6 Medical Evacuation Insurance Myths that Can Give You a Trouble-Free Trip
Insurance is an important aspect of every travel, irrespective of whether it is a business trip or a short vacation. You can save hundreds of thousands of dollars, if you know how to buy medical evacuation insurance. By avoiding seven popular myths related to it, you will be able to get the best deal at the lowest possible price. Read on to find out how to get this benefit.
Myth 1: Medical evacuation insurance covers first aid.
A lot of people think that medical evacuation is more or less taking an injured or ill person from their hotel to the hospital. This explains why many travelers do not see much point in getting such coverage.
The fact is that emergency medical services are included in every health insurance plan, no matter how affordable health insurance is. Similarly, in many countries first aid is free of charge. Still, it should be pointed out that there are different classifications for the free first aid services.
Myth 2: The policy covers rescue operations.
If you get lost in a mountain and a search and rescue team is sent out looking for you, the cost of the operation will be covered by your policy. This is what a lot of people think, but the notion is totally wrong.
The fact is that standard medical evacuation policies do not include search and rescue. There are different types of coverage that provide for these kinds of emergency operations. For this reason, you should not call the insurer in case you or an insured co-traveler is in need of rescue. You should contact the local emergency service providers.
Myth 3: You need to buy medical evacuation insurance separately.
Since this type of coverage is often referred to as a single policy, a lot of people think that they need to buy it separately. This is a huge myth that can get you into paying more for coverage instead of saving on evacuation costs.
The fact is that this type of coverage is usually included in almost every travel insurance policy. Often it is part of the travel medical insurance coverage. In this way, it is “concealed”, but it is still present. Still, this general rule should not put you off guard. Check specifically whether this type of coverage is included in your policy and how much of it you can purchase.
Myth 4: Medical evacuation insurance covers emergency reunion return.
The title of the coverage speaks for itself, but a lot of people think they can use their policy to get compensated for emergency reunion return and even for political evacuation and minor children return. The truth is a lot different.
The fact is that you will get your evacuation expenses covered, only if you have a medical emergency, such as a serious injury, dismemberment or a heart attack. All other types or evacuations and returns are covered for by different types of coverage that may or may not be present in your policy. In general, you should always choose a plan considering the place you are going to and to the nature of your trip.
Myth 5: The policy does not provide additional benefits apart from medical evacuation coverage.
It is perfectly normal to believe this myth, if you have seen the previous one debunked. People who know they cannot get evacuation apart from a medical one think they cannot get anything else.
The fact is that a lot of companies do offer additional benefits to their standard policies. Usually, you will get adventure activities coverage as an additional benefit. Still, this type of coverage may be restricted to one or two optional hazardous activities.
Myth 6: The policy holder or a relative arranges the evacuation.
Many people think of this type of insurance as health insurance. You go to a hospital and get treated and then the insurer covers the cost. This is not how the process goes.
The policy holder or a relative arranges the evacuation together with a representative of the insurance company and with the medical professional treating the person. The insurer will not carry out the operation, but they have to approve it. Usually, they arrange it as well. Still, the policy holder may be able to choose a hospital for their treatment.
Use the suggestions made above to get a medical evacuation insurance policy that gives you optimal protection of your assets as well as a guarantee that you will get the best medical evacuation services.