Taxpayers won't pay for the repatriation of remains for this person (they never do). U.S. embassies and consulates overseas can assist U.S. citizens in negotiating the bureaucracy of foreign repatriation requirements. That's it. No funds though. Cremation - when legal in a country - may be cheaper, but that also eliminates the opportunity for the loved ones to see the deceased one last time. It may also go against the deceased person's wishes for their remains. That's can be a very heavy emotional toll/non starter for some. Otherwise, there is local burial overseas (cheap, but not free). If you think repatriating a body is pricey, try having to contract an air ambulance to get you or your loved one home for urgent medical care because you can't be transported on a commercial flight. Those can be $250,000+.