cremation.

How much does repatriation cost?
The cost of repatriation can vary depending on the cost of flights, where you’re flying to and from, and the type of funeral you have once the person is repatriated.

Bear in mind that in the UK the average cost of a burial is £4,257 and the average cost of a cremation £3,311 – and you will need to pay for flights, an extra Funeral Director and a special regulation coffin on top of that. All in all, a repatriation from Spain to the UK could come to well over €10,000.

Can you repatriate ashes?
A more affordable alternative is to have a cremation in Spain and then repatriate the person’s ashes to the UK. This means you can bring your loved one’s ashes back to the UK and scatter them, have them present at a service or life celebration, keep them in an urn at home, or inter them in a burial plot.

If you do want to repatriate ashes, always check with your chosen airline before you travel if they have any restrictions. Some airlines may ask you to check in ashes with any hold luggage, while other airlines will let you bring them in your carry-on baggage.

As a precaution, carry copies of any documentation you have, such as the Death Certificate and cremation certificate. This will help if you are asked any questions by security.

Can I make arrangements in advance for repatriation?
A prepaid funeral plan lets you arrange and pay for your funeral in advance. Whether you want to be repatriated to the UK, or laid to rest in Spain, a specialist expat funeral plan from Avalon makes things simpler for your next of kin when the time comes.

Avalon is the UK’s most trusted funeral plan provider, with a five-star rating on Trustpilot. With Avalon’s range of expat plans you can choose from a burial or cremation in Spain, or repatriation to the UK – all planned and paid for. All your loved ones have to do when the time comes is call the 24/7 bereavement help line, and Avalon will set everything in motion.

Want to find out more about Avalon’s expat funeral plans? Call us now on +34 966 799 070 or visit www.avalonfuneralplans.com/expat-funeral-plans.