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Emergency Medical Insurance for Helicopter Rescue in the Dolomites - need recommedations

Hello,

We are looking to go hiking in the Dolomites in summer. We plan to stick to trails but at higher altitudes. We are not going to be using any specialized equipment; just trekking poles.

I am looking to purchase helicopter rescue insurance in case we experience a fall / injury on the trails and are unable to walk back to the trail head. We are in our mid 50s. One of is an American citizen and resident and one of us is a Canadian citizen and resident.

  1. What are some of the better insurance policies that we can buy - in the US and in Canada?
  2. Has anyone used Aiut Alpin Dolomites Membership for a helicopter rescue? How was the experience? What was the final total cost?

From what I understand, 112 is the 911 equivalent in Europe. Also "112 Where ARE U" app can relay one's exact locaton directly to first responders (if set up correctly with permissions).

I am hoping we never need to use the insurance we buy. However, given the sketchy response I received from my current Travel Medical Insurance provider, I wouldn't be surprised if they wriggle out of a claim payment using fine print. I am looking to be super safe than sorry. Our most recent hiking experience in Chamonix, France, got me thinking about buying rescue insurance for our next hiking adventure.

Thank you all in advance.

Posted by
366 posts

I always use this company "Travel Insurance" 1 800 4874722. They will answer your question and direct your needs.
I'm sure they can help you. I can't see you needing helicopter rescue insurance.

Posted by
18485 posts

I have a policy with Medjet Assist. They are a medical evacuation company. They will get you out of where you are stuck, if hurt, and get you to a hospital of your choosing. Even if back in the US.

Call them and ask if your concerns are covered.

Posted by
1216 posts

Frank, I've had MetJetAssist in the past and am thinking of buying it again.

Did you ever have to use their insurance on a trip? Thank you!!

Posted by
9975 posts

While I have Medjet insurance, I don't think it is what this particular poster is looking for. The poster is looking for insurance for a mountain rescue operation vs. medical evacuation from a health care facility to the US. Medjet works great (according to testimonials I have read) for medical evacuation. It is not designed for mountain rescue.

Will you have a satellite device with you like a Garmin mini? I think that this is definitely the first step in making sure a mountain rescue can occur in the first place.

Posted by
4 posts

@Carolnowretired From what I understand, "112 Where ARE U" app has the ability to share one's precise location with first responders in Europe. I don't think we need a Garmin mini. Thanks for suggesting it, though.

@Jo, you may be right in assessing that we may not need a helicopter rescue. We plan to stick to trails and won't be using any mountain climbing equipment, so our regular travel medical insurance should cover us in case of an injury. However, given my experience of insurance companies trying to find a reason to deny the claim, I just want to be super safe than sorry.

Last year we went hiking in Chamonix and the trail there was brutal for us; very different from our experience in Switzerland. That's the first time I thought we should have some sort of rescue insurance next time we go hiking....

Thanks very much.

Posted by
632 posts

I'm a little OT because as Italian is different, but I like to tell you that during trekking if you have problems the emergency number is the 112. Is recommended to install the App GeoResQ, that could help to locate you in case of problems.
To have an idea of rescue procedures and costs this link is very informative: https://www.sestogrado.it/it/soccorso-alpino-quanto-mi-costi/?srsltid=AfmBOorBlxf9dF7UNEfQ4UfxUdcZF2dWskWty_YOj9ab18fAVnA4rFp- . Unfortunately is in Italian, but now the translation is easy.

Posted by
9131 posts

Yeah, I think you are looking at specialized insurance, in addition to general travel medical evac policies (which you likely also need once rescued)

Try looking through some of the outdoor and adventure type websites or guide companies, I saw this place referenced in one https://dolomitiemergency.it/ I know nothing about them, but it looks to be along the lines of what you are looking for.

Posted by
6535 posts

Thanks Ricky, that’s a great read for anyone who ever hikes in Italy. I had the pleasure of watching a helicopter training mission on the Tuscan coast a couple years ago.
In short, it looks like a rescue will not bankrupt anyone, and the charges are not onerous unless one abuses the system.

Posted by
5581 posts

I was about to reference that Dolomiti link as well. One important note, it says to call 118 not 112 if it's an Alpine rescue in Italy. And have insurance if you feel you might need it, helicopter charges are €90/ minute!!

Posted by
746 posts

The Alpine club of Canada used to have travel insurance that covered some of the more high risk activities that other travel insurance doesn't. I just took a quick look and it looks like it is still on their website. It might have what you are looking for.