Emergency Life Flights: Are You Covered By Insurance?

Air ambulance services are often required in emergency situations, such as when a patient needs to be transported quickly over a long distance or to a medical facility that cannot be reached by ground transportation. The cost of these services can be extremely high, ranging from $12,000 to $200,000 per flight. While some insurance companies may cover the cost of air ambulance services, it is not always guaranteed. This paragraph will explore the topic of insurance coverage for emergency life flights and discuss the factors that determine whether these flights are covered by insurance.

Air Ambulance Insurance Coverage

Air ambulance insurance is a specialised form of insurance that covers the cost of medical transport services, typically in emergency situations. The cost of an air ambulance can be significant, ranging from \$12,000 to $200,000 per flight, so it is important to understand what your insurance covers.

An air ambulance is a medical transport service that uses aircraft, typically an airplane or helicopter, to transport patients who require urgent medical attention. They are used when a ground ambulance cannot reach a patient in time, when the distance to the medical facility is too great, or when air transport is more appropriate due to the patient's condition.

In critical medical emergencies, time is of the essence, and patients often cannot refuse transportation or negotiate prices. If an air ambulance is deemed medically necessary by trained professionals, it can be challenging to decide against using one. While many insurance companies will cover what they consider reasonable use, disputes over costs can arise, leaving the patient responsible for a costly bill.

The primary factor in determining whether air ambulance services will be covered by insurance is whether they are deemed medically necessary. However, this term is subject to interpretation by the insurance provider. For example, if an individual is admitted to a medical facility capable of providing adequate treatment but opts for an air ambulance to return to their preferred hospital, the flight might be considered unnecessary.

Other factors that can influence coverage include the distance travelled, the type of aircraft used, and the specialised medical equipment required. International transportation can also incur additional costs, such as landing and handling fees, and obtaining approval to fly between countries.

Air ambulance insurance typically covers the medical care needed during transportation, such as oxygen or life support. Some policies also include the cost of transportation to and from the aircraft, known as "bedside-to-bedside" service, and may cover expenses for accompanying family members or passengers. However, coverage may be limited to a certain distance from an airstrip or airport, and some policies may only apply to specific types of aircraft.

Options for Air Ambulance Protection

There are several options for individuals seeking air ambulance protection:

• Stick with your current health insurance or Medicare: Your current health insurance policy may provide financial assistance for air ambulance services. If coverage is insufficient, you can discuss purchasing additional air ambulance coverage with your insurance company.
• Purchase a specific air ambulance plan: There are companies that specialise in air ambulance services, such as AirMed International, which provides services both domestically and internationally.
• Enroll in a travel assistance membership: If you are primarily concerned about air ambulance services while travelling, a travel assistance membership with companies like Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) can provide best-in-class air ambulance services for a low annual membership fee.

Medical Necessity

The availability of insurance for emergency life flights depends on whether the flight is deemed "medically necessary". This determination is made by the insurance provider and is influenced by factors such as the availability of specialised care at a particular medical facility, the distance to the medical facility, and the patient's medical condition.

Medically necessary emergency life flights are typically covered by health insurance, although this may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific terms of the policy. It is important to consult with your insurance company to understand the exact coverage for medical flight services. In the United States, the cost of a life flight without insurance can range from $12,000 to $25,000 for a 52-mile trip, which is the average distance. International flights can cost three to five times more.

Some insurance companies may deny claims for life flight services, leaving individuals with significant out-of-pocket costs. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a knowledgeable insurance disputes lawyer. Additionally, travel assistance providers like Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) offer emergency medical evacuation services, including air ambulance services, if deemed medically necessary.

Life flight insurance or air ambulance insurance is a specialised type of insurance that covers the cost of air ambulance services. This type of insurance can be purchased separately or as part of a travel assistance membership. It is important to note that the coverage provided by air ambulance insurance can vary, and it is essential to consult with an insurance agent to understand the specific policy.

Travel Insurance

When it comes to emergency life flights, also known as air ambulance services, travel insurance can be a lifesaver. These services are typically required when an individual is in a critical condition and needs to be transported quickly to a medical facility. Life flights can also be necessary when a patient needs ongoing medical care while being transferred between medical facilities or when the area they are in is inaccessible by ground transportation.

The cost of a life flight can be exorbitant, ranging from \$12,000 to $200,000 per flight within the US, and even higher for international flights. This cost takes into account factors such as the aircraft, medical equipment, specialised medical personnel, and the distance travelled.

While some health insurance plans may cover emergency life flights if they are deemed "medically necessary," it is not uncommon for individuals to be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses. This is because many insurance companies consider air ambulance services to be out-of-network, resulting in high costs even with insurance coverage. Additionally, there have been disputes between insurance providers and their customers over unexpected bills related to life flights.

This is where travel insurance comes in. Travel insurance companies typically cover the cost of emergency medical flights and air ambulances, especially when an individual is abroad. By purchasing travel insurance before your trip, you can rest assured that you will have financial protection in case of a medical emergency that requires a life flight.

It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to understand the specific coverage provided for emergency life flights. Some policies may include "bedside-to-bedside" service, covering the cost of transportation to and from the aircraft. Additionally, travel insurance may also cover the expenses for family members or companions of the patient.

In conclusion, travel insurance is a vital component of any travel plan, offering financial protection and peace of mind in case of medical emergencies. When travelling, especially to remote or international destinations, it is essential to consider the potential need for emergency life flights and ensure that your travel insurance policy provides adequate coverage for these services. By investing in travel insurance, you can focus on your health and safety, knowing that the financial aspects of emergency medical treatment and transportation are taken care of.

Membership Services

Life Flight Network offers comprehensive air and ground medical coverage for individuals and their families. Our membership services include:

• Absolutely no out-of-pocket expenses
• Coverage for the entire family
• 24/7/365 peace of mind
• Advanced care: every aircraft is a mobile ICU
• No limit on medically necessary emergent transports
• The largest not-for-profit air medical transport program in the USA

Our membership services cover the costs of air transport, ground transport, and ICU-level transport care. We offer different types of memberships, including air coverage, ground coverage, and a combination of both. Our memberships cover Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and we have reciprocal partnerships with air medical providers in California and Nevada.

The cost of a life flight without insurance can range from $12,000 to $200,000 per flight, so our membership services can save you thousands of dollars in potential out-of-pocket expenses. Our memberships ensure that all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are covered for a transport, which can amount to upwards of $10,000 or more.

We also work with insurance companies to cover the costs of our services. If you have insurance, we recommend consulting with your provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Our medical flight coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions and help determine if your insurance will cover the costs.

In addition to our membership services, we also offer travel assistance programs, such as Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+), which provides emergency medical evacuation services for a low annual membership fee. This option may be ideal for those who are primarily concerned about air ambulance services while travelling.

For more information on our membership services and to enrol, please visit our website or contact our Membership Services team directly during business hours.

Insurance Disputes

While many insurance companies will cover what they consider a reasonable use of an air ambulance, disputes can arise between the air ambulance company and the insurer over costs. Depending on the circumstances, the patient may be responsible for the remaining bill, which can run into thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

The primary determinant of whether life flight services will be covered by your insurance is whether they are deemed "medically necessary". However, the interpretation of this term is at the discretion of your insurance company. For example, if an individual is admitted to a medical facility capable of providing adequate treatment but opts for medical flight services to return to their preferred hospital, the flight might be considered "unnecessary" since treatment could have been administered on-site.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), between 50-69% of air ambulance flights are out-of-network, which can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses, even with insurance. There have been numerous instances of disputes between insurance companies and their policyholders over unexpected bills related to life flights.

The No Surprises Act, in effect since January 2022, was designed to help reduce these types of massive, unexpected medical bills due to out-of-network services being used in emergencies. However, the Act only applies to air ambulances, and ground transportation (often included in emergency medical transport) is not included, so consumers may still receive unexpected bills.

If your insurance company disputes your claim for an air ambulance, you should consult with a knowledgeable insurance disputes lawyer. An attorney with experience in insurance disputes will know the laws that protect you from potential insurer misconduct. For example, in California, insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith in processing claims and settlement discussions. Failure to do so can be considered bad faith, for which insurance providers can be held liable.

Frequently asked questions