What to do if someone dies
Losing someone is never easy. We’re here to support you through what you might need to do next.
When someone dies, there are important things that need to be sorted and this can feel like a lot.
After the death of a Bupa customer, we’ll do everything we can to make things as easy as possible for you so you can focus on what matters most.
If you’re looking for help managing grief and bereavement, you can explore our resources.
How to let us know about the death of a customer
Online
Complete our online form to contact our bereavement team. They’ll be in touch with you within 10 working days.
Post
Write to us at:
Bereavement team,
Bupa Place,
102 The Quays,
Salford,
M50 3SP
Call us
If you feel comfortable speaking to our team, they’re here to help on
Lines are open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am and 4pm on Saturdays. We may record or monitor our phone calls.
What we need to support you
Our team will need:
- The name of the person who has died
- The date they died
- Your relationship to the person who has died
- The name(s) of their next of kin
- Bank account details for the person who has died
- Your contact details and preference, email or letter
Documents we might need
Sometimes, we might need some documents. You don't need to send us originals. We're happy with copies or photos, as long as they're clear and include any certification numbers.
It's important that you let us know when someone has died, even if you haven't got these documents yet. We'll let you know if we need anything else.
Proof of death
- We can use one of the following documents:
- The death certificate from the registry office
- An interim death certificate
- A coroner’s certificate
- A non-UK death certificate. This needs to be translated into English
The will
A will shows who is allowed to deal with the person’s estate, known as the executor.
If there’s more than one executor
If there’s more than one executor, you’ll need to complete an executor consent form to nominate one person.
This person will receive any money that’s due to be refunded.
Once completed, please send us the form by completing the online bereavement form or by post.
Please don’t worry if the person doesn’t have a will, our team will still be able to help you.
Grant of probate
A grant of probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s possessions, money and property, sometimes known as their estate, when they die.
We only need this if more than £5,000 is due to be refunded. If we need this, we’ll let you know when we get in touch with you.
What happens next?

After you’ve let us know someone has died, we’ll:
- Be in touch within 10 working days
- Stop sending communications to the contact details we have on file
- Cancel any payments if needed, this may take up to two weeks
- Check whether any refunds are due. If they are, we'll send the money to the bank account we have on file. If we're unable to do this, we'll send a cheque to the executor or the person managing the estate
How to manage grief and bereavement
Losing someone you care about can be one of life’s most difficult and stressful experiences. If you're going through this, please know you're not alone.
Dealing with grief and bereavement
There are many organisations that can offer support during this time. Whether you need emotional support, help with practical matters or advice about money, these services can help you.
Bereavement Advice Centre
Provides support for people dealing with practical and legal matters after death.
GriefChat
A free online chat service where you can speak to a trained bereavement counsellor.
GOV.UK
Explains how to register a death and includes a step-by-step guide to what to do when someone dies.
GOV.UK
Explains how to register a death and includes a step-by-step guide to what to do when someone dies.
GOV.UK
Explains how to register a death and includes a step-by-step guide to what to do when someone dies.
Samaritans
Available all day every day to listen and offer support without judgement, whatever you’re going through. Call 116 123.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
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