We all love to travel and hope all goes well throughout each trip. But "stuff happens," even really important stuff such as a sudden death due to an accident or natural causes. It is important to be prepared, whether in or out of the U.S.

If an American dies in a foreign country, a companion must immediately notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to be able to transport the body.

If you travel extensively, you may want to consider purchasing travel burial insurance. We recommend checking the Internet for information using the words "return of mortal remains" for your search. The U.S. State Department's website includes a partial list of such plans, as well as a wealth of information about handling a death outside of the U.S. Go to: Travel.State.Gov for information.

Some organizations offer "travel assistance benefits," which may be useful, and some credit card companies offer travel insurance when you purchase transportation and lodging using their card.
The possibility of death away from home (and resulting cost) should be considered in everyone's final arrangements planning.
FCA's brochure, "Death Away from Home," can be found online at funerals.org.