International Repatriation Assistance
Repatriating a Body – Comprehensive Support in a Difficult Time
Families of loved ones who pass away abroad need to better understand the repatriation process, its related costs, and the administrative procedures surrounding the entire operation.
A human and personalized approach
Les Complexes funéraires Yves Légaré's International Repatriation Service is dedicated to providing complete international funeral assistance, with no geographical limits. Whether it's for a return home or to fulfill a wish to be buried in the land of one's birth, our multilingual experts work closely with families and partners around the world.
24/7 immediate assistance.
- Support with all administrative procedures and logistics.
- Negotiation of the most advantageous rates.
- Transportation of the deceased from the place of departure to the family's chosen destination.
- Preparation of the deceased, including embalming or cremation, in accordance with local laws and cultural traditions.
What is Body Repatriation?
First and foremost, repatriating the body of a person who has passed away abroad refers to all the steps necessary to bring the deceased back home, including transportation, the essential documents, and the administrative and legal processes for the entire operation to be completed.
Due to the complex nature of repatriating a body, it requires the expertise of specialized services. It is not merely a logistical matter; one must understand the process as a whole, including the necessary authorizations, the required documents, the administrative formalities, and the knowledge of the rules in effect for each airline regarding body repatriation, etc.
Our Repatriation Service: Comprehensive Support From Start to Finish
At Yves Légaré, we offer a complete repatriation service, along with comprehensive support from start to finish, to assist you in these difficult times.
Handling Administrative and Legal Procedures
Every country and each airline have their own set of specific rules and regulations. It is therefore essential to know them and to know how to apply them correctly to ensure that the repatriation of a body is completed with dignity.
To answer the question of “how to repatriate a body by plane,” one must first ensure compliance with the laws and regulations in effect in the country where the remains are located. Here are some of the administrative procedures that are managed by us as part of our specialized service:
- Obtaining the death certificate
- Securing burial or cremation authorizations in accordance with the deceased's wishes or as per the funeral pre-arrangements
- Export and import permits
- Other legal documents
National and International Transportation of the Deceased
The transportation of the deceased can be accomplished in various ways. Depending on the distance between the deceased and the funeral home, we can arrange either road or air transport. We know precisely how to repatriate a body by plane and will take care of all of the procedures.
What matters to us most is ensuring that your loved one is treated with respect and dignity throughout the repatriation process. This operation will be carried out with the utmost care.
Preparation of the Deceased
According to the authorities' specifications, the remains will be placed in either a wooden or metal coffin, and all procedures surrounding the repatriation of a body to Canada will be respected in order to preserve the remains. The cultural and religious rites of grieving families will be respected with the deepest levels of empathy.
Our funeral services include support for the family and loved ones at every step. We stand by your side to offer support and information during these trying times.
What is the Repatriation Process?
Although there are several necessary steps, Yves Légaré provides a turnkey service guiding you from start to finish.
We work closely with both provincial and federal governments as well as with the country in which your loved one has passed, ensuring that all administrative and legal procedures are respected.
We also coordinate with the funeral services of the country involved, strictly following the process stated below:
- Obtaining the repatriation request
- Communicating with local authorities abroad
- Securing the medical death certificate
- Authorization for the sealing of the coffin
- Repatriation to the Yves Légaré funeral home
What are the Costs Related to Body Repatriation?
Factors Influencing Costs
It is important to mention that various factors will influence the cost of repatriating a body to Canada. For example, the distance, the country from which the body is being repatriated, local funeral services, transportation itself, and the administrative and legal procedures all affect the total cost.
Our advisors at Yves Légaré will provide you with an overall picture of the costs involved in repatriating a body. Contact us for further support.
Financing Options and Death Insurance
We offer flexible financing options, and we can also handle the procedures related to the deceased's death insurance on your behalf.
At Yves Légaré, in Laval, Longueuil and Pierrefonds, we are humans working with humans, and our emotional support is something you can count on.
We also provide personalized services to meet the needs of families and their loved ones.
Book an appointment with our funeral home to learn more about our specialized services.
Frequently asked questions
What is a funeral service?
A funeral service is a set of services and steps organized to facilitate the preparation and execution of a funeral. It generally includes planning the funeral, booking funeral services, managing administrative procedures, preparing the necessary documents, and following up logistical details. Funeral services can be provided by a specialized company or by an independent professional, such as a priest, a ceremonialist or a funeral planner. It is designed to meet the specific needs of families in difficulty, offering them comprehensive assistance and support at the most delicate moments of their lives.
What ceremony options are available?
Ceremony options vary according to region and family preferences. Formal ceremonies may include religious rites, civil ceremonies or traditional rites. Families may also choose personalized ceremonies, receptions or memorial services. The funeral service can help plan and organize these events, taking into account the wishes and traditions of the deceased.
What legal aspects need to be taken into account?
The legal aspects generally concern the management of administrative documents, the completion of legal formalities, and the preparation of documents required for the burial. The funeral service can help collect the necessary information, fill in the forms, and follow the legal procedures. It can also provide advice on the documents to be provided, the deadlines to be met, and the procedures to be followed.
How can I pre-arrange my own funeral?
The funeral service can help you pre-arrange your own funeral. You can choose the services and options that suit you, and the funeral service can help you plan and organize these events. The funeral service can also help you gather the necessary information, fill in the forms, and follow the legal procedures.