Europe medical evacuation limits question

There was a recent post about someone in Switzerland who was hiking and had a medical emergency. The medics who responded decided that a helicopter would be needed to airlift the patient to the hospital where they were treated and released. The total bill was something just shy of $250K. Just in case 250K comes up short in covering a helicopter medical evacuation, I would opt for $500K of coverage.

Be sure to read the fine print as the devil is always in the details. Some policies will only evac you to the nearest facility that can treat you. Others will bring you to a hospital near your home. They all vary a little bit, so be sure you know what they will do if the need arises.

I go for the 500k med evac policy. I want to be able to be transported to my home area if something happens.

During Covid when a lot of people were on ventilators I did the $1 million policy but decided that is not needed now.

Medjet and Global Rescue require the extra documentation for over 75

Just curious, what exactly?

Look at AirMed. They are almost identical to Medjet and do not have a maximum age. They offer annual as well as short term memberships.

Read the policies carefully. Some will only evacuate you to the nearest hospital. Others will transport you to the hospital of your choice.

I have a $500,000 policy with Medjet. I get a discount being a member of AARP.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information. I was not aware of AirMed as an option and will look into it. As far as the extra documentation for age 75, it is a form that your doctor has to fill out and extra steps to go through for approval.

Thank you. I have a few years yet, but have had them for more than 10 years and hang on to them because of their reputation and the flexibility of when it kicks in and where they will take you.

I purposely got Medjet because I wanted a ride all the way home

I have a $500,000 policy with Medjet. I get a discount being a member
of AARP.

Frank II, I looked at the MedJet site and I cant find the max?

...a form that your doctor has to fill out...

That is all there is to it -- at least the last time a 75+ relative renewed. If you are still unsure, just call their toll free number. Their customer service folks are very helpful.

Has anyone had experience with the form the doctor has to fill out and if you are paying out of pocket for a doctor visit?

My husband bought a MedJet plan last winter. He just dropped off his form at his physician's office. They called when she had it completed and he picked it up and mailed it off to MedJet. Note, he had not seen a specialist in the past (I think the form indicated) six months. My understanding is if he had seen a specialist or more than one each specialist would have to complete a copy of the form. YMMV. He did not have to pay for his physician to complete the form. He takes only two prescription meds and is a pretty healthy guy. My understanding is when he renews next year the process will need to be repeated. I was able to join the plan. As I am under age 75 I did not need to submit a medical form.

I hope this information is helpful.

Healthy Travels Everyone!

Traveler Girl

travelergirl thank you. This is helpful information.

Realize that your own doctor will decide whether he's going to charge you or not to fill out the form, YMMV