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Support • 4 min read

How to manage the loss of a loved one from a distance

There are ways to connect with family, near and far, during the grieving process, no matter where a loved one passes away. Here's how to manage grieving from a distance.

There are ways to connect with family, near and far, during the grieving process, no matter where a loved one passes away.

When someone we love passes away in another city, state or country, it’s common to feel alone. There are ways to connect to family members though so you can feel part of the grieving process.

Technology sometimes gets a bad rap. But when it comes to connecting from afar, it’s actually a valuable tool. Video calls and streaming software means that no matter where you are in the world, you can still connect with loved ones. So, when someone you care about passes away, you can still grieve together.

Of course, there are also things you can do to ensure you are listening to your emotions and grieving properly too.

Allow yourself to feel

Even though you are not physically with other people who are mourning, it doesn’t take away from the fact that you are grieving a loss too. You may be alone, but sometimes that may actually help, as you’re forced to really sit with your own emotions, and then process them properly. Don’t let yourself believe that your grief is any less just because you’re physically far away.

Engage in the rituals

Many families and faiths have certain rituals when they lose a loved one. Attending a funeral or service can help the grieving process, so not being able to be there may cause further distress. To help alleviate this, consider engaging with some rituals in your own space—these may help you feel close to others who are mourning the loss too. Things like lighting a candle, creating a memorial space, visiting a place of worship or having your own service can be a huge help.

Utilise technology

While you may not be able to physically be at a funeral, wake or service, nowadays, it’s widely accepted to either stream the services or ensure there is a Zoom or FaceTime link for those who can’t be there in person. If you’re very close to the person, consider asking a mutual friend or relative to share a story of yours at the service so you can be part of the formalities. Or even ask if you can FaceTime into the ceremony and read it yourself.

You can also utilise technology to create memorials so everyone can access it. Websites such as Forever Missed allow everyone to collaborate on a memorial page to share stories and memories of those they have lost.

Listening to your emotions, engaging in rituals that mean something to you and being connected to your loved ones via technology may help you find some form of closure, even from a distance.

If you can travel, attend the funeral

There are ways to attend the services if you are able to. Finances don’t need to be a barrier. In fact, Funeral Insurance may help cover travel expenses for loved ones who wish to be there in person with other family members to grieve together.

While there are ways to grieve from afar, nothing helps more than being in the comforting company of those who are grieving like you.

For many people, being able to be surrounded by their loved ones while they’re grieving not only helps them mourn, but it also provides a lot of comfort—emotionally, mentally and physically. Funeral Insurance may help ensure that everyone who needs to or wants to be physically at a service can be there.

When you lose a loved one, it’s common to consider your own circumstances, especially being able to grieve together with your loved ones. After all, it can make a difference to the overall emotional process.

If you’re considering taking out Funeral Insurance to help your family cover your funeral costs, and ensure they can be physically together to grieve, Insuranceline can help. Call 13 77 87 or get a quick quote online.

 

Important information

Cover under the Funeral Insurance Benefit is for Accidental Death only for the first 12 months of cover, including for any increases. Accidental Death has a special meaning in the PDS and some causes of death are excluded during this time—please refer to the PDS or call us for further details. After the first 12 months, the Funeral Insurance Benefit provides cover for all causes of death.

Backed by TAL

^Offer available to Insuranceline customers who complete an application for an Insuranceline branded and distributed Life Insurance, Income Protection or Funeral Insurance policy between 1 October 2023 and 31 March 2024 (inclusive) and are issued with a policy with a commencement date prior to 00.01AM (AEST) 1st of May 2024. To be eligible policy holders must hold the policy for 4 consecutive months and pay 4 months’ premiums in full. One Gift per customer. View full terms and conditions.

**Bonus 10% more cover is calculated on the fifth anniversary from the Policy Commencement Date. Each adult life insured will have an extra 10% of the average Funeral Insurance Cover amount held during the previous five years added to their Funeral Insurance benefit. Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the PDS for more information.

#Claims paid figures relate to all Insuranceline life insurance policies in the 2021 financial reporting year (1 April2021 to 31 March 2022). All claims on Insuranceline policies are assessed against the relevant policy terms and conditions. These terms and conditions, as well an explanation of the claims process, can be found in the applicable Product Disclosure Statement. Claims are administered and settled by the insurer, TAL Life Limited.

***Insuranceline is the longest standing provider of Funeral Insurance in Australia, based on: Strategic Insight, Actuaries & Researchers. Funeral Insurance means a policy with periodic premium payments that provides a lump sum to help pay for funeral and associated expenses when you die and excludes pre-paid Funeral Plans and Funeral Bonds.

The information provided on this website is general advice only which means it does not take into account your individual needs, objectives or financial situation. For this reason, you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, and before you decide to buy or to continue to hold an insurance product, you must read the relevant Combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Financial Services Guide (FSG). The PDS/FSG contains important information which will help you understand the product, including what's covered and what's not covered and to decide whether it is appropriate for you. The Target Market Determination (TMD) for the relevant product, where applicable, is also available.

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