8 min read · Updated 27 September 2026
In this guide
- Why traditional funeral cover often falls short for the diaspora
- Setting up protection for family back home
- How remote coordination works
- Being present at the service from abroad
- Travelling home for a funeral
Why traditional funeral cover often falls short for the diaspora
Most funeral cover was designed for families who live together. It assumes someone local will handle the arrangements, that premiums are paid in person, and that news is shared face to face. When the person paying lives in another country, those assumptions quietly break down just when the family needs them most.
A payout on its own doesn't arrange a funeral. Someone still has to find a casket, book a venue, organise tents and food, and make sure it is all done properly — often while grieving and thousands of kilometres away.
Setting up protection for family back home
With DFS you take out the policy yourself, from wherever you live, and cover your spouse or partner and your children. You choose the package — Essential, Classic, Prestige or Bespoke — and add the services that matter to your family.
Premiums are paid online and you manage the policy through your customer portal, so nothing depends on someone at home visiting an office.
How remote coordination works
When a death occurs, you or a relative contacts us and a Funeral Care Consultant takes over on the ground. They agree the arrangements with the family, coordinate the suppliers and confirm every step with you.
You decide the things only a family can decide. We handle the logistics that distance makes difficult.
Being present at the service from abroad
Livestreaming lets relatives who can't travel watch the service as it happens through a private link, with a recording afterwards. Where connectivity at a rural venue is uncertain, we tell you in advance so there are no surprises.
An online tribute page lets family and friends around the world share messages and photographs in one place.
Travelling home for a funeral
If you are travelling, tell us your arrival dates so the schedule can take them into account. A travelling pack and travel and attendance assistance can take some of the pressure off the journey, so you arrive ready to be with your family.