The added complexity of a lone traveller
Fiona Greenwood from Rowland Brothers International highlights the difficulties for families when their loved one was a lone traveller that passed away abroad, requiring repatriation back to their home country along with their personal effects and difficulties locating important documents
When someone dies while travelling alone, the family may have no immediate source of information about their movements, arrangements or possessions. At a time of shock and grief, relatives can suddenly find themselves trying to establish where key documents are held, whether travel insurance is in place, who has authority to act, and how their loved one can be brought home.
Families are often unsure whether a travel insurance policy exists, who provided it or what it covers
Original documentation
Local authorities, consular officials, funeral directors and other organisations may require original documentation before they can release the deceased or authorise repatriation. Depending on the country and circumstances, this may include the original passport, birth or marriage certificates, proof of identity for the next of kin, formal authority to act, or other legal records. If the traveller carried these documents, they may be held by the police, a hospital, a hotel or another local authority. If they remain at home, family members may not know where to find them. Obtaining replacements, certifications, translations or legalisation can create further delays.
Uncertainty about travel insurance Families are often unsure whether a travel insurance policy exists, who provided it or what it covers. The policy may have been purchased directly, supplied through a
Fiona Greenwood, Operations Director, at Rowland Brothers International, has over 15 years’ experience in global repatriation and 26 years in operations management for emergency assistance and travel insurance. She is a recognised leader in her field. A frequent speaker at international conferences, Fiona covers topics such as cross-border repatriation, crisis management, funeral sector trends, and supporting bereaved families. She is known for her practical insights and compassionate approach to complex global cases.
October 2026
Issue
When a parent or guardian becomes seriously ill overseas, assistance providers face a complex challenge that extends well beyond clinical care. Although these cases are relatively rare, in this issue we look at how safeguarding dependent children requires careful planning, legal awareness, and close international coordination.
Editorial Team
The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.
