Flight Life Insurance: Who Sells It And Why You Need It

Flight insurance is a form of life insurance that covers travellers in the event of an accident or medical emergency during a flight. It is typically offered by airlines or travel insurance companies and provides compensation for non-refundable plane tickets in the event of a trip cancellation or interruption. Some plans also offer additional benefits such as lost luggage coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. While some health insurance plans may cover medical flights, it is not always the case, and flight insurance can provide valuable peace of mind for travellers, especially those with existing health conditions or travelling to remote areas.

Medical flights and insurance

Medical flights are often covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary. Air Ambulance Worldwide, for example, works with a variety of health insurance providers to offer medical flights and air ambulances across the globe. However, it's important to note that they do not sell medical flight insurance. Instead, they collaborate with health insurance providers to determine if clients' insurance covers medical flights.

If you're abroad, your health insurance may not cover the costs of a private medical flight back home. In such cases, travel insurance typically covers these expenses. It's always a good idea to contact your insurance provider to clarify your coverage, especially when it comes to international travel.

When determining whether your insurance covers medical flights, one crucial factor is establishing if the medical air transportation is "medically necessary." This means that the flight must meet accepted medical standards, be clinically appropriate in terms of location, frequency, and duration, and must not provide financial benefit to the patient, healthcare provider, or physician.

Additionally, flight insurance is primarily flight accident insurance. It provides benefits in the event of death or dismemberment of the insured person while travelling on a regularly scheduled flight. Some flight insurance plans also offer additional benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and lost luggage. However, flight insurance is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.

Life Flight Network is another organisation that provides comprehensive air and ground medical coverage for individuals and their families. Their membership ensures that there are no out-of-pocket expenses, and they work directly with insurance companies to cover the costs of medically necessary transports.

Life flight insurance and costs

Life flight insurance, also known as flight accident insurance, is a type of insurance that covers accidental death or dismemberment while travelling on a common carrier such as an airline. It is often purchased as part of a comprehensive travel insurance package.

The cost of life flight insurance varies depending on the coverage selected and the length of the trip, with coverage available for up to 90 or 180 days. The average cost of a life flight is between $12,000 and $25,000 in the US, but this can vary significantly depending on factors such as distance travelled, the type of aircraft used, and the medical equipment required.

Life flight insurance typically covers the cost of air ambulance services, which can be extremely expensive, ranging from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. However, it is important to note that not all insurance companies provide coverage for life flight insurance or air ambulance services, and individuals may be left with a financial burden in the event of an accident.

In the case of medical flights, insurance companies will determine if the flight is deemed medically necessary based on the availability of specialised care. If the flight is deemed medically necessary, insurance companies will usually cover the cost, but it is important to check with your provider to understand the specific terms of your policy.

When purchasing life flight insurance, it is essential to consider the following factors that can influence the cost:

• Type of air ambulance: Ambulance helicopters are typically the most expensive option, while scheduled commercial flights are the cheapest.
• Distance: Longer distances do not always correlate to higher costs, as the pricing is based on the specific departure and destination locations.
• Patient condition: Critically ill patients may require additional medical personnel and equipment, increasing the cost.
• Urgency: Booking in advance is usually cheaper, as urgent cases may require additional costs to secure an available air ambulance.
• Number of companions: Most air ambulances can accommodate one travelling companion, but additional companions may require a larger aircraft, increasing the cost.
• Additional factors: Other costs such as travel clearance, airport landing charges, and the need for a ground ambulance can also impact the final price.

Flight insurance and what it covers

Flight insurance is a contract between you and an airline, travel company, or travel insurance company. It covers the cost of your airfare if unforeseen events disrupt your flight. It is particularly useful if you want to recoup your non-refundable airfare if you can't go on your trip.

Standard flight insurance typically compensates you for the non-refundable cost of your airfare if unforeseen events covered by your policy disrupt your flight. Some basic flight insurance plans only refund your airfare if you or a family member become ill or are injured in an accident that prevents you from flying.

Some flight insurance plans also provide additional benefits, such as:

• Loss of checked luggage
• Baggage delay
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Accidental death or dismemberment
• Trip cancellation coverage
• Trip interruption coverage
• Flight delay coverage
• Lost, damaged, or delayed baggage coverage
• Travel assistance

Basic flight insurance policies typically don't include:

• Emergency medical and dental coverage
• Emergency medical transportation coverage
• Missed connection coverage

Flight insurance is not always necessary, and flight insurance offered when buying plane tickets isn't always worth the cost. If you have many non-refundable deposits invested in your trip, such as hotel stays and prepaid excursions, a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover your entire trip is likely a better option.

However, basic flight insurance might be worth it if:

• The airfare is your only non-refundable trip expense, and you don't have flight insurance through your credit card.
• You don't already have the option to get a refund or credit for airfare through the airline.

Trip cancellation and flight insurance

Trip cancellation insurance can be purchased as a benefit on premium travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Business Platinum Card from American Express. These premium cards also offer other insurance benefits like trip interruption coverage, emergency assistance services, and trip delay.

Travel insurance and medical evacuation

Medical evacuation insurance, often referred to as "Medevac," is a specific type of coverage designed to provide emergency transportation and care for individuals who become critically ill or injured during their travels. This service ensures that travellers receive timely and proper medical attention, and it can be carried out using various means, including air ambulances, commercial airlines, or ground transportation vehicles equipped with medical equipment.

Most travel insurance plans include medical evacuation coverage, making it a highly sought-after benefit for travellers embarking on cruises, visiting remote locations, or participating in adventure sports. This coverage typically reimburses the cost of emergency medical evacuation services during a covered trip, ensuring that travellers are transported to the nearest adequate medical facility equipped to handle their condition. Some plans even allow evacuation to a hospital of the traveller's choice.

Additionally, it is important to distinguish between medical evacuation insurance and travel medical insurance. While medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of emergency transportation and evacuation to a medical facility, travel medical insurance pays for the actual medical care received while away from home, including doctor bills, lab tests, and emergency surgery. Having both types of coverage ensures comprehensive protection during your travels.

When purchasing travel insurance or medical evacuation coverage, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy. Understand what specific events and expenses are covered, as well as any exclusions or limitations. It is also advisable to verify if your insurance provider offers worldwide coverage and if there are any restrictions or special considerations for your chosen destination.

Frequently asked questions