Medical Evacuation Insurance Plans: Peace of Mind When Far from Home

Medical emergencies can arise at any time. When they do, it’s essential that patients obtain urgent medical care in a hospital as quickly as possible; medical evacuation services provide the fastest possible route to the health care facility for those in need of immediate care. These emergency transport services can be extremely expensive, topping $50,000 in some cases. Most traditional health insurance policies, including HMO and PPO plans, do not cover these emergency services, leaving patients liable for the cost of the transportation. Fortunately, medical evacuation insurance plans offer coverage for these transportation arrangements, ensuring that patients get the help they need if an emergency should occur.

Medical evacuation insurance plans are most often recommended for those who are planning a journey in remote areas, such as tourists and business travelers. For a few dollars a day, insured individuals can ensure that they are covered in case of a medical emergency that requires them to be airlifted or flown to the hospital. Most medical evacuation plans also include coverage for emergency medical expenses during the trip and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, making them the perfect choice for all-inclusive trip insurance when traveling abroad. Some insurance companies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others exclude these from coverage or impose strict limitations that may limit coverage. Depending on the plan selected, individuals can elect unlimited coverage or choose a specific cash value for coverage in order to obtain a less expensive rate for the policy.

Especially for those traveling outside the United States, these plans offer essential financial security in case of a medical emergency. Within the U.S., medical evacuation insurance plans typically cover one-time transportation by helicopter or plane when the insured experiences a medical emergency that requires hospitalization more than 150 miles from home. These plans require an annual premium payment and provide for transporting the patient in a fully-staffed medical evacuation aircraft to the hospital of his or her choice regardless of the nature of the medical emergency. For domestic services the rate for this insurance is typically very low, sometimes only about $20 per month; international coverage is usually more expensive. For those who frequently travel internationally or within the U.S., however, the benefits of this insurance are well worth the minimal additional cost.