Does this mean they will fly me to a hospital near my home?

[jbrinkm]

I saw on another thread that when you take a cruise, a policy that covers evacuation back to your home hospital is important. It seems to me like this policy DOES cover that, but can someone better versed in this language confirm?

 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION The Company will pay benefits for Covered Evacuation Expenses incurred, up to the Maximum Benefit shown on the Schedule of Benefits, subject to any applicable sub-limits, if an Accidental Injury or Sickness commencing during the course of the Trip results in Your necessary Emergency Evacuation. An Emergency Evacuation must be ordered by a Physician who certifies that the severity of Your Accidental Injury or Sickness warrants Your Emergency Evacuation and verified and arranged by the Travel Assistance Company. Emergency Evacuation means: (a) Your medical condition warrants immediate Transportation from the Hospital where You are first taken when injured or sick to the nearest Hospital where appropriate medical treatment can be obtained; (b) after being treated at a local Hospital, Your medical condition warrants Transportation to Your Home where You reside, to obtain further medical treatment or to recover; or (c) both (a) and (b), above.

[Babr]

Not necessarily. Notice that item (a) provides for hospital-to-hospital transfer. It just means they will move you to another hospital capable of providing a higher level of care. “Nearest” is the key word. Usually the patient is returned home by commercial air once he is able to travel as described in part (b).

 

Do not assume that you will have transportation by air ambulance from distant parts of the world.

 

 

 

 

[SuziQ1]

On 1/12/2023 at 7:13 AM, Babr said:

Not necessarily. Notice that item (a) provides for hospital-to-hospital transfer. It just means they will move you to another hospital capable of providing a higher level of care. “Nearest” is the key word. Usually the patient is returned home by commercial air once he is able to travel as described in part (b).

 

Do not assume that you will have transportation by air ambulance from distant parts of the world.

 

 

 

 

Very true.  When I called they said 'yes, you are flown home if that is what you prefer'.  Upon reading the fine print, that is definitely NOT true.  They will fly you to the nearest hospital that can treat you.  READ THE FINE PRINT.

[SuziQ1]

Has anyone used the Costco policy?  It appears to cover most things and is half of the cost of the company we usually use.  Concerned how they pay if there is a claim.  Any and all comments please

 

[SG65CB]

These are two different things. Look for the following terminology in your policy details:

 

Medical Evacuation will transport you to the nearest hospital capable of treating your condition. 

 

Medical Repatriation will transport you home or to the hospital of your choice near your home. 

 

Make sure your policy specifies both. 

 

If you need to fly home in an air ambulance or with a medical escort this would be covered under Medical Repatriation. If you just need a commercial flight home this could be covered under Medical Repatriation, or under the Trip Interruption portion of your policy. 

 

If a traveling companion stays with you while you are in the hospital, their transportation home would be covered under their trip interruption coverage - as long as the illness or injury of a traveling companion is a covered event (it usually is). Some policies also cover their hotel expense.

 

 

[nini]

On 1/29/2023 at 7:16 PM, SuziQ1 said:

Has anyone used the Costco policy?  It appears to cover most things and is half of the cost of the company we usually use.  Concerned how they pay if there is a claim.  Any and all comments please

 

 

Please be aware that we are not to mention "travel agencies". However, we always book through our big box store because of the benefits. The insurance is through a third party, not the big box store.  And, after much shopping around, they are usually the best for us for the money spent. Thank heaven we have not needed to use it.

[SuziQ1]

On 2/16/2023 at 1:17 PM, nini said:

 

Please be aware that we are not to mention "travel agencies". However, we always book through our big box store because of the benefits. The insurance is through a third party, not the big box store.  And, after much shopping around, they are usually the best for us for the money spent. Thank heaven we have not needed to use it.

Oops, sorry, I hadnt realized.  We are using for two upcoming trips.  Hopefully wont get to need it.  I used a much touted and EXPENSIVE company for many trips and when I made a small claim took months of back and forth calls and documentation, Constantly 'lost' our docs or it was sitting on someone's desk.   I hope this is a better experience if needed. 

Again, I am sorry for mentioning a name.