Emergency medical evacuation coverage provides assistance in the event that you need to be evacuated immediately due to an emergency medical situation. This coverage helps ease the cost of emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility, often by helicopter or ambulance.

This coverage is an important feature for anyone traveling from their home country, but especially those going on a cruise or traveling to remote areas. If a medical emergency occurs and you need to be airlifted to the nearest hospital, the cost could be up to tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.

Emergency medical evacuation coverage comes as an additional option for most travel medical insurance plans. Most plans provide this coverage for travelers with a trip length of 15 days up to one year, depending on the policy.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q.Who needs emergency medical evacuation coverage?

The simple answer is that anyone traveling abroad needs emergency medical evacuation coverage to be prepared for the unexpected. However, some travelers need to be especially aware of their need for emergency medical evacuation coverage including business travelers, people taking a cruise, foreign aid workers, senior travelers and travelers journeying to isolated areas. Access to medical facilities may be limited for these travelers, so having emergency medical evacuation coverage is always recommended.

Q.What is included in emergency medical evacuation coverage?

Emergency medical evacuation coverage will generally cover all or part of the cost of emergency transportation, by air or ambulance, after the incident and subsequent transportation to your home country, the US or another medical facility to recover. Some plans may also cover the cost of transportation for a loved one to be by your side in your time of need and the cost of transportation of returning dependent children home.

Q. Does emergency medical evacuation coverage cost extra?

Most comprehensive coverage insurance plans include emergency medical evacuation coverage in the premium cost. Some basic coverage plans may require that you add emergency medical evacuation coverage as a separate rider, so be sure to double-check what your plan includes.

Q. What are the different types of evacuations?

There are three main types of evacuations: medical evacuation, emergency evacuation and political evacuation. Each type of evacuation has different implications within insurance plans. Read our blog article to learn more about the different types of evacuations.

Q. Which plans offer emergency medical evacuation coverage?

While most travel medical plans include some sort of emergency medical evacuation coverage, travelers who are participating in hazardous sports or adventurous activities while abroad need to be especially careful while selecting a plan to ensure emergency medical evacuation coverage is included.

See a list of top-rated Emergency Medical Evacuation Plans.

Other Facts:


  • Many insurance companies will only cover you if the condition is life threatening.
  • Your insurance agency must approve all emergency medical evacuations.
  • The condition for which you are being transported must also be a condition covered by your insurance.
  • Every plan differs in coverage so it is imperative to read your policy carefully so you know exactly what is covered, what is not covered and how much coverage your policy will provide for each situation.

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Disclaimer

Information provided here is high level, provided for your convenience and information purpose only. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Plan Contract (Policy) for a detailed description of Coverage Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions. Must read the Policy Brochure and Plan Details for complete and accurate details. Only the Terms and Conditions of Coverage Benefits listed in the policy are binding.