Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance Importance for Expats
Learn the Importance of Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance for Expats
At Expat Financial, we encourage expats to include evacuation and repatriation insurance. It is particularly important when they are on the other side of the world, living and working. In this article, we will learn the difference between the two and the importance of evacuation and repatriation insurance for expats.
What you need to know about evacuation and repatriation
Note that medical evacuation and repatriation plans are often either included in international health insurance policies or can be added to your global medical plan for an extra cost. Most international citizens living abroad. Some travel insurance plans will also include medical evacuation coverage. Here are some details on the medical evacuation and repatriation coverage that many expatriates will purchase when living abroad.
Evacuation
You may see a lot of insurance coverage providing evacuation options. You may also think that you don’t need it. Here’s why it’s a bad idea not to include it in your coverage. Evacuations during a medical emergency are carried out when expats or their dependents are injured or ill and need immediate medical attention. If treatment is not available locally, they must be taken to a nearby medical facility.
If you’re in countries like Cambodia, Libya, and Mozambique, you may not have access to high-standard hospitals, and you will be most commonly be evacuated toa nearby contry where you can receive excellent medical Treatment. So, if you are an expat living in Africa, you may be evacuated to South Africa or Germany for example. These countries have proven medical excellence and specialists who will be able to give immediate treatment.
Finally, some global health plans will include security or disaster assistance evacuation coverage in their plans.
Repatriation
Medical repatriation coverage is also essential for expats who are living and working abroad. This coverage is for expatriates returning to their home country for treatment for appropriate care. It also helps expats recuperate in an environment closer to their close family and friends.
Similarly, when an expatriate dies, repatriation benefits should cover the costs of returning mortal remains to the home country. We understand dealing with loss while abroad is an expat’s worst nightmare. Expatriates who do not wish to burden their families with the financial cost of repatriation can have peace of mind knowing the cost is covered in their international health insurance.
Global health insurance providers such as Cigna Global and Allianz have an excellent process from communications during evacuations to getting the member to the destination safely and quickly as possible.
What is the difference between evacuation and repatriation insurance?
While each evacuation and repatriation can be unique to each individual, insurance companies offer coverage covering the medical care patient will require during transportation. It includes life support or oxygen, while some include bedside to bedside transportation services. Typically the plan will cover you within a specific number of miles by a certain kind of aircraft.