Flight Emergencies: Insurance Coverage For Flight-For-Life Services

Air ambulances, or life flights, are often a person's best chance of survival in emergency situations. They are also extremely expensive, with the average cost of a life flight in the US ranging from $12,000 to $25,000. International flights can cost three to five times that amount. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of air ambulances, leaving individuals and their families with a huge financial burden. However, some insurance companies do provide coverage for air ambulances, and it is important to know what your insurance policy covers before an emergency occurs.

When does insurance cover the cost of a flight for life?

The cost of a flight for life can be covered by insurance in certain circumstances. The most important factor in determining whether a flight for life will be covered by insurance is if the flight is deemed "medically necessary". This term is up to interpretation by the insurance provider. For example, if an individual is admitted to a hospital where they can be treated, but chooses to take a flight for life to their preferred hospital, the flight could be deemed unnecessary.

However, if an individual has a serious medical emergency and requires immediate and rapid transportation that ground transportation cannot provide, the flight for life will likely be covered by insurance. This is especially true if the individual is a Medicare or Medicaid patient, as the federal government provides reimbursement for medical airlifts for these patients.

It is important to note that even if an insurance company covers the cost of a flight for life, out-of-pocket expenses can still be incredibly high. This is because some insurance companies will only pay a partial amount of the total cost. Additionally, insurers may deny payment if the air ambulance is outside of their network or deemed convenient rather than necessary.

To ensure coverage for a flight for life, it is recommended to find out what air ambulance coverage is included in your insurance policy or to contact your insurance agent. If additional coverage is needed, it may be possible to purchase extra air ambulance coverage from your insurance company.

What factors influence the cost of a flight for life?

The cost of a life flight can vary depending on several factors, and it's important to note that insurance coverage for these flights is not always guaranteed. The average cost of a life flight within the United States ranges from $12,000 to $25,000, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This range is based on a 52-mile trip, which is considered the average distance. However, the cost can be significantly higher depending on various factors. Here are some key factors that influence the cost of a life flight:

• Distance: The distance travelled is a significant factor in determining the cost. Longer trips require more fuel and result in more hours for the crew, leading to higher charges.
• Type of Aircraft: Ambulance helicopters are typically the most expensive option, while fixed-wing aircraft or scheduled commercial flights can be more cost-effective. Ambulance planes are often preferred for longer distances due to reduced costs.
• Medical Needs: The cost increases if the patient requires specialized medical equipment or highly trained personnel to administer advanced care during the flight.
• International Transportation: Crossing country borders can result in additional costs, such as landing and handling fees at airports. Obtaining authorization for emergency repatriation from high-risk areas can also be costly.
• Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage can significantly impact the out-of-pocket expenses for individuals. While some insurance plans may cover a portion or even the entire cost of a life flight, it depends on whether the flight is deemed "medically necessary" by the insurance provider.
• Urgency: Booking life flights in advance is generally less expensive, as urgent medical cases may require air ambulances to be dispatched immediately, leading to higher costs.
• Number of Companions: Accommodating additional companions of the patient may require a larger ambulance jet or helicopter, resulting in increased costs.
• Ground Ambulance: In some cases, ground ambulance services may be necessary for transportation between the patient's location and the airport, adding to the overall cost.

It's important to note that each life flight is unique, and the final cost will depend on various factors, including the patient's medical condition, the distance travelled, the type of aircraft, and the specific circumstances of the request.

What should you do if your insurance claim is denied?

Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for life flight insurance or air ambulance services, leaving individuals with the burden of paying for emergency airlifting after an accident. The average cost of a life flight in the US is between $12,000 and $25,000, which can be a significant financial burden.

If your insurance claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the company's decision and have it reviewed by a third party. Here are the steps you can take:

Understand the denial reason:

Read the denial letter carefully to understand the specific reason for the denial. Common reasons for claim denials include lapsed insurance policies, lack of coverage, or failure to meet the criteria of "medically necessary".

Gather evidence:

Collect relevant documentation, such as police reports, eyewitness information, medical reports, and other supporting evidence. Make copies of everything and keep the originals for your records.

Initiate an internal appeal:

You have the right to request an internal appeal with your insurance company. Ask them to conduct a full and fair review of their decision. If the matter is urgent, they must expedite this process.

Consider external review:

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal appeal, you can take your case to an independent third party for an external review. This step removes the insurance company's final say over whether to pay the claim.

Consult with a lawyer:

Consider hiring a lawyer, especially if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the process. A lawyer with experience in insurance disputes can help protect your rights and determine if there has been any potential misconduct by the insurance company.

Understand your rights:

Your health plan grants you specific rights to appeal claim denials. These rights have been expanded due to the Affordable Care Act. Remember that your health plan cannot drop your coverage or raise your rates because you request a reconsideration of a denial.

Stay persistent:

Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your rights. Insurance companies are businesses that aim to maximize profits and minimize losses, so they may deny claims to avoid payouts. By understanding your coverage and appealing denials, you can ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

How can you protect yourself from unexpected costs?

Unexpected medical costs can be a significant financial burden, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some ways to do that:

• Understand your insurance plan: It's important to know the ins and outs of your insurance plan before you need to make major medical decisions. Find out which tests and services are covered by your plan, and be aware of any deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-network charges you may be responsible for.
• Choose the right insurance plan: If your current insurance plan doesn't meet your needs, consider switching to one that better suits your requirements. Compare different providers and plans (such as PPO vs HMO) to find the one that offers the best coverage for your situation.
• Consider supplemental insurance: Supplemental hospital insurance plans can help pay for costs related to hospital admissions that may not be covered by your primary insurance. These plans often provide fixed-dollar cash benefits and can be used for various expenses, including deductibles, medical copays, rent, and groceries.
• Take advantage of preventative care: Preventative care can help identify potential health issues before they become more serious and expensive to treat. Regular dental appointments, for example, can help prevent larger dental bills in the future.
• Research costs and ask for price estimates: When facing a medical procedure or treatment, don't be afraid to ask about the cost and whether there are any alternatives that may be more affordable. You may also want to inquire about the cash price if you have a high deductible.
• Explore payment options and assistance programs: If you're facing unexpected medical costs, there may be options to help manage the financial burden. Some drug manufacturers, for example, offer rebate or co-pay cards to help with medication costs. You can also contact the billing department of your healthcare provider to discuss payment plans or financial assistance programs.
• Protect yourself when travelling: If you're travelling, especially internationally, be sure to have adequate travel insurance. Your regular health insurance may not cover you while abroad, and medical emergencies in a foreign country can be extremely costly.

What are the alternatives to using insurance?

While insurance is a common way to cover the costs of emergency airlifting services, there are other alternatives to explore if you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover this.

Firstly, it is important to note that the average cost of a life flight in the US ranges from $12,000 to $25,000, and can be even more expensive in certain situations. If you are unable to afford this cost, there are a few options to consider.

One alternative is to look into membership with an air medical transport organization, such as the Life Flight Network. This membership can provide comprehensive air and ground medical coverage for you and your family, with no out-of-pocket expenses. The membership cost is significantly lower than the cost of a life flight, at $75 per year, and can provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.

Another option is to explore payment plans or financial assistance programs offered by air ambulance companies. Some companies may be willing to work with you on a payment plan that fits your budget, or you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain income criteria.

Additionally, if you are a victim of an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a case and assist in recovering costs associated with your medical treatment and transportation.

Finally, in the case of international travel, travel insurance companies typically cover the cost of a private medical flight to get you home. Therefore, if you are travelling abroad, consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical flight coverage.

While these alternatives may provide financial assistance or coverage for emergency airlifting services, it is always a good idea to review the specific terms, conditions, and limitations of any membership, payment plan, or insurance policy before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions