Special circumstances
What if they died abroad?
Short answer
Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country immediately. They will assist with local death registration, repatriation of remains, and official notification. Repatriation is expensive — travel insurance or existing life insurance may cover it.
What this usually means
Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country immediately. They will assist with local death registration, repatriation of remains, and official notification. Repatriation is expensive — travel insurance or existing life insurance may cover it.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.