Travel Insurance & Medical Evacuation

>> Purchasing Travel Insurance & Medical Evacuation Supports Responsible Travel

One of the key points to responsible, eco-travel is not impacting negatively on the environment or on global communities. Taking out travel insurance and medical evacuation minimises impact and saves local resources.

Numerous developing countries have hospitals and medical facilities, particularly in the regional areas, which are so challenged that medicines are scarce and the hospitals rely on families to provide food and some level of care for patients.

Those who travel without adequate and appropriate medical travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation with a top-range, global company specialising in emergency assistance and timely evacuation, place extensive strain on the hospital and medical systems of these developing countries who are struggling to care for and support their own population.

What Support Should An Emergency Assistance Company Provide?

Points to check for include:

• Recognised history of timely, efficient responses to both phone enquiries and evacuation as needed
• Ability to provide payment guarantees to hospitals, and with the infrastructure and experience to take on hospital case management
• Personal support providing an emergency message service and keeping family members updated
• Assistance in replacing any lost or stolen documents and including credit cards and giving assistance to obtain legal advice
• Direct phone access to a medical practitioner in both emergency situations and for critical advice, and including a 24/7 reverse charge or free call number

By taking out travel insurance with a company providing this level of support in an emergency, local medical teams and resources are placed under less strain. Even cruise ships re-locate sick or injured travellers to on-shore medical facilities making it vital for international travellers to have emergency medical and evacuation in place under all travel circumstances.

Even though DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) can provide assistance in an emergency they warn, "If you don't have the correct travel insurance in place you are personally liable to pay for evacuation." Adding that neither private health insurers nor Medibank covers Australian residents when they travel overseas.

DFAT also warn many insurance companies will not honour claims resulting from travellers ignoring DFAT's express travel warnings. If travelling to countries that have experienced civil unrest or violence, always log onto smartraveller.gov.au to stay up to date with travel and safety warnings and advice.

It is a major part of responsible travel not to place unnecessary burdens on foreign medical and hospital resources. When travellers purchase the most appropriate level of travel insurance and medical evacuation cover, all parties benefit.