Medical Evacuation Insurance
Nov 5, 2011, 6:18 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, CO
Programs: UA1K, Platinum Elite
Posts: 343
Medical Evacuation Insurance
Going on a Med cruise next year. Wife and I are in good condition but stuff happens and I would hate to get stuck. We have trip insurance but that doesn't cover medical evacuation. Is it worth it? Who sells good policies?
Nov 5, 2011, 6:24 pm
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
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AFAIK, my medical travel insurance includes travel out of the country if in a medical emergency.. to obtain medical treatment..
I think some travel insurance will offer this, just research the different policies to see if you can get one included..
I think some travel insurance will offer this, just research the different policies to see if you can get one included..
Nov 5, 2011, 6:35 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
InsureMyTrip.com is a good place to start.
All sorts of plans, packages, and carriers to choose from.
All sorts of plans, packages, and carriers to choose from.
Nov 5, 2011, 6:41 pm
#5
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
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Posts: 31,801
Is it worth it?
If you pay for it and don't use it, no it was not worth it.
If you have it and need to use it, yes it's worth it.
You should easily find travel insurance that includes it.
However, you need to make sure you are getting coverage for what you think you are getting coverage for. If you want a plan that will fly you home if you stub your toe make sure the coverage what you expect.
Some will have a dollar limit, some will require they approve it first, and some will only transport you to the nearest facility they deep appropriate to treat you.
There are others that of course are way more generous.
If you pay for it and don't use it, no it was not worth it.
If you have it and need to use it, yes it's worth it.
You should easily find travel insurance that includes it.
However, you need to make sure you are getting coverage for what you think you are getting coverage for. If you want a plan that will fly you home if you stub your toe make sure the coverage what you expect.
Some will have a dollar limit, some will require they approve it first, and some will only transport you to the nearest facility they deep appropriate to treat you.
There are others that of course are way more generous.
Nov 5, 2011, 9:06 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
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Posts: 4,820
That's what a buddy of mine said 2 years ago..until his wife got ill on the cruise, sent to a Greek hospital out of the Victoria era. The cost of getting her back from Greece to Canada was all covered by his credit card insurance. Let's just say this--without that insurance he would be a pauper.
Nov 5, 2011, 9:31 pm
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Posts: 18,686
Is it worth it?
If you pay for it and don't use it, no it was not worth it.
If you have it and need to use it, yes it's worth it.
You should easily find travel insurance that includes it.
However, you need to make sure you are getting coverage for what you think you are getting coverage for. If you want a plan that will fly you home if you stub your toe make sure the coverage what you expect.
Some will have a dollar limit, some will require they approve it first, and some will only transport you to the nearest facility they deep appropriate to treat you.
There are others that of course are way more generous.
If you pay for it and don't use it, no it was not worth it.
If you have it and need to use it, yes it's worth it.
You should easily find travel insurance that includes it.
However, you need to make sure you are getting coverage for what you think you are getting coverage for. If you want a plan that will fly you home if you stub your toe make sure the coverage what you expect.
Some will have a dollar limit, some will require they approve it first, and some will only transport you to the nearest facility they deep appropriate to treat you.
There are others that of course are way more generous.
That's what a buddy of mine said 2 years ago..until his wife got ill on the cruise, sent to a Greek hospital out of the Victoria era. The cost of getting her back from Greece to Canada was all covered by his credit card insurance. Let's just say this--without that insurance he would be a pauper.
Usually we purchase our Medical Travel Insurance through AAA/CAA.. The packages are pretty comprehensive.. On top of doubling up on cc medical insurance through Aeroplat, and Infinite Visa (whichever is applicable to the booking).. Most travel medical insurance has the medical evacuation inclusion..
Definitely doesn't hurt to inquire about the inclusions.. and make sure that the medical travel insurance you're purchasing will meet your concerns and requirements..
Nov 5, 2011, 11:08 pm
#8
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
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http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/membership/?a=ind
DAN TravelAssist®
As a DAN Member, you automatically receive DAN TravelAssist and up to $100,000 of evacuation assistance coverage. This benefit is effective for both diving and nondiving medical emergencies. Evacuation coverage begins when you travel on a trip at least 50 miles (80 km) from home and call the DAN Emergency Hotline (+1-919-684-9111) for assistance or evacuation.
Nov 6, 2011, 11:38 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Munich, Germany
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Posts: 361
One thing worth considering: Evacuation costs can shoot up really quickly if you are unable to be flown commercially and/or need assistance from medical professionals during the flight. 100K might get you home trouble-free if you live in the US and are travelling in Mexico or Canada, but if you're farther away from home and develop a complication that necessitates an immediate evacuation, you can be in the 500K to 600K territory really quickly. I wouldn't go below USD 1 million in coverage and personally have a policy that pays up to USD 2 million for med evacs.
If things really go south, you could end up being saddled with a debt you won't be able to repay for the rest of your life if the coverage isn't high enough.
If things really go south, you could end up being saddled with a debt you won't be able to repay for the rest of your life if the coverage isn't high enough.
Nov 9, 2011, 7:34 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: UA Primier Gold, DL nada, HHonors Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 186
I have used (and been very happy with) MedJet Assist for coverage for repatriation/medevac. Anywhere >150 mi from home you are covered to be returned home (or hospital of your choice) for a medical event. Be sure you read fine print though. MedJet doesn't cover medical expenses, just getting you to where you need to go. Others may cover medical expenses but require you to stay at a facility that they deem "acceptable" though you may not find it acceptable at all. There is a very wide variety of scope and price and it is important to know what you're paying for.
Nov 9, 2011, 6:48 pm
#12
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Location: Calgary, Alberta
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One thing worth considering: Evacuation costs can shoot up really quickly if you are unable to be flown commercially and/or need assistance from medical professionals during the flight. 100K might get you home trouble-free if you live in the US and are travelling in Mexico or Canada, but if you're farther away from home and develop a complication that necessitates an immediate evacuation, you can be in the 500K to 600K territory really quickly. I wouldn't go below USD 1 million in coverage and personally have a policy that pays up to USD 2 million for med evacs.
If things really go south, you could end up being saddled with a debt you won't be able to repay for the rest of your life if the coverage isn't high enough.
If things really go south, you could end up being saddled with a debt you won't be able to repay for the rest of your life if the coverage isn't high enough.
For a 100K, a lot can be done with it.. 500K to 600K seems like flying to the moon territory to me.
But in a medical emergency, its necessary.:-:
Nov 10, 2011, 8:28 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Rockville MD USA
Programs: UA former 1K MM
Posts: 2,184
I have used (and been very happy with) MedJet Assist for coverage for repatriation/medevac. Anywhere >150 mi from home you are covered to be returned home (or hospital of your choice) for a medical event. Be sure you read fine print though. MedJet doesn't cover medical expenses, just getting you to where you need to go. Others may cover medical expenses but require you to stay at a facility that they deem "acceptable" though you may not find it acceptable at all. There is a very wide variety of scope and price and it is important to know what you're paying for.
Nov 10, 2011, 9:38 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
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Posts: 4,065
Just got my travel insurance from AAA using Access America for my trip to the EU.. $97 for $50,000 medical & dental + $1,000,000 emergency medical transportation.
Not too bad!
Not too bad!
Nov 10, 2011, 11:43 pm
#15
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imo.. would be little cost savings to forgo medical evacuation.. so definitely opt for it if you can, or shop around until you get a package that has the medical evacuation for a reasonable premium.