Asheras wrote on Oct 27
th, 2015 at 12:37pm:
Direct cremation will run anywhere from 1500-3000. That's no service. Just the cremation with cremains in a plastic box and basic services of the staff such as death certificate, social security notification, etc. No Obit, no family viewing, no embalming. (No need, since no services).
Best case scenario for a direct cremation is 3500, that's if it was arranged prior to passing and was expected by staff at the hospital, hospice, etc.. In that case the family has had time to prepare documentation and paperwork so the process is streamlined.
In the situation laid out (sorry couldn't resist) in this thread it's going to be at the very least 5k for direct cremation after release, transfer, transport and full process are completed. In cases where the death was unexpected very few people are ever mentally prepared for the costs, and at the time of passing ill equipped to "bargain hunting" or "comparison shopping".
Tip, if you ever plan on dying while on vacation overseas? make sure to do it in a fashion that will make your body unrecoverable if you don't want' to financially hobble those you leave behind. Even with the best life insurance policies it is crushing.