Emergency evacuation coverage
Jul 23, 2017, 12:10 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 661
Emergency evacuation coverage
I am reading the insurance coverage from Chase Sapphire Reserve terms and conditions but this question also applies to various other travel insurance policies that have very similar terms:
The evacuation must be pre-approved by the Benefit Administrator in consultation with a legally licensed physician who certified that emergency evacuation is warranted due to the severity of the injury or sickness. The Benefit Administrator must also make the actual medical transportation arrangements.
You, the Cardholder (or your representative) must contact the Benefit Administrator immediately for preapproval and to receive a claim form
The Benefit Administrator will send you a claim form. You must submit a completed claim form and supporting documentation within 180 days of the date of occurrence
Evacuation by it's very nature is a spontaneously decided thing... waiting to call a "Benefits Administrator" that too from a foreign country and perhaps out in the boonies somewhere without cell coverage is totally unrealistic. In addition consultation with a physician? What are the chances that a physician is immediately available on demand to consult? These rules sound totally phony to me and a deliberate attempt to create terms that can never ever be realistically satisfied.
Looking for feedback from other travelers who have had the unfortunate experience of needing evacuation in the past or know of acquaintances that have had to make use of these parts of travel insurance.
The evacuation must be pre-approved by the Benefit Administrator in consultation with a legally licensed physician who certified that emergency evacuation is warranted due to the severity of the injury or sickness. The Benefit Administrator must also make the actual medical transportation arrangements.
You, the Cardholder (or your representative) must contact the Benefit Administrator immediately for preapproval and to receive a claim form
The Benefit Administrator will send you a claim form. You must submit a completed claim form and supporting documentation within 180 days of the date of occurrence
Evacuation by it's very nature is a spontaneously decided thing... waiting to call a "Benefits Administrator" that too from a foreign country and perhaps out in the boonies somewhere without cell coverage is totally unrealistic. In addition consultation with a physician? What are the chances that a physician is immediately available on demand to consult? These rules sound totally phony to me and a deliberate attempt to create terms that can never ever be realistically satisfied.
Looking for feedback from other travelers who have had the unfortunate experience of needing evacuation in the past or know of acquaintances that have had to make use of these parts of travel insurance.
Jul 23, 2017, 12:41 pm
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Everything depends on the quality of the insurer. Top notch ones are fabulous and will take over from you as soon as you call them. They will handle reaching out to the doc on the scene, an air service, as well as the hospital and also coordinate everything else.
If you are alone and you require evacuation, you won't likely be in a condition to coordinate this and if it is someone else traveling with you, what do you know about obtaining immigration clearance?
As a practical matter, there will be someone in charge of your care locally. That person needs to approve your transport in the first place.
The key things to look for are what the evacuation pays for. Some policies only cover the closest facility which can handle the emergency. Others might be closest facility in the US. Both of these are fine from a treatment point of you, but don't really help if you will require prolonged hospitalization and a lengthy period when you travel.
If you are alone and you require evacuation, you won't likely be in a condition to coordinate this and if it is someone else traveling with you, what do you know about obtaining immigration clearance?
As a practical matter, there will be someone in charge of your care locally. That person needs to approve your transport in the first place.
The key things to look for are what the evacuation pays for. Some policies only cover the closest facility which can handle the emergency. Others might be closest facility in the US. Both of these are fine from a treatment point of you, but don't really help if you will require prolonged hospitalization and a lengthy period when you travel.
Jul 23, 2017, 12:51 pm
#4
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The evacuation must be pre-approved by the Benefit Administrator in consultation with a legally licensed physician who certified that emergency evacuation is warranted due to the severity of the injury or sickness. The Benefit Administrator must also make the actual medical transportation arrangements.
You, the Cardholder (or your representative) must contact the Benefit Administrator immediately for preapproval and to receive a claim form
The Benefit Administrator will send you a claim form. You must submit a completed claim form and supporting documentation within 180 days of the date of occurrence
Evacuation by it's very nature is a spontaneously decided thing... waiting to call a "Benefits Administrator" that too from a foreign country and perhaps out in the boonies somewhere without cell coverage is totally unrealistic. In addition consultation with a physician? What are the chances that a physician is immediately available on demand to consult? These rules sound totally phony to me and a deliberate attempt to create terms that can never ever be realistically satisfied.
Looking for feedback from other travelers who have had the unfortunate experience of needing evacuation in the past or know of acquaintances that have had to make use of these parts of travel insurance.
You, the Cardholder (or your representative) must contact the Benefit Administrator immediately for preapproval and to receive a claim form
The Benefit Administrator will send you a claim form. You must submit a completed claim form and supporting documentation within 180 days of the date of occurrence
Evacuation by it's very nature is a spontaneously decided thing... waiting to call a "Benefits Administrator" that too from a foreign country and perhaps out in the boonies somewhere without cell coverage is totally unrealistic. In addition consultation with a physician? What are the chances that a physician is immediately available on demand to consult? These rules sound totally phony to me and a deliberate attempt to create terms that can never ever be realistically satisfied.
Looking for feedback from other travelers who have had the unfortunate experience of needing evacuation in the past or know of acquaintances that have had to make use of these parts of travel insurance.
All of the credit card insurance providers work with specialist providers - who have doctors and logisticians available 24/7.
A medevac is reserved for the most serious of cases.
It is situation-dependent. Usually, there is a war zone exclusion.
If you or a family member is in serious medical need, someone calls the appropriate number and the agent there (checks the coverage) and lines up the appropriate resources - usually a medic to make an initial assessment and see if there is a local contracted facility where you can go or make arrangements with the facility you are already at (if you've made it to a hospital or been transported there).
The first priority is to treat and stabilize your medical condition. Then an assessment is made of where best to treat you.
A medevac can take 24 hours to organize depending on the country, the availability of an aircraft (or seating on a commercial carrier).
Jul 23, 2017, 10:53 pm
#5
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
I'm just about to research this by looking up my T & C's. I've booked an activity in Africa that requires proof of medical insurance, and I'm hoping that the coverage provided via my credit card would be enough.
Here's a link for the discussion in the Chase Forum: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...dit-cards.html
Here's a link for the discussion in the Chase Forum: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...dit-cards.html
Last edited by StartinSanDiego; Jul 24, 2017 at 8:34 am Reason: added link
Jul 24, 2017, 9:42 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BAEC Gold, LH M&M Member
Posts: 2,705
Evacuation by it's very nature is a spontaneously decided thing... waiting to call a "Benefits Administrator" that too from a foreign country and perhaps out in the boonies somewhere without cell coverage is totally unrealistic. In addition consultation with a physician? What are the chances that a physician is immediately available on demand to consult? These rules sound totally phony to me and a deliberate attempt to create terms that can never ever be realistically satisfied.
Your insurance company will have to approve this as well and their staff will liaise with the local medical staff to determine what you need. It will not be a "spontaneously decided thing".
Jul 24, 2017, 5:39 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 661
the reason I put the question up is because you may be incapacitated and in an emergency situation I doubt rescue personnel will call your credit card company first to clear it with them... especially an international call, waiting on hold etc. How realistic is that?
To prevent fraud is easy, they can always verify a claim later just like it happens with a regular medical claim. In addition, it says that the credit card company has to organize services, well, what if the only available service provider in the area is unacceptable to the credit card company... this gives them the option to refuse evacuation.
It most certainly is in many cases... consider I am hiking on a trek and collapse on the side of a mountain, chopper needs to be called in... that decision needs to be made by someone who is next to be, perhaps the trek leader. Is he going to "liase" with my credit card company first or is he more bothered about saving my life by dialing the emergency evacuation service right then and there? Of course he is going to do the latter.
To prevent fraud is easy, they can always verify a claim later just like it happens with a regular medical claim. In addition, it says that the credit card company has to organize services, well, what if the only available service provider in the area is unacceptable to the credit card company... this gives them the option to refuse evacuation.
It most certainly is in many cases... consider I am hiking on a trek and collapse on the side of a mountain, chopper needs to be called in... that decision needs to be made by someone who is next to be, perhaps the trek leader. Is he going to "liase" with my credit card company first or is he more bothered about saving my life by dialing the emergency evacuation service right then and there? Of course he is going to do the latter.
Jul 25, 2017, 10:16 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 1,793
A few years ago my husband required air ambulance transfer from Albuquerque to Phoenix. We had evacuation insurance from the Marine Corps Association, for which we had a separate paid policy. We had driven from PHX to ABQ for the summer, so credit card coverage wouldn't have applied.
I had a horrible time getting the evacuation laid on, it took NINE DAYS of multiple phone calls each day. The MCA insurer wanted to buy us two tickets on Southwest Airlines! My husband was on all sorts of monitors and completely immobile after 4 weeks in the hospital battling hantavirus. Flying commercial was absolutely out of the question.
I finally had to play the "who I know card" and phone the president of the MCA directly, my husband had served with the General years before. General Palm, to whom I'm eternally grateful, demanded that their insurer honor the policy and pay for the flight to get us home. Had he not intervened the one-hour flight would've cost us $8,000.
During that nine days of trying to negotiate with the insurer I spoke with several ABQ air ambulance companies. I needed to know what it would cost in case the insurance didn't pay. The owner of one company did tell me that the ONLY evacuation insurance worth buying is from MedJet Assist. She said all others, including through credit cards, are basically worthless.
Bottom line, if I were going anywhere in the world where evacuation might be a possibility (especially Africa or Asia), I would definitely purchase the MedJet Assist membership which is good worldwide for one year.
I had a horrible time getting the evacuation laid on, it took NINE DAYS of multiple phone calls each day. The MCA insurer wanted to buy us two tickets on Southwest Airlines! My husband was on all sorts of monitors and completely immobile after 4 weeks in the hospital battling hantavirus. Flying commercial was absolutely out of the question.
I finally had to play the "who I know card" and phone the president of the MCA directly, my husband had served with the General years before. General Palm, to whom I'm eternally grateful, demanded that their insurer honor the policy and pay for the flight to get us home. Had he not intervened the one-hour flight would've cost us $8,000.
During that nine days of trying to negotiate with the insurer I spoke with several ABQ air ambulance companies. I needed to know what it would cost in case the insurance didn't pay. The owner of one company did tell me that the ONLY evacuation insurance worth buying is from MedJet Assist. She said all others, including through credit cards, are basically worthless.
Bottom line, if I were going anywhere in the world where evacuation might be a possibility (especially Africa or Asia), I would definitely purchase the MedJet Assist membership which is good worldwide for one year.
Jul 25, 2017, 10:22 pm
#9
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Location: Canada, USA, Europe
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Posts: 31,452
Evacuation is almost never spontaneous. It is a last resort decision made because usually all other options are better for the patient concerned. Leaving aside trekking across the desert, you are much more likely to get the right treatment locally in an emergency facility. This first aid is preferable to flying you thousands of miles to your home for treatment. The evacuation you refer to is usually necessary once the patient has been stabilised. There is ample time and scope for a consultation to take place between insurer and medical professionals.
Jul 25, 2017, 11:32 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
the reason I put the question up is because you may be incapacitated and in an emergency situation I doubt rescue personnel will call your credit card company first to clear it with them... especially an international call, waiting on hold etc. How realistic is that?
To prevent fraud is easy, they can always verify a claim later just like it happens with a regular medical claim. In addition, it says that the credit card company has to organize services, well, what if the only available service provider in the area is unacceptable to the credit card company... this gives them the option to refuse evacuation.
It most certainly is in many cases... consider I am hiking on a trek and collapse on the side of a mountain, chopper needs to be called in... that decision needs to be made by someone who is next to be, perhaps the trek leader. Is he going to "liase" with my credit card company first or is he more bothered about saving my life by dialing the emergency evacuation service right then and there? Of course he is going to do the latter.
To prevent fraud is easy, they can always verify a claim later just like it happens with a regular medical claim. In addition, it says that the credit card company has to organize services, well, what if the only available service provider in the area is unacceptable to the credit card company... this gives them the option to refuse evacuation.
It most certainly is in many cases... consider I am hiking on a trek and collapse on the side of a mountain, chopper needs to be called in... that decision needs to be made by someone who is next to be, perhaps the trek leader. Is he going to "liase" with my credit card company first or is he more bothered about saving my life by dialing the emergency evacuation service right then and there? Of course he is going to do the latter.
Jul 26, 2017, 8:40 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 1,793
I can certainly see the necessity for evacuation insurance when visiting any second or third-world country. A road accident with multiple fractures or internal injuries comes to mind as a possible scenario. I would want to be treated by physicians in France or the U.S. (near home) in that case. I experienced how difficult and expensive it was to get a one-hour medical flight inside the USA. I wouldn't dream of visiting Africa, parts of Asia, or other far-flung locations without MedJet Assist for evacuation. I absolutely wouldn't depend on credit card coverage for evacuation.
Jul 27, 2017, 10:31 am
#13
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
I can certainly see the necessity for evacuation insurance when visiting any second or third-world country. A road accident with multiple fractures or internal injuries comes to mind as a possible scenario. I would want to be treated by physicians in France or the U.S. (near home) in that case. I experienced how difficult and expensive it was to get a one-hour medical flight inside the USA. I wouldn't dream of visiting Africa, parts of Asia, or other far-flung locations without MedJet Assist for evacuation. I absolutely wouldn't depend on credit card coverage for evacuation.
Jul 30, 2017, 8:25 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 661
interesting... I always assumed evacuation meant evacuation from an area by helicopter to a local hospital which is why the whole thing made absolutely no sense to me. This now makes much more sense. Thanks for the responses.
