MedEvac: What is it?
MedEvac, short for Medical Evacuation, is the process of transporting critically ill or injured patients from one medical facility to another. Medical Evacuation is a key benefit for a good international health insurance plan. It is usually required when the patient’s medical condition cannot be adequately treated at the current location or if time is a critical factor. MedEvac is often done by air, but ground transport may be used for short distances.
How is MedEvac Conducted?
The mode of transportation for MedEvac depends on various factors such as the distance, the criticality of the patient’s condition, terrain, and time constraints. Helicopters are often used for short distances, but for longer distances, fixed-wing aircraft such as jets, piston or turbo-prop air ambulance are more efficient. However, flying by a jet air ambulance can cost up to $2000 per hour, while a piston or turbo-prop air ambulance would be much cheaper and equally as fast.
The Latest Development in Air Evacuation
Lufthansa has recently pioneered a new way of transporting critically ill patients using their jumbo jets. By removing a few seats and installing necessary equipment, a portable ICU can be created in a standard passenger Boeing 747. Although this method is more expensive than regular air ambulance services, it may be the only option for patients who require specialized care during transportation.
MedEvac and International Health Insurance
Almost all international health insurance policies include an air evacuation benefit that covers the cost of transporting a critically ill or injured patient to the nearest medical facility. However, the benefit usually only covers transport to the closest place capable of treating the patient and not back home. It’s important to read the policy’s benefits carefully to understand the limits. There are also inexpensive stand-alone air evacuation policies that only cover the transportation cost but won’t pay for hospital bills.
The Benefits of Having International Health Insurance
In the event of a medical emergency, having international health insurance can save you from unexpected expenses. Without insurance, hospitals may be hesitant to accept you, especially if you don’t have a method of payment. In contrast, insurance companies have arrangements in place with all of the local evac operators and destination hospitals, having done this many times before. When you have insurance combined with an evacuation benefit, the emergency assistance service of the insurer can coordinate the evacuation and find you a hospital bed, relieving you of the hassle and stress of arranging everything yourself.
Conclusion
MedEvac is a critical service that can save lives in emergency situations. Understanding the process and having appropriate international health insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and alleviate financial burdens. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared for the unexpected. Get a quote for worldwide health insurance today and rest easy knowing that you and your loved ones are protected.