A relative died back home while I was traveling: what should I do?

You’re traveling abroad—whether for work or leisure—when you receive the devastating news: a loved one at home has died. You now need to cut your trip short to attend the funeral, support your family, and handle arrangements. But organizing an urgent return can feel overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know about making an emergency trip home.

Contact your travel insurance provider first

Whether you’re on a business trip or vacation overseas, the very first step after learning of a death in the family is to reach out to your insurance company.

Many travel insurance policies include a trip interruption benefit, which may reimburse you for the cost of returning home early. This coverage typically applies when an immediate family member is hospitalized with a life-threatening condition or when you need to attend a funeral. Covered “immediate family” generally includes:

• spouse or partner

• parents or legal guardians

• siblings

• parents-in-law

Keep in mind that trip interruption is often bundled in a comprehensive multi-risk travel insurance plan. Such policies combine an insurance component (financial reimbursement) and a assistance component (advice and support) while you’re away.

In some cases, trip interruption coverage may also fall under a standard travel cancellation insurance policy.

Regardless of the specific plan, trip interruption benefits can reimburse part of your prepaid travel expenses—including transportation, lodging, and any non-refundable bookings you’ve already paid for.

Reimbursement is usually calculated on a prorated basis, reflecting how much of your trip was unused. However, every insurer sets its own rules. Always check your policy details before traveling. If your plan doesn’t include trip interruption, you may be responsible for the full cost of your urgent return.

Comparison of trip interruption benefits across major insurers

Flying back in an emergency: securing a last-minute ticket

To get home as soon as possible, start by checking the website or calling the airport where you’re currently staying. This will let you see the next available flights back to your home country.

Also, reach out to the airline that issued your original return ticket. Some carriers offer special “bereavement fares,” which provide discounted last-minute flights for travelers returning for a funeral. Be aware that you may need to pay the full fare up front; if you have trip cancellation insurance, your insurer can reimburse you later once you’ve submitted the required documents.

For smoother travels, ask family back home to send you the official death certificate as soon as it’s available—you may need it both for airline and insurance purposes.