This stems from a link in the "Retiring Abroad" thread.
There is a link with useful information, including "dying abroad".
What to do when someone dies | Age Concern England

Anything can happen.....we know not the day nor the hour, even if you're quite young, it could be an accident.

I know some people don't like to even think of death, especially their own......but it stands to reason - if you're going to retire abroad, there is a chance you might also kick the bucket abroad.
You owe it to your family to make contingency plans, make your wishes known to them, and make sure there is money available to cover your final expenses.
Being Irish, I have a philosophical approach to death.
I regard it as the last great adventure!
I have taken out an extra life insurance policy for my trip home to Ireland, my wake, and disposal. If I'm in the sea, just a wake and Memorial Mass in Ireland.

What really woke me up was in December 1988 we were going to Florida to spend New Year with Dave's parents. Our Flight number was PanAm 103.
One week before our flight, a plane with the same Flight number was blown up over Lockerbie, Scotland. Some of the bodies were never recovered.

Everybody said "Surely you've cancelled?" I said No, I can't think of a safer flight now.
A few days before we left, I wrote to my son who was at University in London.
It was a nice cheerful letter, but I told him where to find our wills, insurance, etc.
His reaction was predictable - "Aww MUM!
I included a list of all the people to call, including the Credit Union where he would have access to emergency funds immediately.
I told him which Priest to call, details of the Funeral Mass including what music I want. I told him if he didn't give me a real country Wake I would be back to haunt him!
I said if I die in the USA, have me cremated and bury my ashes in the lovely little Churchyard in Tipperary, with the best view in the World. I've already arranged that part.
Dave wants full military honours in the USA, which he is entitled to.
Now we've put all our information on a CD for Chris, and made copies for my brothers.
I'm also putting together a DVD for my little grandson, with funny stories about our family, photos, poems and songs.

I've seen so many families in turmoil because they had no idea what their loved ones wanted. I have also seen animosity between siblings who had different ideas. And of course we've all seen or heard of long-lost relatives turning up looking for a diamond ring they were "promised"......

That isn't going to happen in my case!!!:no: