When London student Anuj Bidve was shot dead the day after Christmas, his family back in India was shattered. The family was still waiting for the body to be sent back to India four days after the incident. When incidents of this sort occur, the families of the bereaved are left negotiating a maze of procedures, especially in the absence of repatriation insurance.
Although U.S. law does not require students on an F1 visa to have medical repatriation insurance, it does require students on a J1 visa to have medical evacuation and repatriation of remains benefits. However, most U.S. colleges have their own set of insurance requirements, which usually means the student must provide proof of adequate medical evacuation and repatriation insurance.
Although some student health insurance plans also offer repatriation benefits, not every plan will meet university guidelines. An exclusive evacuation and repatriation insurance plan is the best bet for students who might have insurance from their home country.
Evacuation and repatriation insurance plans such as Sky Rescue may include accidental death and dismemberment benefits, as well as to evacuation insurance. Personal liability may also be included in some plans.
If the plan holder does pass on or needs to be evacuated, bringing the repatriation benefits into force, there is usually no co-insurance or deductible for the surviving family or friends to worry about. However, personal liability insurance will feature some deductible, depending on the plan chosen.
Repatriation of remains insurance plans may include several other benefits too. One such benefit allows a family member to fly to be with the plan holder, in case the medical emergency is critical, and another pays for the travel back home of an accompanying minor in case the minor is left unattended as a result of the plan holder’s medical condition.
When repatriation needs to be done, either the body of the deceased can be sent home, or the cremation performed in the U.S. and the ashes sent home. The insurer will help with all the requisite processes, whichever option is chosen.
Students looking forward to studying in the U.S. can hardly be expected to think about insurance for repatriation. However, it is one of those factors that need to be taken care of, and purchasing the insurance takes no more than five minutes.
Paoli Symmons frequently writes about insurance repatriation.