THE INFORMATION
Repatriation Solutions
The Company
What makes Repatriation Solutions different?
Firstly, we specialise in repatriations. Our people have the skills and experience to call themselves true professionals. Unlike other funeral homes, repatriations are not an interruption for us, they are our day-to-day work and our passion. Our people have years of experience in senior roles in funeral homes across Melbourne and Victoria. We have put time and effort into developing relationships with various government entities, consulates, transport agents, religious communities, and our much loved funeral industry colleagues, in order to provide the best and most efficient service possible to your family.
Secondly, we go above and beyond to protect your loved one in transit. We use a system developed in response to situations we have encountered over the years. All our shipping crates are custom made, by us, by hand, to fit the exact dimensions of the coffin or casket you select. We construct our crates from eco-friendly, structural plywood, with biodegradable internal padding to reduce environmental impact. We make every effort to minimise the risks posed to your loved one throughout the air transportation process.
Thirdly, but not lastly, we are a local, family run business that cares for your loved one as if they were our own. Dignified mortuary care is provided for all persons in our care by highly experienced, fully qualified embalmers. Your family will also benefit from the individual attention of a dedicated repatriation specialist assigned to be your one point of contact throughout the process.
THE INFORMATION
Transportation
Can repatriation be arranged to anywhere in the world?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to repatriate your loved one to simply any country you please. Each country sets their own rules with respect to which persons they allow to be repatriated after death. For example, some countries will only permit current citizens to be buried there.
Additionally, there are countries where it is not physically possible to repatriate people at the moment. This can be for a variety of reasons. Air travel may be restricted or cost prohibitive. For example, Ukraine is not a viable repatriation destination at present for obvious reasons.
It is also worth noting that if a person died from or was diagnosed with an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, the destination country may prohibit entry. The best way to determine whether your requirements can be met is to give us a call. You have nothing to lose from asking the question.
THE INFORMATION
Transportation
Can I travel on the same flight as my loved one?
This is possible in some circumstances, however we find this less practical for destinations requiring connecting flights. Turnaround times for connections can be significantly longer for bodily remains than for standard passengers, sometimes over 24 hours. Additionally, as with regular passengers, there are no guarantees the airline will make all connections. It is not uncommon for the second or third leg of a journey to be delayed. We can always look at options based on your circumstances if travelling with your loved one is something you feel strongly about.
THE INFORMATION
Transportation
Do you book flights for family members travelling for the funeral?
No, we book transport for the deceased person only. Family members and friends are required to book and pay for their own transport. We always provide the flight numbers and flight dates for your loved one. We cannot guarantee room on these flights for passengers. If family members are unable to book on the same flights and this is important to them we can request our booking dates be pushed back to accommodate.
THE INFORMATION
Transportation
Can I choose the flights my loved one travels on?
We generally do not offer this option, although each request will be carefully considered. Once your loved one is in our care we are responsible for their safety, which we take very seriously. Based on our experience, we and our trusted agents carefully select the flights and airlines that are most likely to safely and reliably complete transportation. As with everything, however, we believe in transparency and open discussion with families. If you would like to discuss your preferences further we are happy to listen.
THE INFORMATION
General
What does a repatriation cost?
This can be a complicated question to answer without further information. Air transport costs alone are dependent on the destination as well as the combined weight of the person, coffin and protective packaging. Consular fees also vary from country to country. In general the majority of coffin repatriations currently fall somewhere between $11,000 and $15,000 AUD, with urn repatriations usually being significantly cheaper than that. Please note, this does not include the cost of a local funeral service or burial/cremation/funeral service costs overseas. We are happy to provide you with a personalised estimate upon request. Alternatively, you may view our price lists here.
THE INFORMATION
General
Can I use the coffin we select here for the funeral over there?
There are two options with respect to the coffin; You can select something cheap and light, suitable for transportation only, or something more decorative which can generally be used in the destination country. Until recently, we would have advised families to select their permanent coffin or casket here, so as to avoid paying for two coffins. Nowadays, given the cost of air transport has increased so dramatically in response to increasing oil prices and the pandemic, we advise choosing the lightest, cheapest coffin available. The money you save on air transport by doing this will usually make up for the additional expense of purchasing a second, more aesthetically pleasing coffin on arrival.
THE INFORMATION
General
Does my loved one have to be embalmed, even if I have religious objections?
The short answer is yes as this is a regulatory requirement of the airlines. For those unfamiliar with the term, embalming is a specific set of processes for the hygienic preparation and preservation of a deceased person. This includes both invasive and non-invasive procedures and use of chemicals. We are required to provide proof that embalming to international standards has been completed by a fully qualified embalmer and current member of a professional body before airlines will confirm our bookings. Additionally, many countries insist upon this standard being met, and may also require the authentication of a notarised embalming certificate by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. If you do not wish to consent to embalming you always have the option to proceed with either burial or cremation in Australia.
THE CONTACT INFORMATION
How can you contact us?
For your convenience we operate a mobile meeting service for clients throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Please call or email to request further information or an in-person appointment.
Servicing all of Greater Melbourne (regional Victoria by request)
Urgent phone enquiries 24 hours a day
General enquiries 8 am - 6 pm, 7 days