Evacuation insurance, also known as Emergency Evacuation Insurance, is a type of travel insurance that covers the expenses incurred due to emergency evacuation. The coverage is designed to protect individuals or groups against astronomical costs that may arise during emergency evacuations. This type of travel insurance is especially important for those traveling to remote destinations or participating in extreme sports where the risk of injury is high. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about evacuation insurance.
What is Evacuation Insurance?
Evacuation insurance is a type of travel insurance that covers the expenses incurred when an individual requires emergency medical evacuation due to an injury or illness. It also covers expenses incurred from non-medical emergency evacuations such as war, terrorism, natural disasters, and political unrest.
For instance, if an individual is injured while on a hike in a remote area, and they require emergency medical evacuation to a medical facility, evacuation insurance will cover the expenses incurred during the evacuation process. The coverage includes transportation costs, medical care, and repatriation costs if necessary.
Types of Evacuation Insurance
There are two types of evacuation insurance policies: Medical Evacuation Only and Comprehensive Evacuation Insurance. Medical evacuation only policies cover the costs of medical transportation and care in emergency situations. Comprehensive evacuation insurance, on the other hand, covers both medical and non-medical evacuations.
Medical Evacuation Only Insurance
Medical Evacuation Only Insurance is a type of coverage that is designed to cover the costs of emergency medical evacuation only. This type of insurance policy is more affordable than the comprehensive evacuation insurance policy as it only covers medical expenses. This coverage is ideal for individuals who are traveling to a remote location or are participating in extreme sports.
Comprehensive Evacuation Insurance
Comprehensive Evacuation Insurance is a type of coverage that provides a wide range of coverage against emergencies that may require evacuation. This type of insurance covers both medical and non-medical evacuations. For instance, if an individual requires evacuation due to a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake or due to political unrest such as protests or riots, comprehensive evacuation insurance will cover the costs incurred during the evacuation.
Why Do I Need Evacuation Insurance?
Emergency situations are unpredictable and can happen to anyone. Even if you are traveling to a destination that is considered safe, accidents can still happen. Therefore, it is crucial to have evacuation insurance to cover the high costs that may arise during an emergency evacuation.
Here are some reasons why you need evacuation insurance:
Accidents and Injuries
Accidents and injuries can happen to anyone and at any time. Medical care can be expensive, especially in remote areas. Therefore, having evacuation insurance can provide peace of mind to know that you are covered in case of an emergency.
Extreme Sports and Outdoor Activities
If you are participating in extreme sports or outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or skiing, the risk of injury is high. In case of an emergency, evacuation insurance will cover the costs incurred during the evacuation process.
Remote Destinations
If you are traveling to a remote destination where access to medical care is limited, evacuation insurance will cover the costs of emergency evacuation and transportation to a medical facility if necessary.
Natural Disasters and Political Unrest
In case of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or political unrest such as protests or riots, evacuation insurance will cover the costs of emergency evacuation.
What Does Evacuation Insurance Cover?
Evacuation insurance coverage varies depending on the policy provider and the type of coverage you choose. However, most policies cover the following expenses:
Emergency Medical Evacuations
Emergency Medical Evacuations refer to the transportation of a patient from the location where they were injured or became ill to a medical facility that can provide the necessary care. This type of transport can be by airplane, helicopter, or ground ambulance. The cost of transportation can be expensive, and evacuation insurance covers these costs.
Repatriation of Remains
Repatriation of Remains refers to the transportation of the deceased back to their home country for burial or cremation. This type of transport can be expensive, and evacuation insurance policies will cover these costs.
Travel Assistance Services
Travel Assistance Services refer to additional support services that policyholders can access in case of an emergency. The services may include access to medical professionals, emergency travel arrangements, legal assistance, and translation services.
How Much Does Evacuation Insurance Cost?
The cost of evacuation insurance varies depending on the level of coverage, the destination, and the duration of the trip. Generally, the cost of an evacuation insurance policy ranges from $50 to $200 per person. Comprehensive policies are more expensive than medical evacuation policies since they offer wider coverage.
How to Choose an Evacuation Insurance Policy
When selecting an evacuation insurance policy, there are several factors that you should consider:
Destination
If you are traveling to a remote destination, you should choose a policy that provides comprehensive coverage because the risk of emergency evacuation is high. Comprehensive policies will protect you against natural disasters, political unrest, and medical emergencies.
Duration of the Trip
If you are going on a short trip, you can opt for a medical evacuation policy as it will provide coverage in case of medical emergencies. However, for long trips, you should consider a comprehensive policy as it will cover non-medical evacuations such as natural disasters and political unrest.
Cost
When choosing an evacuation insurance policy, consider the cost of the policy versus the level of coverage. The more comprehensive the coverage, the more expensive the policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
What is Evacuation Insurance? |
Evacuation insurance is a type of travel insurance that covers the expenses incurred when an individual requires emergency medical evacuation due to an injury or illness. It also covers expenses incurred from non-medical emergency evacuations such as war, terrorism, natural disasters, and political unrest. |
What Does Evacuation Insurance Cover? |
Evacuation insurance covers emergency medical evacuations, repatriation of remains, and travel assistance services. |
How Much Does Evacuation Insurance Cost? |
The cost of evacuation insurance varies depending on the level of coverage, the destination, and the duration of the trip. Generally, the cost of an evacuation insurance policy ranges from $50 to $200 per person. |
How to Choose an Evacuation Insurance Policy? |
When selecting an evacuation insurance policy, consider factors such as the destination, duration of the trip, and cost versus level of coverage. |
Is Evacuation Insurance Worth It? |
Yes, evacuation insurance is worth it, especially if you are traveling to a remote destination, participating in extreme sports, or taking a long trip. |
Conclusion
Evacuation insurance is an essential type of travel insurance that provides coverage in case of emergency evacuations due to injury, illness, natural disasters, or political unrest. It is important to choose a policy that suits your needs, taking into account factors such as destination, duration of the trip, and level of coverage. Always ensure that you have evacuation insurance whenever you travel to give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected against high expenses that may arise during emergency evacuations.