Alyssa Lane
Travel insurance is an essential part of planning a trip, and it's important to understand what your insurance covers. Medical evacuation insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of transporting you from a remote area or inadequate medical facility to a better-equipped medical centre, usually by airlift or ambulance. This type of insurance is especially important for those travelling to remote destinations or participating in hazardous activities. While some comprehensive travel insurance plans include medical evacuation coverage, it's important to carefully read the terms of your insurance policy to ensure you have the protection you need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of coverage | Coverage starts at $50,000 and can go up to $1 million or 2 million per person |
| What it covers | Transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility, transportation back home, repatriation of remains, hospital companion |
| When to buy | Before travelling, especially if going on a cruise, visiting a remote destination or participating in hazardous activities |
| Other considerations | Primary or secondary coverage, pre-existing conditions, activities excluded from coverage, "hospital of choice" transportation |
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What You'll Learn
Medical evacuation insurance coverage
The cost of medical evacuation can be very high, with the national average for an emergency helicopter ride being about $40,000. Given this, most travel insurance companies provide high coverage for this benefit, with some policies covering as much as $1 million or $2 million per person. However, it is important to note that not all policies will pay for a flight back home to visit your regular doctor. Some policies may require you to meet a medical deductible before coverage can be applied, and many primary health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside the United States.
When purchasing medical evacuation insurance coverage, it is important to read the fine print of your specific policy. Some policies have additional limits, require specific paperwork, or exclude certain circumstances. For example, most plans won't cover medical evacuations and emergency care relating to pre-existing conditions unless stated otherwise in your policy. Additionally, if you are taking a cruise, visiting a remote destination, or participating in hazardous activities, it is recommended to opt for a policy with at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
It is also worth noting that many premium travel credit cards include medical evacuation insurance within their trip insurance policies, which can be a benefit for trips paid for using that credit card.
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Medical evacuation insurance cost
The cost of medical evacuation insurance varies depending on the plan and provider. It is important to note that medical evacuation insurance is often included in comprehensive travel insurance plans. However, if you require additional coverage or a standalone policy, there are a few factors that can influence the cost.
Firstly, the cost can depend on the nature and duration of your trip. For example, a long weekend at a resort will likely cost less than a multi-week camping trip in a remote area. Additionally, the level of coverage you require will impact the price. Most medical evacuation insurance coverage starts at $100,000 per year, but this may not be sufficient for all situations. The national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000, and flights to remote locations can be significantly more expensive. Some policies offer coverage of up to $1 million or even $2 million per person.
Another factor to consider is whether you need an annual or single-trip plan. An annual medical evacuation plan will cover all trips taken during the year and typically costs around $200. A single-trip plan, on the other hand, will be cheaper but will only cover one specific trip. The cost of a single-trip plan can range from $45 to $68, depending on the details of your trip.
It is also worth noting that some premium travel credit cards include medical evacuation insurance within their trip insurance policies when you pay for the trip using that card. This can be a great benefit and may offset any annual fees associated with the credit card.
When considering the cost of medical evacuation insurance, it is essential to understand the risks associated with your travel plans and your risk tolerance. While some trips may only require basic coverage, others may necessitate a higher level of protection. It is always wise to read the fine print of any policy and understand the specific coverage, limits, and exclusions.
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Medical evacuation insurance exclusions
Medical evacuation insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of emergency transportation to a better-equipped medical facility or back home if you become seriously ill or injured during your trip and the local hospital is unable to treat your condition. This type of insurance is typically included in comprehensive travel insurance policies and can provide coverage for a range of expenses, including ambulance costs, medical escorts, and the cost of a companion's travel to visit you in the hospital.
However, it is important to note that medical evacuation insurance has certain exclusions and limitations. Here are some common exclusions to be aware of:
- Pre-existing conditions: Most policies will not cover medical evacuations relating to pre-existing conditions unless specifically stated in your policy.
- Adventure sports or excluded activities: If you participate in adventure sports or activities that are excluded from your policy's coverage, medical evacuation related to injuries sustained during these activities may not be covered.
- "Hospital of Choice" transportation: Policies may not cover transportation to a specific hospital of your choice unless explicitly stated in your policy.
- Coverage limits: The maximum coverage amount for medical evacuation varies by policy, and the cost of evacuation can be high, especially for air ambulance services. Even with insurance, you may still be responsible for a portion of the bill.
- Destination and distance: The cost of medical evacuation and the availability of coverage may depend on your destination and the distance to the nearest medical facility.
- Treatment availability: Some policies may require documentation from local doctors stating that your condition is untreatable locally or that transportation to a different facility is medically necessary.
- Specific paperwork: Some policies may require specific paperwork or have additional requirements that must be met for coverage to apply.
- Primary or secondary coverage: If your medical evacuation coverage is considered secondary, it may only apply after your primary health insurance plan has been exhausted.
It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific policy to understand the exclusions and limitations that may apply. The fine print of your policy will outline the specific circumstances under which medical evacuation insurance will and will not provide coverage. Additionally, if you are a non-US resident, be sure to select your country of residence to receive tailored travel insurance plans that comply with the regulations of your country.
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Medical evacuation insurance and pre-existing conditions
Medical evacuation insurance is often included in comprehensive travel insurance policies. It is also commonly sold alongside travel medical expense insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment during your trip. However, it is important to note that not all travel insurance policies include medical evacuation insurance, and it may need to be purchased separately. The cost of medical evacuation insurance can vary depending on the length and nature of your trip, with prices starting at $50,000 for emergency evacuation coverage and going up to $1 million or more per person.
When planning a trip, it is crucial to consider your health profile, including any pre-existing or underlying medical conditions. Understanding your health needs and potential risks based on your itinerary and destination can help you choose the right type of supplemental insurance. Medical evacuation insurance is particularly important for travellers with pre-existing conditions, as it can provide coverage for emergency transportation to a better-equipped medical facility, which may not be covered by your existing health insurance.
Most medical evacuation insurance policies provide transportation to an "adequate" treatment centre, but it's important to remember that the definition of "adequate" may vary between insurers and may not always meet your personal standards. Additionally, not all policies will cover the cost of returning home for medical treatment unless it is deemed necessary by local doctors. Therefore, travellers with pre-existing conditions should carefully review their policy details and discuss any concerns with the insurer before departure to ensure they have the necessary coverage.
Some travel insurance plans may exclude injuries resulting from extreme sports or adventure activities from medical and evacuation benefits. If you plan to participate in such activities, consider upgrading your policy to include extreme sports coverage or choosing a plan that specifically covers your intended activities. Additionally, travellers with pre-existing conditions should be aware that insurance companies may refuse claims due to pre-existing illnesses, so it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your policy before purchasing.
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Medical evacuation insurance and credit cards
Medical evacuation insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of transporting you from a remote area or inadequate medical facility to a better-equipped medical centre, usually by airlift or ambulance. This can be vital if you suffer a medical emergency when travelling. It is sometimes included in comprehensive travel insurance policies or as part of a premium travel credit card offering.
When it comes to credit cards, medical evacuation coverage is a rare but potentially life-saving benefit offered by some high-end credit cards. This coverage is also known as medical evacuation insurance or medevac insurance. It is important to note that not every credit card includes medical evacuation coverage, and some may have an annual fee. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card includes Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage but has an annual fee. The card also offers access to airport lounges, fee reimbursements for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Fee Credit, and no foreign transaction fees. The card provides up to $100,000 worth of coverage for qualifying Emergency Evacuation and Transportation costs.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is another example of a credit card that offers emergency evacuation and transportation services when you use your covered card to buy travel tickets. This coverage is secondary to any other coverage you may have, including medical insurance. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card specifically excludes coverage within 100 miles of your residence, so it is important to understand the limitations of your coverage.
It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your credit card's medical evacuation coverage. Typically, you must call the benefits administrator before requesting a medical evacuation to determine whether and where you need to be evacuated. Evacuation does not mean repatriation, and you will usually be moved to the nearest medical facility capable of providing proper care. Pre-existing conditions may lead to your request for evacuation at the credit card provider's expense being denied. Additionally, some credit card medevac coverage excludes countries with travel warnings, so it is important to review the country exclusions before relying solely on your credit card benefits for medical evacuation.
In summary, while medical evacuation coverage is a valuable benefit offered by some premium travel credit cards, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand the limitations and exclusions of your coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to your home country if you are critically ill or injured. It also covers the cost of a round-trip ticket for a companion to visit you in the hospital if you are travelling alone. In the event of death, it may also cover the repatriation of remains.
Medical evacuation insurance is sometimes included in comprehensive travel insurance policies. However, it is important to carefully read the terms of an insurance policy to make sure it fits your needs. Many domestic health insurance plans offer inadequate services and protection when taken abroad.
The coverage amount varies by travel insurance policy. Most medical evacuation insurance coverage starts at $100,000 per year. However, this may not be sufficient as the national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000. If you are taking a cruise, visiting a remote destination, or participating in hazardous activities, it is recommended to get a policy with at least $250,000 in coverage.
