What Happens When You Choose Body Donation?

Whole body donation is a meaningful way to advance medical science, support future doctors, and leave a legacy of healing.

Real Impact. Right Now. All Across the U.S.

Accredited and Regulated by Leading Oversight Organizations

Step 1

Contact MedCure 24/7

We work closely with hospice professionals and caregivers to ensure seamless coordination, compassionate care, and clear communication at every stage.

Step 2

All Arrangements Handled

We coordinate transportation from the place of passing to one of our four U.S. facilities. There is no cost to the donor or their family.

Step 3

Scientific Matching

Each donor is matched to research or training programs that align with their medical profile. Families may request a letter outlining the donation’s impact.

Step 4

Honoring The Final Wishes

Cremated remains are returned to the family within 3–5 months*, or respectfully placed in an ossuary. A certified death certificate is also provided.

*while this reflects our usual timeframe, return dates may vary depending on the individual case.

The Benefits of Body Donation

For Medical Science

MedCure donors don’t just help, but transform the future of healthcare. Your generous gifts help:

Medical students learn human anatomy not just intellectually, but emotionally, gaining the hands-on understanding they’ll carry into every patient interaction.
Burn surgeons practice harvesting and placing skin grafts to help treat severe wounds and burns.
Paramedics train on vital emergency procedures like chest tube placement for collapsed lungs.
Orthopedic surgeons refine arthroscopic techniques for treating knee and shoulder injuries.
Oncology surgeons learn reconstructive techniques that help breast cancer patients heal both physically and emotionally.

Donors have helped researchers develop guidance tools to prevent spinal cord damage during surgery.
MedCure supported the development of less invasive heart valve replacement methods through the femoral artery.
Donated bodies were used to improve the surgical robots used in colorectal procedures.
Researchers are creating stronger materials for ACL repair—working to reduce the current 90% failure rate within five years.

Donors have supported the development of drug delivery systems that could allow people with Type II diabetes to go up to six months without injections or pills.
Cochlear implant improvements, made possible by MedCure donors, help restore hearing by sending signals directly to the auditory nerve.
Some donors choose to support military and forensic innovation, like advanced testing manikins for vehicle safety, or forensic externships through programs like Keiser University Forensic Investigation Program.
- MedCure was awarded the Student’s Choice Award for Spring 2019

For Families

Whole-body donation can be a deeply meaningful and practical choice for families. Many people see it as a final way to give back, especially if transplant donation isn’t an option. Instead of helping one life through organ donation, whole-body donors support education, research, and medical training that benefit countless others.

Leaves a legacy of generosity
Provides an alternative to burial or traditional cremation
No cost for transportation, cremation, or aftercare
Gives families a way to honor their loved one’s desire to help others

Body Donation vs. Traditional End-of-Life Options

Things to Keep in Mind:

Whole-body donation does not allow for an open-casket funeral, but families can still hold a memorial once ashes are returned.
Burial offers a permanent physical site, but can be cost-prohibitive.
Cremation is flexible and more affordable, but may not align with all religious practices.

Body Donation

COST

What it includes

Donation to medical science, cremation, and certified death certificate. Ashes may be returned to the family.

Considerations

A meaningful way to contribute to medical research and education. Not compatible with traditional viewing. Memorial services can be held separately.

Cremation

COST

Varies

What it includes

Cremation service with return of ashes. Optional memorial service.

Considerations

Often chosen for flexibility and affordability. Accepted by many (but not all) faiths. Ashes can be kept, scattered, or placed in a cemetery or memorial site.

Burial

COST

High cost, $7,500+ Avg.

What it includes

Embalming, casket, funeral service, burial plot, headstone.

Considerations

Traditional and widely accepted. Offers a physical gravesite for remembrance. Greater environmental and financial costs.

What’s Included with MedCure Body Donation

Trusted by Families. Recognized by Medical Leaders.

“MedCure walked us through every step with compassion. Knowing my father helped train doctors gave our family peace.”

— Jessica M., Donor Family

“The care and respect we received made a difficult time much easier. We’re proud to know our mother’s gift will help others.”

— David and Lina, Donor Family

MedCure is fully accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and operates in compliance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) and all applicable federal and state regulations.

Support Beyond the Donation

Explore our blog, real stories, and answers to common questions about body donation and legacy planning.

How to Register as a Donor

Registering as a whole body donor is simple and free. The first step is completing our brief online application form to let us know of your intent.

What Happens After You Apply?

Step 1:
Complete the Short Application. Start with our quick online form to let us know your intent to donate.

Step 2:
Watch for Your Welcome Kit. We’ll send you a packet in the mail within 2–3 weeks. It includes:

A donor wallet card
Details about the donation process
A consent form (must be signed and returned) – click to see an online copy

You can return the signed form by email, mail, or fax.

Prefer help by phone? If you need help at any point, our team is available to walk you through it over the phone.

Who Can Apply?

MedCure accepts donors from most U.S. states, with the exception of Minnesota and North Dakota.

There is no upper age limit
Most medical conditions are accepted
However, certain eligibility requirements must be met at the time of passing

We strongly recommend having a backup plan (such as cremation or burial) in case your donation cannot be accepted at time of death.

Common reasons for ineligibility

HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C
History of IV drug use
Recent incarceration or institutionalization
Being severely over- or underweight at the time of death

Talk With Your Loved Ones

Body donation is a deeply personal decision. We encourage you to discuss your choice with family members so they can understand your wishes and help carry them out when the time comes.

Become a Donor Today

Fill out the application form below to register in just a few minutes.

Prefer to talk it through? Call us at 1‑866‑560‑2525 and we can help you complete the form by phone.

Full name

Date of Birth

Phone Number

Mail Address

Emergency Contact Name

Emergency Contact Phone

Primary Physician (optional)

Message

Need help after a loved one has passed?
Call 1‑866‑560‑2525 anytime — we’re available 24/7.

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What Happens When You Choose Body Donation?

Real Impact. Right Now. All Across the U.S.