Medical Repatriation: What Are Your Options?

Medical repatriation offers a safe passage back home when receiving local care is not feasible or up to the task. As a result, understanding the options you have during international travel is essential.

Whether you’re on a business trip or a vacation with your family, international travel can deliver life-changing rewards, as well as some risks. That’s because even the most meticulous plans can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, and a medical emergency abroad can quickly turn an enjoyable trip into a stressful ordeal.

While receiving adequate medical care is paramount, local healthcare facilities might not always meet your specific needs or provide the level of care you expect. In such situations, having a plan in place to execute medical repatriation is a vital consideration.

Unfortunately, navigating the intricacies of medical repatriation can be further complicated by the uncertainty surrounding its financial coverage. While travel insurance often includes options for medical emergencies, repatriation specifically can be a grey area. Even costly, comprehensive plans might not offer this type of coverage, and relying solely on traditional health insurance might leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses. This highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding the specifics of your insurance policies and exploring additional options like specialized repatriation membership plans to ensure you are fully prepared for any unforeseen situations.

What is Medical Repatriation?

Medical repatriation is the process of transporting a patient who requires medical attention back to their home country, after receiving initial medical care in a foreign country. Navigating this process can be complex, especially when faced with diverse options, the added pressure of ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience, and the possibility of having to coordinate medical repatriation in a country where you don’t speak the language or understand the cultural dynamics.

Medical repatriation is a type of medical evacuation service. Medical evacuation is an umbrella term that refers to transporting critically ill or injured individuals in need of medical attention.

Medical Repatriation vs. Medical Evacuation

Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, technically, medical repatriation and medical evacuation differ in several key ways, including:

• Focus: Medical repatriation centers on returning a patient to their home country for further treatment, ongoing care, or recovery. This often occurs after the initial critical medical situation has been stabilized. Medevac prioritizes rapid transportation of critically ill or injured patients to the nearest suitable medical facility for life-saving treatment.
• Timing: Medical repatriation commonly occurs after the initial emergency medical situation has been managed and the patient is stable enough for transport. Medevac is a time-sensitive response to a medical crisis where immediate stabilization and transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility are paramount.
• Transportation: Medical repatriation can include air ambulances, commercial flights with medical escorts, or stretcher services depending on the patient's condition and needs. Medevac often involves helicopters, airplanes, or specialized ambulances equipped for critical care.
• Real-life examples: An individual who breaks their leg abroad and needs ongoing physiotherapy in their home country might opt for medical repatriation once initial treatment is received. On another trip, someone having a heart attack in a remote location would require a medevac to the nearest hospital with cardiac specialists.

Because repatriation and evacuation can refer to different but overlapping services, make sure the membership or service you’re using covers the use cases you’re concerned about.

Does insurance coverage include medical repatriation services?

When people get sick or injured while traveling, they may hope, or assume, that their various insurance coverages will help them pay for the cost of medical repatriation. Whether they paid for the trip with their credit card, have robust health insurance at home, or have paid specifically for a travel insurance plan, they expect medical repatriations to be a part of the deal.

Unfortunately, insurance coverage for medical repatriation services can be complex and varies significantly depending on several factors:

1. Type of Insurance:

• Traditional health insurance: Coverage for medical repatriation is typically limited in traditional health plans. They might offer some assistance with medical costs incurred abroad, but rarely cover the full cost of repatriation itself.
• Travel insurance: Many travel insurance options offer medical repatriation coverage, but the extent of coverage can vary greatly. Be sure to review your specific policy details -- look for sections related to medical repatriation or medical evacuation to understand the specific benefits, limitations, and exclusions. For example, most commonly, the medical evacuation coverage in travel insurance will only transport you to the nearest appropriate medical facility, not the facility or country of your choice. Some travel insurance providers may offer add-ons or specific plans with comprehensive medical repatriation coverage.

2. Specifics of your situation:

• Policy terms and conditions: Each insurance policy has its own terms and conditions outlining what is and isn't covered. For example, your policy may only cover the cost of an air ambulance, but no subsequent medical care or other transportation. Your policy may also have expense limits that would be easily reached by your specific medical situation. Carefully review these details to understand your specific coverage.
• Medical necessity: Insurance companies often base their coverage decisions on "medical necessity." This means a medical professional needs to determine that receiving care locally is not feasible and that repatriation is the most appropriate course of action.

Therefore, it’s wise to not rely solely on your typical insurance coverage. Consider exploring other options that specifically cover these situations.

What does medical repatriation cost?

The cost of medical repatriation can vary significantly, depending on several factors that includes the method of repatriation, the distance you’ll be traveling, your medical condition and its severity, and other things including out-of-pocket expenses, administrative fees, and so on.

Recognizing these limitations, many travelers choose the security of dedicated medical repatriation coverage. This option offers a defined budget and broader coverage compared to relying solely on traditional health insurance or travel insurance with limited repatriation benefits. Plans for individuals, families, and corporate accounts can be purchased and renewed as needed before a big trip or busy year of travel, and are cost-effective compared to trying to pay for services after the fact.

CASE STUDY: Global Guardian transports a patient with head and spinal injuries from Mexico to the United States.

Understanding Your Options for Medical Repatriation

Choosing the most suitable medical repatriation option depends on several factors, including the patient's medical condition, the urgency of the situation, and budget limitations. Here's an overview of the three main options:

1. Air Ambulance

Imagine a fully equipped intensive care unit (ICU) soaring through the air. Air ambulances provide the ultimate in medical care during transport. Equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by highly trained medical personnel, they offer the fastest and most advanced medical care possible.

2. Commercial flight with medical escort

A commercial flight with medical escort involves chartering a medical professional to accompany the patient on a typical flight home. This option also requires you to have a commercial flight option that works for your timeline, which isn’t always guaranteed depending on where you’re traveling from and to.

3. Commercial flight with stretcher service

For patients who cannot sit upright for extended periods, commercial flights sometimes offer stretcher services. Availability is limited, and it also requires airline approval. Additionally, medical support on board is minimal.

Medical repatriation offers a safe passage back home when receiving local care is not feasible. Understanding the available options along with their suitability based on your specific circumstances is essential. Seeking professional guidance can ensure you choose the most appropriate and efficient option for your situation.

While a medical emergency abroad can disrupt your meticulously planned trip, Global Guardian is here to safeguard your well-being throughout your travels. Global Guardian’s Air Ambulance service is a membership program that provides air medical evacuation and repatriation services to members anywhere in the world at any time. If members get sick or injured while traveling, Global Guardian flies them to their hospital of choice. Once enrolled, our members never pay more than their annual membership fee. In addition, our 24/7 Operations Center connects you with experienced medical professionals, and our team seamlessly navigates the complexities of repatriation, prioritizing your comfort and well-being. Partner with Global Guardian and embark on your next journey with confidence, knowing we are standing by to support.