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Repatriation of a Body from the UK to Ukraine: The Coroner, Timings and Costs
If someone dies in England or Wales and is being taken abroad, the coroner must always be told, even when the death was natural. The law then gives the coroner four clear days. If the cause of death is unclear, the coroner orders a post-mortem, and the wait is longer. Repatriation of a body from the UK to Ukraine costs from €3,300, and an urn with ashes from €800.
What a coroner does and why the family needs one
A coroner is an independent lawyer or doctor who investigates sudden, unexpected or unnatural deaths. They also have a second role when a body leaves the country. A body cannot be taken out of England or Wales until the coroner knows about it. This way the state makes sure an unexplained death does not leave the country unnoticed.
It does not mean anyone suspects anything. Even if the person died peacefully in hospital, the body will not be released for travel without notice to the coroner.
Form 104 and Form 103: permission to take a body out of England
We notify the coroner of the intention to remove the body using Form 104. From that moment the coroner has four clear days. If they have no questions, they issue Form 103, known as the Out of England order, which is the permission to take the body abroad. Without it the airline will not accept the coffin.
In urgent cases the coroner can give permission sooner. That takes a direct conversation with them, and we ask for it when the family has a good reason.
Scotland has no coroners. Deaths there are dealt with by the Procurator Fiscal, and permission to remove a body is arranged separately. In Northern Ireland the coroner is also notified before a body is taken abroad.
When the body is held for longer
A post-mortem is ordered when a doctor cannot state the cause of death or when the death was sudden: a road accident, a fall, an accident at work. After a post-mortem the body is usually released within a few days.
It takes longer when the coroner opens an inquest. The inquest itself can run for months, but the body is often released earlier, once the examinations are finished. The family then receives an interim death certificate, which is sufficient for arranging repatriation.
How to register a death in the UK
In England and Wales a death must be registered within five days at the register office for the area where the person died. In Scotland you have eight days. A relative can register it, and if the family is abroad, someone who was present or who is arranging the funeral can do so. We will tell you what applies in your case.
After registration you receive the death certificate. For Ukraine it needs an apostille and a translation, and we take care of both.
Funeral Expenses Payment: will the UK government help?
The UK has a state grant towards funeral costs, the Funeral Expenses Payment. It goes to people on certain benefits. But the funeral has to take place in the UK, or in some cases in the EEA or Switzerland. It is not paid for a funeral in Ukraine.
So look at other sources: travel or workplace insurance, life insurance, an employer's or trade union fund. Send us a photo of the policy and we will check the terms.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the coroner's permission take?
At least four clear days after Form 104 is submitted, if no post-mortem is needed. A post-mortem adds a few more days.
The death was natural. Why is the coroner involved?
In England and Wales the coroner is notified every time a body is taken abroad. It is a formality, not an investigation.
How much does repatriation of a body from the UK to Ukraine cost?
From €3,300 for the whole journey, and an urn with ashes from €800. The burial coffin in Ukraine is free of charge, and there is no prepayment for transport.
Can we get a Funeral Expenses Payment if the funeral is in Ukraine?
No. It is only paid for funerals in the UK and, in some cases, in the EEA or Switzerland.
Does the family need to travel to the UK?
Usually not. We handle the paperwork under a power of attorney and deliver the body wherever you tell us in Ukraine.
What to do now
Find out where the body is: in hospital, a hospice or with the coroner. Look for an insurance policy, if there is one. Call us on +380 77 882 77 77, day or night, or message us on Viber, WhatsApp or Telegram. We submit Form 104 straight away so the four days start running as early as possible.
We will help you find out who can pay
Leave your number. We will call you back and tell you what to check about payment.
Thank you. We will call you back. For urgent matters, please call: +380 77 882 77 77.