The costs for grief transport of deceased corona patients who have been transferred to other hospitals due to a lack of capacity are passed on to the next of kin. In general, Minister Kajsa Ollongren finds it annoying and undesirable when relatives unexpectedly face high costs for the funeral.
Minister Ollongren said in a written answer to parliamentary questions from member Van Raak (SP) that this unfortunately occurs that the extra costs of grief transport in connection with transfers of corona patients to other hospitals are passed on to the next of kin. This concerns real costs incurred by the funeral director. Fortunately, transfers to other hospitals have fallen sharply due to lack of capacity.
annoying and undesirable
In general, Minister Ollongren finds it annoying and undesirable when relatives unexpectedly face high costs for the funeral. Figures from the National Coordination Center for Patient Distribution show that approximately 80 people died of corona in a hospital other than their home town.
Experience with funeral directors shows that the majority of the deceased are insured. Depending on the type of insurance, a maximum amount may be attached to this. The costs of the funeral transport of the deceased are by far the most covered by funeral insurance, even if these costs are higher due to transport from another location. The Dutch Association of Insurers indicates that if relatives encounter serious financial problems due to circumstances, funeral insurers are willing to look for a solution in practice. In that situation, the next of kin are advised to always consult with the funeral insurer.
When the deceased do not funeral insurance the insurer does not play a role and the bill for this transport, among other things, will lie with the next of kin. Sometimes, in view of the special circumstances during this period, funeral companies make an exception and bring the transport costs after death as a result of the coronavirus in a hospital far from home will not be charged to the next of kin or at cost.
Minster willing to bear these extra costs
“I warmly applaud the leniency of funeral insurers and funeral companies and hope that other funeral insurers and funeral companies can also afford such leniency. I fully understand that for the next of kin of deceased Corona patients who cannot be reimbursed for these extra transport costs, these high costs are extra annoying. It may be about thirty people. I am prepared to bear these extra costs and have found the Funeral Ombudsman willing to act as a point of contact for any victims. The extra costs for the transport of their deceased loved ones will be reimbursed by my Ministry.
Also read: The law on the funeral service is not yet in progress
