Including emergency evacuations and repatriation in your international health insurance package can make sure this is the case
When Do I Need Additional Medical Insurance Overseas?
It is always stressful if you or a family member needs medical attention but when something happens at home, you do at least know what to expect, who to call and where your nearest medical facilities are. If there is a medical emergency whilst you and your family are overseas, miles from anything familiar and your network of extended family and friends, it is even more difficult to deal with. On top of this you may even have to overcome a language barrier.
The standard of the medical facilities in the country you are living or travelling in may be inferior to your base country, or you may be in a remote location without access to proper medical services. Being transported to another country or repatriated in the event of a medical situation could be the difference between life and death if you find yourself in one of these scenarios.
The second major issue is cost. An emergency medical evacuation can result in a substantial bill, when you consider costs for (air) travel and the medical treatment. Financial limits for medical evacuation insurance range from $25,000 to unlimited and so reveals just how much an emergency or repatriation situation can cost you, and this does not include the medical care itself.
When will I be evacuated?
If the medical facility in your locality cannot treat your medical condition repatriation insurance cover will cover the costs of returning to your home country to have treatment there. Similarly, if the attending physician in the local facility decides that you cannot be treated adequately there, they will advise for an evacuation to the closest medical establishment that is able to deal with your particular situation.
Once your insurance provider agrees to an evacuation or repatriation the company will arrange the transportation and medical care for you. You should not attempt to organise an evacuation yourself as this will likely result in the insurance company refusing to pay the final bill. Always contact your insurance provider and let them do the work for you.
How will I be evacuated?
An evacuation or repatriation could mean travelling in an air ambulance to another country, ground transportation to another city or a ticket for a scheduled flight. Some insurance companies have a fleet of vehicles themselves, whilst others use third party providers for transportation.
What is covered in an evacuation and repatriation policy?
The service covered and the financial limits vary greatly from company to company and the type of policy you opt for.
The following is an example of the types of additional features you may see in evacuation and repatriation elements of international health insurance policies and it is worth shopping around to ensure the services you want are included in your policy.
• Bed to bed service
• Cost of a medical escort
• Travel costs for dependent children
• Accommodation for family members or friends
• One way flight to home country for relatives in the case of repatriation
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• A row of seats on a commercial flights for medical equipment and medical staff
• Arranging transportation of belongings and baggage back home
• Legal services for medical related situations
What else do I need to consider?
Find out how an insurer will pay any medical costs incurred and the process you need to go through to ensure your claims are paid. Before you decide on a provider, make sure you shop around and obtain quotes to compare, not just in terms of cost but service levels and policy features too.
It is also wise to check your existing health insurance policy to determine what international elements are already included, and whether medical evacuation is a service that you are already paying for before you take out a separate policy.
Major health insurance providers such as BUPA healthcare, Clements Worldwide and more will offer evacuation as an add on or part of their international coverage. Feel free to request a free quote from an independant broker to help you compare the market and find the most cost effective solution.
Amanda van Mulligen
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