The guide to emergency evacuation and transportation insurance

Quick insights

• Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance provides coverage for getting you to the nearest medical facility should you become seriously ill or injured while traveling.
• You can purchase this coverage through an insurance company or if you have a credit card, this insurance may be included with the card's travel insurance.
• Your transportation can be via ambulance or plane, for example, but will need to be deemed necessary by the attending physician.

You're not always near a hospital or medical facility when serious illness or injury strikes. In these instances, you may need to be transported to or even evacuated out of a remote location to receive medical care.

If you have emergency evacuation and transportation insurance, it may cover all or a portion of the cost. In this article we'll cover the ins and outs of emergency evacuation and transportation insurance—when to use it, how to use it and how to get it.

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance: A breakdown

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance covers the costs associated with getting you to the nearest medical facility or hospital that can treat you. Transport can be via ambulance, other ground transportation or even commercial airlines.

Transport may be necessary because you're in a remote location without adequate medical care. It could also be warranted because the nearest hospital is ill equipped to deal with your injuries. This type of insurance is typically thought of for international travel, however, if you're traveling to remote places within the U.S., having this insurance may also be beneficial.

Medical evacuation and transportation insurance can even cover you in death. Its coverage commonly includes expenses associated with transporting your remains back home, if you or a family member die while traveling.

How emergency evacuation insurance works

Should you become sick or injured while traveling, seek emergency treatment. The attending physician or medical professional may determine that you need to be moved to receive the proper care.

If treatment includes your transportation or evacuation, you'll want to call your insurance provider's hotline or customer support as soon as possible. If you're using your credit card's travel insurance, you will contact the card's Benefits Administrator. If you are incapacitated, you can have a travel companion call on your behalf. It's best to call as soon as possible.

The insurance provider may also assist by coordinating transportation needs and helping to submit insurance claims for the costs associated with your transportation or evacuation.

What does emergency evacuation insurance cover?

Emergency transportation kicks in when you need to receive medical treatment that requires getting you to a medical facility or hospital due to the severity of your injuries or illness. In addition to any transportation costs, this coverage may include several other provisions to help with your care, including:

• Medical escort: Provides coverage if you require a nurse or doctor onboard during your flight home.
• Transport home: May cover the cost of your flight home to receive care should the attending physician recommend your return home.
• Reimbursement of flight costs: If you cannot make your return flight home, this coverage may reimburse you for that cost and help with rebooking travel.
• Transportation of children: If your children are traveling with you, your coverage may pay to send your children home.
• Transportation to you: If you are alone, some coverage may cover the cost of family or a friend to travel to you while you're receiving medical care.
• Travel companion reimbursement: This coverage may be used by someone you're traveling with who is staying by your bedside while you recover.
• Repatriation of remains: If you or a family member die while traveling, costs associated with transporting your remains and other end of life expenses, like cremation or embalming may be covered.

Note that coverage may vary by insurance company or credit card benefit. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your agreement to check what it covers.

What isn't covered by emergency evacuation insurance

Transportation and emergency evacuation insurance includes some provisions that may lead to a coverage denial. A few common exceptions to this type of insurance include:

• Injuries sustained from risky activities and extreme sports, for example bungee jumping, skydiving, motor vehicle races and free climbing
• Transport that is not in line with the medical professional's advice
• Injuries or illness that are the result of a pre-existing condition
• Childbirth, if resulting from a normal pregnancy (don't travel too close to your due date)
• Intentional injuries, suicide or attempted suicide
• Injuries sustained on trips lasting less than 5 days, more than 60 days or occurring less than 100 miles from your residence

It's important to note that medical evacuation and transportation does not cover any of the costs associated with your medical care. Your treatment will be covered under a separate type of insurance, typically called emergency medical coverage.

How to get emergency evacuation and transportation insurance

There are a few ways to be covered by emergency evacuation and transportation insurance. Several insurance providers offer this coverage, either as a standalone policy or commonly included as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Be sure to check the insurance provider's terms and conditions to determine if evacuation and transportation insurance is included and sufficient.

If you have a credit card, you may be pleasantly surprised to find its benefits include emergency evacuation and transportation insurance. Many premium travel credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, include this insurance as a cardmember benefit. Keep in mind to use this coverage, you must have booked at least part of your trip with the card. Also, make sure you read what this insurance covers.

In summary

No one wants to suffer serious illness or injury—especially while traveling. Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance may provide some peace of mind and much needed assistance if you do.