travel medical evacuation insurance

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Protect Yourself Abroad: Best Medical Evacuation Insurance [2024]

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

93 Published Articles 509 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The 5 best medical evacuation travel insurance plans, what is medical evacuation travel insurance, is medical evacuation travel insurance worth it, what medical evacuation travel insurance costs, what medical evacuation travel insurance covers, types of medical evacuation travel insurance, what to look for in a medical evacuation travel insurance policy, how to get medical evacuation travel insurance, final thoughts.

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Leaving your destination in a medevac helicopter probably isn’t in your travel plans. But if you need emergency medical evacuation, it will be costly and may be difficult to coordinate without help. A medical evacuation travel insurance plan can cover some or all of the costs of emergency medical evacuation and help you get the medical care you need when it matters most.

If you’re considering a medical evacuation travel insurance policy, read this guide to learn how this type of travel insurance coverage can help you, when it’s worth it, what it costs, and how to choose the best plan for your needs.

Many travel insurance policies offer emergency medical evacuation benefits, so you have many options to compare. We considered travel insurance plans with at least $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation benefits and coverage for emergency medical care, trip cancellation, and trip interruption.

Consider these medical evacuation travel insurance plans with a good value for the coverage provided:

Best Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance for Europe: IMG

With IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel SE , your medical evacuation benefits are up to $500,000 if a local attending physician and IMG’s travel assistance services provider determine your condition is acute, severe, or life-threatening and medically necessary treatment isn’t available where you are. IMG will pay to return you to your point of origin, your primary residence, or a hospital or medical facility closest to your home. 

If applicable, costs covered include air and land transportation, including an air ambulance and medical escort. IMG pays covered expenses directly to the service provider if payment is required upfront — so you don’t have to think about paying a huge bill before getting home safely. 

In addition to medical evacuation coverage, you’ll get trip cancellation and interruption insurance. The $250,000 medical benefits offer primary coverage, so you don’t have to go through regular insurance first. For this plan, we got a $53.49 quote for a 35-year-old visiting Switzerland .

Best Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance for Antarctica: Aegis

The Aegis Go Ready Choice plan offers medical evacuation coverage even when traveling to far-flung Antarctica with limited services. This plan offers evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility if you experience a medical emergency during your trip. 

It covers medically appropriate transportation and medical care en route to the nearest suitable hospital if the on-site attending physician certifies that you’re medically able to travel and there is no suitable local care available. Aegis will also fly 1 person of your choice — subject to a maximum of $3,000 — to your place of hospitalization and provide lodging and meals up to $300 per day for 15 days.

On top of medical evacuation coverage, this plan covers 100% of your costs for trip cancellation and 150% for trip interruption. Emergency medical coverage is for up to $500,000, though it’s secondary coverage, so you’ll have to exhaust other available insurance options first. This plan was quoted to us for $100.57 for a 35-year-old visiting Antarctica.

Best Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance for Costa Rica: WorldTrips

Using the WorldTrips Atlas Journey Economy plan, you’ll get up to $500,000 in medical evacuation benefits if you need a physician-ordered medical evacuation. That includes medically appropriate transportation and necessary medical care en route to the nearest suitable hospital. 

The coverage applies if you’re critically ill or injured and no suitable local care is available. It also covers non-emergency repatriation to get you to your home or hospital in the U.S. for proper care, plus transportation, hotel, meals, phone calls, and local transportation for 1 person of your choice if you’re hospitalized for 24 hours or more. 

While the medical evacuation coverage is comprehensive, emergency medical coverage is limited to only $10,000 of secondary coverage. But you also will be covered for up to 100% of your total cost with trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Our quote for a 35-year-old visiting Costa Rica came to $114.

Best Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance for $1 Million Coverage: TravelSafe 

If you need up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage, you can get it from TravelSafe’s Classic plan. You can use this benefit to get to the nearest suitable medical facility if your condition is acute, severe, or life-threatening, and adequate medically necessary treatment isn’t available in your immediate area. It also covers medical evacuation expenses to return you to your point of origin or a medical facility closest to your primary residence.

This plan also includes up to $25,000 for non-medical evacuation, which applies if you need transportation due to natural disasters or civil or political unrest. And emergency medical coverage offers up to $100,000 per person. 

Trip cancellation covers up to 100% of your trip cost and trip interruption up to 150%. For a 35-year-old visiting Costa Rica, this plan came out to $122.

Read our Travelsafe insurance review for more information on all of their plans.

Best Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance for Cruises: Seven Corners

On a Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice plan, you’ll get up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. It applies if you have a severe, acute, or life-threatening condition and can’t get medically necessary treatment in your immediate area. It can include a medical escort who can provide medical care during transportation. You can also get transportation back to your point of origin, primary residence, or a hospital or medical facility closest to your primary residence.

If you’re traveling alone and will be hospitalized for more than 7 consecutive days or unable to travel after your evacuation, Seven Corners will pay airfare for a person of your choice to support you. Or, you can get reimbursed for a traveling companion’s expenses if you’re hospitalized for at least 3 days.

Emergency medical coverage offers up to $500,000 in primary coverage benefits with no medical deductible. Trip cancellation benefits cover up to 100% of your trip cost, and trip interruption covers up to 150%. Our quote for this plan came to $139 for a 35-year-old cruising Mexico.

Medical evacuation travel insurance is a type of travel insurance that can cover the costs of medically necessary emergency evacuation . It applies if you become seriously injured or ill on your trip and there are no appropriate medical facilities where you are. 

With medical evacuation coverage, your insurance generally pays for transportation costs to get to a medical facility with adequate care, which may include land and air ambulance . It also covers the price of a medical escort and may provide coverage for a companion to help you during a hospitalization. Medical evacuation policies frequently offer repatriation benefits, which can get you home after emergency medical treatment.

Medical evacuation travel insurance is crucial if you plan to visit a remote destination or an area with limited medical facilities. With this coverage, you can travel confidently, knowing you can be transported to appropriate medical care without overwhelming costs. 

Medical evacuation travel insurance could save your life, and that’s priceless. Prompt medical care from a capable medical facility could be a matter of life and death, particularly if you’ve experienced trauma and need critical care as soon as possible .

Getting medical evacuation travel insurance is often worth it compared to the out-of-pocket cost of medical evacuation. Sure, you might travel your entire life and never need an emergency medical evacuation. But if you do need medical evacuation, the costs can be catastrophic. 

Don’t overlook the value of the support offered by an insurance company’s assistance hotline. If you’re seriously injured or ill, you may struggle to coordinate care and may face language barriers or unfamiliarity with local and regional medical care. An assistance hotline to coordinate care could be crucial in getting the lifesaving medical care you need.

How much medical evacuation travel insurance is worth to you depends on your health conditions, where you plan to travel, and what you plan to do when you travel. If you travel domestically or to locations with robust healthcare facilities, medical evacuation travel insurance might not be beneficial to you. 

On the other hand, if you plan to visit remote locations or destinations with limited access to medical care, medical evacuation travel insurance is probably worth getting. It’s also a good idea if you plan to engage in activities with a high risk of accidents or injuries, such as backcountry skiing or mountaineering.

Consider these factors as you determine whether medical evacuation travel insurance is worth it for you:

• Your destination and its medical infrastructure
• Planned travel activities
• Preexisting health conditions
• Your financial ability to pay for evacuation expenses
• How far you’re traveling from home

Medical Evacuation Is Costly

If you need medical evacuation, you should expect it to cost at least $20,000 just for transportation , according to Allianz Travel Insurance . That number can increase exponentially to $200,000 or more if evacuation is complicated, such as needing a medevac from a remote mountain. 

Emergency transportation can also cover the cost of getting you home once you’re stable. That might be more complicated than you’d think. You may need to ride home on a stretcher with a medical escort who can monitor your condition and administer care. This type of flight generally costs about $25,000 to $30,000, and an air ambulance may cost up to $50,000.

These costs are only for transporting you to and from the hospital , as evacuation is just part of the cost of emergency medical treatment. It’s also best to get medical evacuation coverage as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan with emergency medical coverage. 

Don’t count on Medicare to cover medical evacuation on a cruise ship or while traveling abroad. Medicare medical evacuation coverage is limited to particular circumstances. For example, Medicare may pay when you have a medical emergency in the U.S., and a foreign hospital that can treat you is closer than any hospital in the U.S.

Credit Card Travel Insurance May Limit Medical Evacuation Coverage

Credit cards with travel insurance coverage may provide medical evacuation benefits, but not all do. Check the limits on your medical evacuation benefit and understand that actual medical evacuation costs could exceed your benefits. 

For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve ® covers up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation and transportation costs . That might be enough if you’re not too far from adequate medical care, but it’s probably not enough coverage to get you out of a remote area with a severe injury.

Some credit cards offer medical evacuation coverage with no limit. The Platinum Card ® from American Express is one of the best travel cards and offers emergency evacuation with no specified limit under its Premium Global Assistance coverage. 

If your credit card’s emergency medical evacuation coverage isn’t adequate for your needs, travel insurance with medical evacuation benefits may be worth it.

Medical evacuation travel insurance is often part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. All of the quotes we got were about $50 to $140. You should expect comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage costs of about 5% to 10% of your trip. 

Your cost of medical evacuation travel insurance may vary depending on factors including:

• Age: Your age is a significant factor in medical evacuation travel insurance costs, as older travelers are considered more at high risk for travel insurance coverage.
• Health Conditions: You may pay more for your policy if you need coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Destination: Traveling to a location with limited medical facilities, high health care costs, or travel advisories may require paying a higher premium for medical evacuation travel insurance.
• Travel Duration: The longer you plan to travel, the greater the risk, so you’ll pay more to insure an extended travel period.
• Activities: The activities you plan on your trip, such as adventure sports, can increase the cost of your medical evacuation travel insurance premium.
• Policy Details: Your policy’s coverage limits, deductibles, copayments, and features, such as emergency assistance services, will influence how much you pay to carry a medical evacuation travel insurance policy.

Adventure travel insurance policies may cost more but deliver the coverage you need if risky activities are in your travel plans.

Your coverage with a medical evacuation travel insurance policy depends on the travel insurance company, plan, coverage selections, and other policy details. Still, you can generally expect a medical evacuation travel insurance policy to at least cover emergency medical evacuation along with medical treatment, monitoring, and coordination.

Let’s look at some of the coverages common among medical evacuation travel insurance policies:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation: This coverage covers the cost of transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility, which could require air, land, or sea emergency transportation with ambulance services.
• Medical Escort: Medical escort coverage provides medical care and monitoring while you’re en route to a medical facility. For example, you may be escorted and treated by doctors and nurses on a medevac helicopter to a hospital.
• Care Coordination: Travel insurance companies generally offer an emergency assistance line and coordination that can help you find and coordinate with local healthcare providers, monitor your situation, and communicate between you, the medical staff, and your family. They may facilitate admission to hospitals with financial guarantees.
• Support Travel: Whether you’re traveling alone and need a support person to meet you or you have a traveling companion who needs to come with you, medical evacuation travel insurance may pay for transportation and other costs for a support person so you don’t have to be hospitalized without a trusted friend or family member.
• Repatriation: Emergency medical evacuation travel insurance may pay to get you home or to a medical facility near your home after you’re stable.

Comprehensive travel insurance plans are the most common type with emergency medical evacuation coverage. However, you may have access to specialized plans that focus mainly on emergency medical treatment and evacuation. These plans may offer higher coverage limits and more specialized services.

You can also look for specialized travel insurance policies. For example, you’d want adventure travel insurance with medical evacuation if you plan to climb a remote mountain or cruise travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage if you’re concerned you may need medical evacuation from a cruise ship. 

It’s also worth considering an annual travel insurance policy or multi-trip coverage, which can cover all your travel within a year.

Read our travel insurance introductory guide to learn more about travel insurance options, which frequently include emergency medical evacuation coverage.

As you compare emergency medical evacuation travel insurance policies, consider these factors:

• Cost: While the price of a medical evacuation travel insurance policy may pale compared to actual evacuation costs, you still want to be mindful of how much you pay for coverage. Consider adjusting coverage levels, deductibles, and copays to get the right coverage at a reasonable price.
• Coverage Limits: Compare how much coverage you get from one policy to another. A policy may be more expensive but offer greater coverage. You should also look at the emergency medical coverage limits of each policy.
• Covered Benefits: The features of medical evacuation travel insurance policies vary between companies and plans. Confirm that the plans you’re considering offer the benefits you want, such as transportation for a support person to join you in the hospital.
• Policy Limitations: Make sure your policy doesn’t place limitations that would restrict key coverage, such as not covering the region or country you’re visiting, your trip exceeding the allowed duration, or your age or preexisting conditions excluding you from receiving full benefits.
• Additional Coverage: Medical evacuation coverage may be a major consideration, but consider the complete package when choosing a travel insurance policy. Trip interruption and cancellation, emergency hotlines, and other coverage can be valuable features for protecting your trip.
• Customer Service and Claims: Read customer reviews to learn about the claims process, how well the company delivers on claims and services, and what you can expect if you buy a policy.

You can usually get medical evacuation travel insurance as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan . Start by getting quotes from travel insurance companies directly, or use a travel insurance comparison website such as Squaremouth to get quotes for multiple policies simultaneously. 

Another option is looking at the coverage offered when you book travel. For example, an airline or online travel agency may allow you to add travel insurance to your booking. Read the fine print to find out if it covers medical evacuation and learn about the coverage details. It makes sense to compare policies offered at booking to the quotes you can get independently from travel insurance companies.

You may have travel protection, including medical evacuation coverage, available with your credit card. Check your benefits guide to see what’s covered, how much coverage you get, and when it applies.

Emergency medical evacuation travel insurance can be critical coverage if you experience a medical emergency while traveling. Getting a travel insurance policy with medical evacuation coverage can offer a financial safety net and the assurance of lifesaving support in case of a medical crisis. While medical evacuation insurance can add to your travel costs, the savings can be exponential if you need to use your coverage.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover medical evacuation.

Regular health insurance and Medicare may cover medical evacuation under limited circumstances, but in most cases, your plan won’t cover it. Comprehensive travel insurance policies commonly offer medical evacuation coverage.

How much medical evacuation insurance should I get?

You should get at least $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance. If you’re traveling to a particularly remote or dangerous location, you may opt for medical evacuation insurance of up to $1 million.

How much does it cost to be medically evacuated?

Medical evacuation costs vary depending on the complexity of your evacuation but generally range from $20,000 to $200,000 just for transportation costs.

What is the difference between medical evacuation and repatriation?

Medical evacuation gets you to the closest medical facility that can treat you effectively, while repatriation brings you home. For example, you may get a medical evacuation to a regional hospital for critical care, then repatriation to a medical facility near your home once your condition is stable enough for travel.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Medical Evacuation Insurance: Often Overlooked, But a Potential Lifesaver

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Table of Contents

What is medical evacuation insurance?

What does medical evacuation insurance cover, how much coverage should you have, how to get medical evacuation insurance (maybe for free).

If you get injured or sick during your trip, travel insurance can come to your rescue by reimbursing the cost of prepaid travel arrangements, like a hotel room, rental car or airfare. But it won’t necessarily cover the actual costs to get medical treatment, nor will it always cover the cost of transportation to get care.

For most people, you’ll need to rely on your existing medical insurance to cover the treatment. And while some health insurers cover you anywhere in the world, not all do, so check your policy before traveling.

Even if your plan covers treatment abroad, it may not cover transportation to get there, like an ambulance ride or perhaps even a helicopter. For that, you’ll need medical evacuation insurance.

Medical evacuation insurance is typically included in travel insurance policies. It’s also commonly sold in tandem with travel medical expense insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment during your trip.

The exact terms of medical evacuation insurance vary by policy, but generally speaking, this type of insurance covers medical transportation, such as an ambulance ride or air evacuation services, to the nearest adequate medical facility. If you need to head back home for treatment, some plans may also cover the cost to change your flight or book new travel arrangements so you can return sooner.

Again, exact coverage varies by policy, but it generally encompasses:

Emergency transportation to the nearest adequate treatment center

Most policies promise transportation to what’s generally referred to as an “adequate” treatment center. But “adequate” can be a relative term, and a medical facility not up to your personal standards might still be deemed adequate by your insurer. And not all policies will pay for a flight back home to visit the doctor you already know.

However, if local doctors can’t help, medical evacuation usually covers transportation home. Those doctors would have to provide documentation that your condition is either untreatable locally or severe enough that a flight home is necessary.

A medical escort or travel companion’s travel

Some policies cover not just your transportation, but also the cost of someone else to accompany you. In some cases, that might need to be a medical professional who can support you throughout the journey, such as by administering oxygen. In other cases, it might be a trusted family member or friend.

Some policies cover only economy-class airfare, while others might cover business class, but only with a doctor’s order.

Repatriation of remains

Should you die during the trip, repatriation can transport your remains home. Typically this service also covers the costs of embalming, local cremation or a casket to transport remains by air.

If going to the doctor for a sprained ankle at home seems expensive even if you’re insured and visiting an in-network doctor, then getting coverage for an emergency abroad might be even costlier.

Most medical evacuation insurance coverage starts at $100,000 per year, but even that might not be enough. The national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000, according to medical travel service Flying Angels. That’s just an average, so flights to remote places could easily be more expensive.

Plus, it’s unlikely your existing insurance will cover an air ambulance. About two-thirds of medical flights in 2017 for people with private insurance are still out-of-network, according to the U.S. General Accounting Office, meaning you’re on the hook for most or all of that bill, unless you have medical evacuation insurance.

Throw in the actual cost of treatment, plus last-minute flights for you, a travel companion and a medical escort, and $100,000 might not go that far. Then again, some policies cover as much as $1 million or $2 million per person.

While accidents can happen anywhere, you’re less likely to need medical insurance for a winter trip that entails building snowmen and drinking cocoa in the cabin versus going backcountry skiing on challenging runs. Understand the risk and your risk tolerance. With the former scenario, slipping on an icy sidewalk might mean a patch-up at urgent care that costs a few hundred dollars, especially if your travel companions can drive you. In contrast, a severe injury with the latter might necessitate a full rescue crew.

Read the fine print

Like any travel cost, it’s always wise to read the fine print of your specific policy. Some have additional limits, require specific paperwork or exclude certain circumstances. Though this list is far from comprehensive, here are some common things to look out for:

Whether you have primary or secondary coverage: If your medical evacuation coverage is considered secondary coverage, that means it kicks in after your primary health insurance plan.

Trip length requirements: Some policies won’t cover trips longer than a certain period (60 days is common).

Distance from home: Many policies exclude accidents occurring within 100 miles of your home.

Documentation required: You typically can’t just twist your ankle, rebook an early flight home and expect to successfully file a claim, even if your ankle is puffy and painful. Most policies require extensive documentation, like approvals from a legally licensed physician that emergency evacuation is warranted. Save every receipt and get documentation of everything.

Medical evacuation insurance coverage is sometimes included with comprehensive travel insurance policies , alongside other forms of travel insurance like lost luggage insurance . Prices vary by the length and nature of your trip, so a long weekend at a resort would likely cost far less than a multiweek camping adventure off the grid.

However, you might already have travel insurance — and not need to pay any extra for it. That’s because many premium travel credit cards include medical evacuation insurance within their trip insurance policies, which are often a benefit for trips paid for on that credit card . If you’re considering purchasing trip insurance anyway, this benefit alone can easily offset any annual fees on the credit card.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Travel insurance

What is medical evacuation insurance? 

Jennifer Simonson

Jennifer Lobb

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:22 a.m. UTC Nov. 13, 2023

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Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from a previously published  story .

• Medical evacuation insurance provides coverage for emergency medical transportation to the nearest adequate treatment center if you become seriously injured or ill while traveling. 
• If your attending physician determines you should be transported home for care, the cost of emergency medical transportation could be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Medical evacuation insurance can pay to transport your children home if you require a lengthy hospital stay. 

Imagine you are on your dream vacation skiing through the Swiss Alps and you take a serious tumble that shatters your femur. To make matters worse, the healthcare facility in the remote town you are visiting doesn’t have adequate doctors, equipment or supplies to treat you. What do you do? 

To pay out of pocket to be transported to a proper medical facility could potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars. That is where a comprehensive travel insurance plan with emergency medical evacuation benefits comes into play. 

While every plan is different, buying enough medical evacuation insurance coverage can give you peace of mind that you will be taken care of no matter what happens when you are away from home. And that an outrageous medical bill isn’t one of the souvenirs you bring home.

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What is medical evacuation insurance?

Medical evacuation insurance is often found in comprehensive travel insurance policies in the form of a benefit called emergency medical evacuation, medical evacuation or repatriation insurance. This benefit covers the cost of emergency medical transportation to the nearest adequate treatment center if you become seriously injured or ill while traveling. If a qualified facility is not available, it may even cover the cost of transporting you back home. 

A physician generally certifies that the severity of the accidental injury or illness warrants the move. The ultimate objective is to save your life, arm, or leg by ensuring you receive the emergency treatment you require. 

Do I need medical evacuation insurance? 

If you’re traveling in a location not covered by your domestic health care plan and are not prepared to pay for medical bills out of pocket, travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage is crucial, says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners.

Emergency medical treatment overseas can be challenging to navigate. Most providers do not accept U.S. health insurance plans, Medicare or Medicaid. Travel insurance companies can help by coordinating with doctors, providing translation services, arranging emergency transportation and handling billing, says Durazo.  

How much does medical evacuation cost? 

Medical evacuation charges are not cheap, especially in remote locations.

“The cost of emergency medical transportation can run into the tens of thousands of dollars or more, and varies based on the traveler’s health condition, care required and their location,” Durazo said. 

Medical evacuations are logistically challenging to coordinate leading to the high cost of transportation. According to Durazo, if you need emergency medical transportation back to the U.S., it can cost the following.

How much medical evacuation insurance do I need? 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends at least $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance if you are traveling internationally. If traveling to a remote location or going on a cruise, Squaremouth recommends $250,000 in coverage.

You can buy medical evacuation insurance coverage for up to $1 million, depending on the travel insurance plan you buy. 

What does medical evacuation insurance cover?

Medical evacuation insurance typically covers emergency transportation, medical escorts, the cost of a companion to be by your side and the cost to send your children home if there is no one available to care for them. 

Emergency transportation 

If you become seriously ill or injured while traveling, medical evacuation insurance can cover the cost of transportation to the nearest adequate facility for treatment. If medically necessary, it may even cover the cost of your flight back home.

Should emergency medical transportation be deemed necessary, options may include air ambulance or commercial carrier, Durazo said. 

While some might assume an air ambulance is the best mode of transportation, most patients report a better experience on a commercial carrier. Commercial airlines not only offer more options for direct flights, better overall flight quality and more room for medical staff and travel companions, but they also allow patients to travel in either first or business class where they can lay flat if medically necessary. 

Medical escort 

Medical evacuation insurance can pay for the cost of medical escort services should you need a medical professional to assist you on the trip home. In-flight medical teams could include nurses, paramedics or doctors that monitor vital signs, manage pain and assist with medication administration. 

Transport to bedside 

If you become seriously ill or injured or develop a medical condition while on your trip requiring hospitalization for more than a predetermined amount of time, the insurance might arrange and pay for round-trip transportation for a family member or friend to stay with you. 

Some plans also provide compensation for food, hotel and other expenses your bedside companion incurs while remaining close to you is also available on certain plans. 

Return of dependents

Insurance companies may also pay for the transportation of traveling companions who are under the age of 18 to their primary residence or a location of your choice if you do not have an adult family member traveling with you who can care for them. 

You typically need to be told by the treating doctor that you will be in the hospital for a minimum number of days before you can claim this benefit.

What does medical evacuation not cover? 

While medical evacuation insurance covers most illnesses and accidents, be aware that injuries resulting from extreme, high-risk sports and activities like bungee jumping, skiing in areas accessed by helicopter, free climbing and skydiving are often excluded from coverage. 

If you are planning risky activities, look into a travel insurance plan that offers an adventure bundle. The Travel Guard Deluxe plan, for example, comes with up to $1 million in coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains and offers an Adventure Sports upgrade that removes the exclusions for adventure and extreme activities. 

Other exclusions to medical evacuation coverage may include: 

• Transportation not pre-approved by the travel insurance company.
• Transportation that goes against the advice of your physician.
• Pre-existing medical conditions.
• Mental or psychological disorder.
• Normal pregnancy or childbirth (complications are generally not excluded).
• Intentional injury, suicide or attempted suicide.
• Loss that occurs within 100 miles of your home.

Make sure you read and understand the exclusions listed in your travel insurance policy. Travel insurance companies typically offer 14 or 15 days to review your plan. During this “free look” period, you can request a refund if you’re not satisfied with the coverage. 

When would I need medical evacuation insurance?

While it is always a good idea to travel with medical evacuation insurance, it is even more important to do so when you are traveling off the beaten path such as on safaris, Antarctic expeditions or car trips through remote countryside. 

“Slips and falls that result in broken legs, broken hips and head injuries are some of the most frequent things we transport for,” said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport company Medjet. “We also see a lot of cardiovascular episodes such as heart attacks and strokes as well as infections that have progressed to sepsis.”

Other medical transport options 

Most medical evacuation insurance plans stipulate that you are flown to the nearest adequate facility for treatment. Once you reach that “acceptable facility,” you are often required to stay there until you’ve recovered to the fullest extent possible before being flown home via a commercial carrier. If you are unhappy with that facility because the most modern equipment is not available, the language barrier is frustrating or simply because you do not want to have corrective surgery so far from home, you are often out of luck. 

“People need to understand what the ‘acceptable facility’ and ‘medically necessary’ terms in their coverage really mean. When you read about people with very good travel insurance ‘stuck’ in foreign hospitals, it’s usually because of those terms,” said Gobbels. “The insurance company gets to decide what’s acceptable and whether it’s medically necessary to move you.”

That’s where “medical transport memberships” like Medjet can help. They pick up where insurance leaves off. With a medical transport membership, you can choose the hospital where you are treated even if it is not the same one deemed the closest adequate hospital by the insurance company.

“We move you just because you want to be moved home. It doesn’t have to be “medically necessary” to move you,” he said about medical transport memberships. “You get to choose whether you want to go home or not. That’s the difference.”

What if I am traveling within the United States? 

If you are traveling within the United States or to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the need for medical evacuation insurance is less dire. 

If you are traveling to a remote location like the Rocky Mountain backcountry or an adventure-oriented trip like hiking the Grand Canyon, purchasing a travel insurance plan that includes medical evacuation might still be the smart choice. 

While your domestic health care plan likely covers transportation to a hospital within the U.S., it probably does not cover a flight home requiring medical equipment and a medical escort. In addition, you would still be responsible for copays and deductions. 

How do I buy medical evacuation insurance? 

Medical evacuation insurance is often included in comprehensive travel insurance plans, but you can also buy a stand-alone travel medical plan. 

One such option is the OneTrip Emergency Medical plan from Allianz, which includes up to $250,000 in emergency medical transportation, $50,000 for medical and dental emergencies and $10,000 in travel accident coverage.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Jennifer Simonson covers everything from business to the wine industry to international travel. Outdoor adventure, water parks and all things Texas are by far her favorite beats. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Smithsonian Magazine, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Slate and more. You can follow her on Instagram at @storiestoldwell.

Jennifer Lobb is deputy editor at USA TODAY Blueprint and is an experienced insurance and personal finance writer. Jennifer served as an insurance staff writer and editor at U.S. News and World Report and deputy editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor. She also spent several years covering finance and insurance for various financial media sites, including LendingTree and Investopedia. For nearly a decade, she’s helped consumers make educated decisions about the products that protect their finances, families and homes.

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Medical Evacuation Insurance |

Axa travel protection: travel medical expense and emergency evacuation insurance plan   .

When exploring the world, the last thing you want to consider is a medical emergency. That is why AXA Travel Protection offers you reliable support when you need it most. Our travel coverage protects you against unexpected medical situations, including Emergency Evacuations and more. Let us delve into the details to understand how AXA Travel Protection has your back in times of need. 

Covering Emergency Evacuations 

Life is unpredictable, and accidents or sickness can strike even during your travels. That is why AXA Travel Protection provides coverage for emergency evacuations. If you suffer from an accidental injury or illness during your trip that requires immediate medical attention, we have you covered. We can pay benefits for the covered evacuation expenses incurred up to the maximum benefit mentioned in your policy. 

What is included in Covered Evacuation Expenses? 

AXA Travel Protection covers reasonable and customary expenses related to your Emergency Evacuation. This includes necessary transportation, medical services and supplies required during evacuation. We are committed to getting you to safety using the most direct and cost-effective route possible. 

Transportation Details 

Transportation arrangements are made with precision and care. We ensure that the attending physician recommends all transportation, complies with conveyance regulations, and is authorized in advance by us or our authorized travel assistance company.   

What is an Emergency Evacuation?

In the event of an accidental injury or sickness that warrants immediate transportation from a location, Emergency Evacuation or Medical Emergency Evacuation is deployed to rescue or treat the patient. These services are designed to transport the affected individual to a suitable medical facility for treatment or rescue purposes.

Understanding Emergency Evacuation 

Emergency Evacuation might sound daunting, but it is designed to ensure your well-being.Here is what it means:

Hospital-to-Hospital Transport: We have your back if your medical condition requires swift transfer from the initial hospital where you received treatment to the nearest hospital that can provide suitable medical care. 

Returning Home for Further Treatment: If your situation demands it, we will organize transportation for you to return home after treatment so you can continue recovery or receive further medical attention. 

Combination of Both: Sometimes, circumstances call for a variety of the above situations. We are here to make sure your evacuation needs are met. 

Is Emergency Evacuation necessary?

Maximum Benefit: $1,000,000 Hospital Companion: $10,000 File for a  Free Quote  to see the full range of coverage details.

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Emergency Evacuation FAQs

Who should i call during an emergency evacuation.

If you experience a medical emergency during your travels, contact your local emergency services. Then call AXA’s 24/7 emergency services: 855-327-1442

Transportation of Minor Children and Hospital Companions  

Your loved ones are important to us too. If you are expected to be in the hospital for over seven days following a covered emergency evacuation or if the worst occurs and you pass away during your trip, we will ensure the safe return of your unattended minor child(ren) (under the age of eighteen (18)) who accompanied you on the trip. They will be taken to the domicile of a person nominated by you or your next of kin, with an attendant if needed. 

For those times when you find yourself alone in a hospital for more than seven consecutive days due to an accidental injury or sickness, we will arrange for a companion of your choice to visit you once.  

This person will be provided with necessary transportation, authorized and organized by us while adhering to the applicable guidelines. 

Why choose AXA Travel Protection

With a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, AXA provides assistance with a wide range of features that include: 

• Extensive knowledge of local health risks and medical facilities to respond swiftly in the event of a medical emergency
• 24/7 global team of travel experts that offers assistance and assurance while traveling

How to get a Travel Protection Quote Receive a  free quote  within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441  to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time Disclaimer: It is important to note that the specifics for Emergency Evacuation will depend on the policy selected, date of purchase, destination, and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy, and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have.

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation Protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

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Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage | Travel Insurance Guide

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over seven years. A journalist by trade, her experience includes communications and marketing management in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors.

No one wants to think about the possibility of being involved in a major accident or having a medical emergency during a vacation. However, it’s important to plan for the worst-case scenario — especially if you’re traveling to a country where you do not speak the primary language or an area with a less robust medical system.

Medical evacuation coverage can provide financial protection if a traveler experiences an emergency and requires evacuation to a medical facility. You can buy medical evacuation coverage alone or as part of a travel insurance policy. Read on to learn more about medical evacuation coverage, what it is and how much it costs, and the best travel insurance companies offering coverage. 

What Is Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage?

Medical evacuation coverage is a type of travel medical insurance that covers the cost of transportation if you experience an emergency while traveling. For example, if you need an ambulance ride after breaking your leg in Paris or require a helicopter evacuation if you are seriously hurt while hiking Mount Fuji in Japan. If you’re visiting an area with limited medical services, medical evacuation coverage could also include transportation home or to an international hospital with sufficient resources to treat your condition. 

Medical evacuation coverage is worth considering if you’re traveling abroad without sufficient health insurance. American-issued health care, notably Medicaid, does not always extend coverage outside the country. Without coverage, you could end up with a final bill ranging between $25,000 to $100,000 or more for the cost of medical evacuation services.

Evacuation insurance is usually included as part of a travel insurance policy’s medical coverage. Other coverage found alongside medical evacuation includes the cost of emergency care you receive abroad and the repatriation of your remains if you pass away in another country. You can also purchase independent medical evacuation coverage on its own with select providers. 

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What Does Medical Evacuation Insurance Cover?

Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of medical evacuation to a medical facility elsewhere in the area you’re traveling to or back in the U.S. However, there are other factors to consider during a medical evacuation or emergency, like what will happen to the rest of your family or travel companions. We’ve included specifics below as to what medical evacuation insurance covers:

Emergency Transportation

First and foremost, medical evacuation covers the cost if you sustain a serious or life-threatening injury while traveling and need urgent transportation to a medical facility. It can also cover transport to a U.S.-based facility if deemed necessary.

Medical Escort Upon Arrival

If the medical professionals treating you deem it necessary for you to return to the U.S. for continued treatment, medical evacuation coverage will cover the costs if you require specialized care on the flight home. A medical escort may be on hand to administer intravenous antibiotics or supply oxygen during your flight.

Support Person Expenses

Medical evacuation insurance can pay for a round-trip flight for a family member to accompany you if you need to be hospitalized due to your illness or injury. However, this coverage can vary between policies and usually has a minimum hospital stay requirement before kicking in.

Certain policies will include additional benefits such as compensation for hotel stays, meals and other costs a support person may incur.

Flights for Children

Your medical evacuation insurance can arrange to have your children flown home if you are hospitalized while on vacation with your family. Coverage benefits will compensate for related costs, minus any refunds for unused airfare if your initial trip is cut short.

Repatriation of Remains

In the event of your or a travel companion’s death, evacuation coverage includes repatriation benefits or the cost of transporting remains back to your home country.

Checking Fine Print for Evacuation Coverage

As is the case with any type of insurance, it’s important to check the fine print and details of what a policy does and does not cover when you purchase medical evacuation coverage. Start by taking a look at the details of situations that warrant emergency evacuation coverage compared to the details of your trip. For example, you usually need to be at least 100 miles away from your departure point to qualify for evacuation coverage. Trip length restrictions are also common — if you plan to be away from home for more than 60 days, you may need a special policy or coverage rider. 

Next, read a policy’s fine details and note any medical exclusions in which the company waives liability. For example, some medical coverage is listed as “secondary,” which means you’ll need to first exhaust your health insurance benefits before travel medical insurance will pay a portion of the remaining expenses. 

Some medical evacuation policies also include limitations on benefits if you participate in extreme sports or other dangerous activities abroad, such as skydiving. Some companies may allow you to add a waiver or extend benefits to include certain circumstances if you plan on playing sports, snorkeling, scuba diving or participating in another commonly excluded recreational activity. 

It is also important to familiarize yourself with your insurance provider’s claims submission policy. In most cases, providers limit the use of coverage unless a return home or other transportation is determined medically necessary by local physicians or other healthcare providers. Be sure to keep every form of documentation of medical services and treatments you receive to submit to your insurance provider. You can also keep your medical evacuation provider’s number in your list of important travel documents so it’s accessible in the event of an accident. 

How Much Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance Is Necessary?

Travel insurance coverage limits, or the amount your provider will cover, vary by plan and provider. Most medical evacuation plans provide $1 million in medical evacuation coverage per person, although limits may be lower depending on the provider.

It’s up to you to decide how much coverage you need depending on where you are going and what you may be doing — higher allowances naturally offer more financial protection in the event of an emergency.

Some insurance companies offer a grace period of around two weeks to look over your policy and be sure it is right for you. Companies may offer reimbursement if you decide to cancel the plan or decide you need more coverage.

When Should You Get Medical Evacuation Insurance?

While you can purchase medical evacuation insurance for general peace of mind, there are certain situations in which it could be useful — like if you’re traveling to a remote area or participating in certain sporting activities. As a traveler or an expatriate, you may find yourself in a location without high-quality healthcare facilities. Likewise, remote locations can have limited transport infrastructure to support you in an emergency. Medical evacuation insurance can ensure you receive the care you need if you or your travel companion get hurt and require immediate care.

We suggest you compare medical evacuation coverage options as early as possible. While medical evacuation coverage typically does not have purchase time limits in the same way as coverage for pre-existing conditions , shopping early leaves you more time to review policy choices. We recommend shopping for travel insurance in the early stages of your travel planning to gain access to the most comprehensive medical benefits. 

Do You Need Medical Evacuation and Travel Medical Insurance?

When deciding if you need medical evacuation and travel medical insurance, consider your destination first and planned activities. Familiarize yourself with local hospitals near where you are staying and the location of major medical facilities nearby. You can also look into average medical facility staffing and quality — if you’re traveling to an area with less funded medical facilities and plan to participate in sporting events, consider investing in travel medical insurance.

We also recommend looking into the health insurance coverage you already have and how it applies abroad. For example, Medicare will not cover most medical expenses incurred abroad. If your health insurance does not cover services where you are traveling, consider protecting yourself financially with travel insurance that includes medical benefits.

“How much travel medical insurance is needed is unique to every traveler,” said Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners . “There are several factors to consider.”

Borden also posed some questions worth thinking through when deciding on medical evacuation and travel medical insurance:

“Do you have pre-existing conditions or other health concerns where having additional coverage would be advantageous or give you peace of mind?” she asked. “How long is your trip? The longer you’re away from home, the higher the chances you could get sick or hurt while traveling. What is your budget? Would you have the financial resources to cover a medical emergency out of pocket? Do you have other insurance?” 

Answering these questions can help make deciding on a policy easier.

How Much Does Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of medical evacuation insurance depends on your provider and coverage type. Companies like Medjet offer annual, membership-based medical evacuation and transport services for around $315 to $500 or more, depending on your selected coverage.

You can also obtain single-trip coverage by purchasing a travel insurance policy. Travel insurance premiums vary depending on your plan, coverage limits and provider. Based on quotes we gathered for companies like Seven Corners and Tin Leg, a comprehensive policy with $500,000 to $1 million in evacuation coverage plus emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation benefits costs between $52 to $79 .

Keep in mind that your travel insurance costs may vary depending on your trip details and coverage needs.

How To Use Medical Evacuation Coverage

In the event of a medical emergency, it’s important to know how to use your coverage. These general steps can help you in knowing how to use your travel medical evacuation coverage. 

Contact local emergency services: If you or someone you’re traveling with requires medical attention, call local emergency services for immediate assistance. Ensure you or your companion receive any necessary initial medical attention before trying to navigate your insurance coverage.

Call your insurance provider’s emergency line: As soon as it’s safe to do so, inform your travel insurance company’s 24/7 emergency services hotline about the situation. Utilize the company’s dedicated assistance line for real-time support and include any current documentation you have for your claim. For example, if there is a police report in progress when you call for medical attention, you may want to request a copy to submit to your insurer later on.

Insurance case review and physician consultation: Your insurance provider will initiate a comprehensive case review, potentially contacting a physician to evaluate your medical condition where you are located. This consultation is crucial in determining the necessity of emergency medical transport and is required for reimbursement and coverage of services in most cases. 

Physician certification: To validate your medical evacuation coverage, your attending physician must certify the severity of your case and endorse the need for the service. Ideally, this certification occurs in advance of the evacuation but depending on the situation, may need to be submitted after the fact. You can request that your attending physician submit this information to your insurance provider using online claims submission or by contacting the emergency line. 

Ideally, aim to notify your insurance provider of your need for emergency medical evacuation and transport before it occurs. While this might not always be possible depending on the circumstances and the type of emergency you’re experiencing, notifying your insurance provider can help streamline the claims process. 

How Does Evacuation Transportation Work?

Initially, you will be transported to the nearest acceptable medical facility for treatment. Depending on the severity of your injury, you will stay at the facility until you can travel home. 

The circumstances surrounding the medical emergency will dictate how you’re transported home following an injury or illness abroad. In most circumstances, your travel insurance provider will arrange a commercial flight home for you and your traveling companions as soon as your physician deems it medically safe for you to leave. If you have a medical condition that requires you to lie down, you’ll likely be flown first or business class home. 

If commercial air transport is not safe or viable, an air ambulance may be used to provide a direct flight back home. However, this option is not preferred for several reasons. First, the ambulance must stop every four to six hours to re-fuel, delaying the total transit time. These vehicles can also usually only accommodate the patient, a companion and medical professionals in tight quarters and may not have a bathroom. Whenever possible, it’s better to opt for a commercial flight home, even if a direct route is not available. 

Benefits of Medical Evacuation Coverage

There are multiple benefits to investing in medical evacuation coverage. This type of insurance ensures you will receive transportation to an adequate facility if you experience a life-threatening emergency while traveling. You will also have peace of mind that if the worst were to happen while traveling, you have a plan in place and financial protection from medical evacuation costs.

How To Purchase Medical Evacuation Coverage

When looking into purchasing medical evacuation insurance, you may find it is usually part of a comprehensive travel plan. Comprehensive travel insurance also includes emergency medical care and trip interruption, cancellation and delays .

If you don’t need the additional coverage a comprehensive plan provides, you can purchase a standalone travel medical plan with medical evacuation coverage. You can also opt for a membership or service that provides travel medical evacuation and transport services, such as Global Rescue or Medjet.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Medical Evacuation Insurance

There are certain factors to consider when evaluating medical evacuation insurance plans, especially if coverage is part of a comprehensive travel policy. Understanding the policy exclusions and limitations is important to ensure you have adequate coverage in the event of an emergency.

Common travel insurance exclusions include the following:

• Extreme sports: Some coverage plans exclude medical coverage if you are hurt from participating in extreme sports, such as rock climbing or skydiving. However, some providers offer coverage add-ons to cover extreme sporting events.
• Hospital-stay requirements: If you are hurt while traveling and need transport to a hospital, your policy may require you to stay for a certain number of days before support benefits kick in. For example, your policy may only cover flying your children home or out to visit you once you are in the hospital for an extended period.
• Hospital of choice: Most travel insurance plans will fly you to the nearest adequate facility if you need further care, not allowing you to choose the location. Some plans offer add-on coverage that allows you to choose a different hospital for further treatment, and membership services such as Medjet allow you to select the hospital or go back home for care.

Medical Evacuation Insurance for Domestic Trips

If you are a permanent resident of the U.S. and have an active health insurance policy, you may not need to purchase additional medical evacuation coverage while traveling domestically. The country requires long-term health insurance providers to cover all emergency medical services that require immediate attention, regardless of whether the incident occurs within your local insurance network. 

The Affordable Care Act introduced a series of services and treatments that insurance companies must cover as a condition of selling insurance policies. One of these requirements is all types of ambulatory medical services, including transportation to a local medical facility using whatever means medical and safety professionals deem necessary. Coverage also includes emergency services, hospitalization and laboratory services. As a result, medical evacuation insurance will often act as supplemental coverage to your health insurance policy and provide more limited benefits. 

However, in certain circumstances, you might want to consider a medical evacuation policy for a trip within the U.S. If you don’t have health insurance, you could owe tens of thousands of dollars if you require medical transportation and evacuation services. You might also want to buy coverage if you have a health insurance policy with a higher out-of-pocket maximum — sometimes, evacuation coverage is more affordable than relying on less comprehensive health insurance. 

Alternatives To Medical Evacuation Insurance

In addition to purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy with medical evacuation coverage, you can also subscribe to a rescue-only plan. The following companies offer additional options for medical evacuation assistance and coverage. 

Medjet 

If you take multiple adventurous vacations a year, you might consider protecting yourself with annual medical evacuation coverage from a provider like Medjet. Medjet is a subscription-based, global medical transportation and evacuation service. After signing up for coverage, you’ll receive protection throughout the year, which you can use if you’re ever injured abroad. 

Medjet’s most popular policy option is the MedjetAssist coverage, which has the added benefit of returning you to your preferred hospital domestically. While most medical evacuation policies will transport you to the nearest facility equipped to care for your condition, Medjet gives you the option to go straight home so long as you’re at least 150 miles away from your departure point. Medjet also allows you to return to the U.S. regardless of medical necessity, offering more control over your care. 

Medjet offers the option to add MedjetHorizon benefits to your standard coverage for travel security and crisis response services. For example, this policy extends your evacuation services to include non-medical emergencies such as kidnapping, political threats and wrongful detention. MedjetHorizon members also have access to up to $60,000 in upfront cash benefits, as some international hospitals in underdeveloped areas may only have the capacity to accept cash. 

Travelers can purchase Medjet coverage for as little as eight days or as long as five years. Coverage costs start at $314 per year for standard Medjet medical evacuation benefits and $474 annually for MedjetHorizon extended benefits. Travelers can choose coverage limits of 90 to 365 days maximum, which offers an option for expats living abroad full-time. 

Read our full Medjet review to learn more.

Global Rescue

Global Rescue is another worldwide medical evacuation service provider offering international medical and security rescue. Global Rescue maintains multiple teams of rescue professionals at stations around the world, allowing a quicker intervention should a crisis strike. It also maintains partnerships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations, Elite Medical Group and affiliates of Harvard Medical School. 

Like Medjet, Global Rescue allows you to upgrade your medical evacuation insurance to include coverage for political and security-related evacuations. Global Rescue’s security team is staffed by military special operations veterans, and policies protect you against non-medical related hazards like political unrest, natural disasters and terrorist attacks. 

Policies with Global Rescue are available for periods as short as seven days and as long as five years. Policies start at $139 for a seven-day trip and $380 for basic annual coverage. Upgrading to include security evacuation benefits increases your pricing to $260 for a seven-day trip or $790 for annual coverage. Global Rescue also allows you to add coverage for high-altitude excursions and sports, which standard travel insurance policies often exclude. 

Is Medical Evacuation Insurance Worth It?

While we never want to consider the worst when planning a vacation, medical evacuation insurance can protect travelers in the event of an emergency circumstance. Purchasing travel insurance with evacuation coverage can ensure your transport to a local hospital to receive medical attention. It can also prevent you from paying expensive evacuation bills out-of-pocket.

Borden, quoted earlier, makes the case for a well-rounded travel medical insurance plan. 

“While evacuation and repatriation coverage is important, you’re more likely to use the accident and sickness benefits in your plan for things like an unexpected case of the flu or a sprained ankle,” she said. “A plan that provides only medical evacuation may not include coverage for these more common events, leaving you with the medical bills.”

Ultimately, deciding if travel insurance is worth it is up to you. If medical evacuation insurance seems like it would offer you peace of mind while traveling abroad, we recommend requesting free quotes from at least three insurance providers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Evacuation Coverage

What is emergency evacuation travel insurance.

Emergency evacuation insurance covers the cost of transportation to the closest medical facility if you become seriously ill or injured while on vacation.

Does travel insurance cover medical repatriation?

A comprehensive travel insurance plan usually covers medical repatriation, or the cost of returning your remains home if you die abroad. While some insurance companies include this coverage automatically, others may offer it as an add-on that costs extra.

Does travel insurance cover your medical bills?

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include the cost of emergency medical treatment expenses up to a certain limit. Some policies may also include expenses to get you home if you are injured or fall ill overseas. But every policy is different so we suggest checking your provider’s coverage for more information.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical Benefits: The Simple Guide

Do I need emergency medical travel insurance for a U.S. trip?

That depends. If you have a good health insurance plan, you may not need emergency medical insurance while traveling within the U.S.

However, it’s still a good idea! Allianz Travel Insurance’s emergency medical benefits have a few advantages your regular health insurance may not provide:

• There’s no deductible or copay for covered emergency medical expenses. (There is, however, a maximum limit for your emergency medical/dental and emergency transportation benefits, which you’ll find in your plan documents.)
• Depending on the plan you choose, your travel medical insurance may be primary That means it pays your covered medical expenses before any other insurance coverage applies.
• Emergency medical transportation benefits can cover medically necessary medical evacuations. This is a must if you’re traveling to any remote locations—such as fishing in Alaska, or backcountry camping in a national park.
• Your travel insurance also can cover special medical transportation home after an emergency. Your regular insurance may not.

Do I need emergency medical travel insurance if I’m healthy?

Yes! We get more than 4,000 calls each year from travelers who need help with a medical emergency. The most common emergencies we see are things that can happen to anyone, even people who are generally healthy and fit: fractures from falls ; trauma (often from motor vehicle accidents); cardiovascular problems , such as a heart attack or stroke; and pulmonary/respiratory problems , such as a collapsed lung.

Active travelers especially need travel medical insurance, if you plan to participate in activities such as hiking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, etc. on your trip. Just make sure you read the exclusions in your plan. Certain high-risk activities are excluded from coverage.

Do I need to buy emergency medical travel insurance for my kids?

Yes! Children aren’t immune from medical emergencies while traveling, whether a tummy bug or a fractured wrist. Luckily, two of our plans offer free coverage* for children 17 and under when traveling with a parent or grandparent: OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier , which doubles most OneTrip Prime post-departure benefit limits (*not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

Can emergency medical travel insurance cover my pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, but you have to make sure your plan includes the existing medical condition waiver and meets all the requirements. If you insure your full nonrefundable trip costs within 14 days of paying your first trip deposit, and you’re medically able to travel when you do so, you can be covered for most existing medical conditions.

An existing medical condition is defined as an injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the policy purchase date:

• Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
• Presented symptoms; or
• Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).

The illness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed in order to be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

Read more: When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

What happens if I have an emergency while traveling somewhere without high-quality medical facilities?

In situations like these, your emergency transportation benefits can be life-saving. If you suffer a serious illness or injury on your trip and the local medical facilities can’t provide the medical treatment you need, our medical team will arrange and pay to transport you to the closest appropriate facility. Please note, however, that we must make the medical evacuation arrangements — if you do it yourself, your insurance may not pay for it.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency while traveling?

If you need help urgently, call your destination’s equivalent of 911. The free Allianz TravelSmart TM app makes it easy to reach local emergency services with a single tap, wherever you are.

Then, contact 24-hour assistance . Our team of experts can arrange emergency medical transportation, if needed; refer you to pre-screened local medical providers, provide an interpreter, guarantee advance payment for medical care (where accepted), monitor your condition, update relatives back home, and arrange your transportation home. In short, we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re getting the care you need.

Read more: What To Do In A Medical Emergency

Can I buy affordable emergency medical travel insurance?

Yes! Allianz Travel Insurance offers plans for every budget. Low-cost emergency medical travel insurance plans include:

• OneTrip Basic , an economical plan with limited post-departure benefits
• OneTrip Emergency Medical , a flexible plan that includes only post-departure benefits
• AllTrips Basic , an annual travel insurance plan that provides emergency medical benefits for frequent travelers

If you’re planning more than two trips in the next 365 days, you can save money with an annual travel insurance plan:

• AllTrips Prime , which offers affordable peace of mind for a full 365 days of travel
• AllTrips Executive , an annual plan built for business travelers
• AllTrips Premier , which protects world travelers with multiple tiers of benefits

Wondering which plan is right for you? Get a quote for your next trip .

Related Articles

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• Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works
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• Section 5 - Histoplasmosis
• Section 6 - Obtaining Health Care Abroad

Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Rhett Stoney

• Domestic Health Insurance & Overseas Travel

Paying for Health Services Received Abroad

Travel insurance, supplemental travel health & medical evacuation insurance, finding an insurance provider, travelers with underlying medical conditions, medicare beneficiaries.

Severe illness or injury abroad could cause a financial burden to travelers. Regardless of whether they have a domestic health insurance plan, travelers can substantially reduce their out-of-pocket costs for medical care received abroad by purchasing specialized insurance policies in advance of their trip. Three types of policies—travel insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance—each provide different types of coverage in the event of an illness or injury. Such policies might be particularly beneficial to travelers with preexisting medical conditions. Besides protection against costs, the insurance might also help travelers obtain medical care abroad.

Basic accident or travel health insurance might be necessary for travelers with certain itineraries. For example, although cruise lines employ health care staff, the cost for medical treatment delivered onboard a ship might not be included in the price of a passenger's ticket; thus, travelers on cruise ships might want to consider investing in specialized insurance policies.

Domestic Health Insurance & Overseas Travel

Some US health insurance carriers cover medical emergencies that occur when policyholders travel internationally. Encourage travelers to contact their insurer before traveling to learn what medical services, if any, their policies cover. Box 6-01 includes suggested questions travelers should ask their insurance company.

Box 6-01 Supplemental travel health insurance: suggested questions to ask before purchasing a policy

Coverage requirements.

• Do I need preauthorization before receiving treatment, hospital admission, or other medical services?
• Do I need a second opinion before I can receive emergency treatment?
• What are company policies regarding coverage of care received "out of network"?
• Does the company provide policyholders access to a 24/7/365 physician-backed support center?

POTENTIAL EXCLUSIONS

• Does this policy include or exclude coverage for treatment of injuries sustained while participating in high-risk activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving, mountain climbing)?
• Does this policy include or exclude coverage for mental health (psychiatric) emergencies?

PREEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

• Does this policy cover exacerbations of preexisting medical conditions?
• Does this policy cover complications of pregnancy or neonatal intensive care?

During the pretravel consultation, discuss insurance options and suggest that all travelers consider purchasing supplemental medical insurance coverage (see Box 6-02 for a discussion checklist), particularly if they are going to remote destinations or places lacking high-quality medical facilities. Strongly encourage supplemental medical insurance coverage for travelers planning extended international travel, those with underlying health conditions, and those participating in high-risk activities (e.g., scuba diving, mountain climbing) abroad. In addition to covering costs of treatment or medical evacuation, travel health insurers can assist the international traveler by organizing and coordinating care and by keeping relatives informed in the event of a medical emergency, which is especially important when the traveler is severely ill or injured and requires medical evacuation.

Nationalized health care services at a given destination do not necessarily cover health care costs of nonresidents. Even with a supplemental travel health insurance policy in force, receiving medical care abroad usually requires a cash or credit card payment at the point of service, which can result in expenditures of thousands of dollars. US citizens paying for health care abroad should obtain copies of all charges and receipts and, if necessary, contact a US consular officer, who can assist the traveler with transferring funds from the United States.

The US Department of State might be able to offer limited emergency medical assistance loans to US citizens who experience a medical emergency abroad but have no means to pay at point of service and cannot arrange for a transfer of funds from the United States. Travelers must repay these loans, but the funds might be available for temporarily destitute US citizens and their qualified dependents. Once a loan is issued, the Department of State will limit the traveler's US passport and, in most cases, will not issue a new passport until the loan is paid in full. US citizens should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or the US Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 888-407-4747 (or from abroad, +1-202-501-4444), for information about assistance options and eligibility requirements.

Box 6-02 Supplemental travel health insurance: discussion checklist

Travel medicine professional responsibilities.

• Determine travelers' health profile, including underlying medical conditions.
• Identify potential medical needs abroad, including health risks based on itinerary and destination, duration of travel, method of transportation (air-, land-, or water-based), lodgings or accommodations, and planned activities.
• Instruct travelers to review domestic health policies to identify gaps in coverage for identified potential medical needs.
• Discuss the differences between the 3 types of supplemental insurance (travel, travel health, and medical evacuation), and explain how to choose supplemental policies that cover potential medical needs abroad.
• Travelers should be prepared to pay out of pocket at the time services are rendered, in some instances even before care is received, and then provide insurers with copies of bills and invoices to initiate reimbursement afterward.
• Travelers should plan for potential emergencies in advance by identifying health care providers at the destination who see international travelers.

TRAVELER RESPONSIBILITIES

Before travel

• Review domestic health insurance policies to determine what medical services are or are not covered overseas.
• Purchase supplemental travel health insurance coverage based on potential medical needs and health risks.
• Identify medical service providers at destination (for a directory of English-speaking health care providers, see International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers .
• Check with the insurance company to confirm they reimburse for out-of-pocket payments made to healthcare providers abroad. In most cases, health care providers abroad do not accept payment from insurance carriers, and travelers must pay up front (with cash or credit card) for all services received.

During travel

• Carry insurance policy identity cards (including supplemental travel health insurance) and insurance claim forms while traveling.
• Have contact information of medical providers at destination(s).
• Keep copies of all charges and receipts for medical care received.

After travel

• Promptly seek medical attention upon return to the United States and at the first sign of any unexpected complications from care received internationally.
• Bring copies of all summary records, charges, and receipts for medical care received abroad.
• Give the US health care provider the following details: dates of travel, dates medical care received, contact information for the facility and all international health care providers seen.

Travel insurance protects the traveler's financial investment in a trip, including lost baggage and trip cancellation. Travelers who become ill before departing are more likely to avoid or postpone travel if they know their financial investment in the trip is protected. Depending on the policy, travel insurance might not cover medical expenses abroad, so travelers need to carefully research the coverage offered to determine their need for additional travel health and medical evacuation insurance.

Travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance are 2 types of short-term supplemental policies that cover health care costs incurred while abroad. Each is relatively inexpensive. Many commercial companies offer travel health insurance; travelers can purchase such policies separately or together with medical evacuation insurance. Some recommended features to consider when purchasing supplemental travel health and medical evacuation insurance include whether the insurer arranges with hospitals to guarantee direct payment; provides assistance via a 24-hour physician-backed support center, which is critical for medical evacuation insurance; offers emergency medical transport to facilities in the home country (repatriation) or to facilities equivalent to those in the home country; and covers high-risk activities (e.g., scuba diving).

Although travel health insurance covers some international health care costs, the quality of care might be inadequate and medical evacuation (sometimes referred to as "medevac") from a resource-poor area to a hospital delivering definitive care might be necessary. The total cost of medevac varies by location, ranging from $25,000 for transport within North America to ≥$250,000 for more distant and remote locations. Costs increase when the patient being evacuated is critically ill or needs complex infection control measures. In such cases, medevac insurance covers the cost of transportation, including transportation to another country if necessary.

Some medical evacuation companies have more extensive experience working in some parts of the world than others; travelers should ask about a company's resources in each region of travel, especially if planning trips to hard-to-reach locations in a region. Even if travelers select their insurance provider carefully, unexpected delays in care can still arise, especially in remote destinations. Thus, if the health risks are too high, a traveler might want to postpone or cancel their international trip.

Several organizations provide information about purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance, including the US Department of State ; International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers ; US Travel Insurance Association ; and the American Association of Retired Persons , among others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not endorse any provider or medical insurance company.

Travelers with underlying medical conditions should discuss any concerns with the insurer before departure. In a study of international travelers with travel health insurance claims, insurance companies fully paid only 2/3 of claims, and the main reasons for coverage refusal were preexisting illness and poor documentation of expenses incurred.

Beyond purchasing supplemental travel health insurance coverage, encourage travelers with medical conditions to take additional steps before departure. To facilitate ease of access to health records when overseas, travelers should store copies of their health records with a medical assistance company. Instruct travelers to obtain letters from their health care providers listing all medical conditions and current medications, including generic drug names, written in the local language if possible. Travelers should pack medications in the original packaging in carry-on luggage during transport. To facilitate ease of entry through customs, travelers should check with the destination country's embassy before departure to ensure that none of the medications they are bringing are considered illegal in that region. Anyone with a known heart condition should carry a copy (paper or electronic) of their most recent electrocardiogram.

Medicare beneficiaries are no different from other travelers; they need to examine their coverage carefully and supplement it with additional travel health insurance, as required. Except in limited circumstances, the Social Security Medicare program does not provide coverage for medical costs incurred outside the United States, nor does it cover medical evacuation. Medicare beneficiaries can purchase supplemental Medigap plans to fill gaps, including for travel coverage. Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover some emergency care received outside the United States. After meeting the yearly $250 deductible, this benefit pays 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of international travel. The coverage has a $50,000 lifetime maximum. International travelers can find more information on Medicare and Medigap options at www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/medigap-travel.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Rhett J. Stoney

Bibliography

American Association of Retired Persons. Overview of Medicare supplemental insurance 2010. Available from: www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-10-2008/overview_medicare_supplemental_insurance.html .

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medigap & travel. Available from: www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/medigap-travel .

Flaherty G, De Freitas S. A heart for travel: travel health considerations for patients with heart disease and cardiac devices. Ir Med J. 2016;109(10):486.

Leggat PA, Carne J, Kedjarune U. Travel insurance and health. J Travel Med. 1999;6(4):243–8.

Leggat PA, Leggat FW. Travel insurance claims made by travelers from Australia. J Travel Med. 2002;9(2):59–65.

Teichman PG, Donchin Y, Kot RJ. International aeromedical evacuation. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(3):262–70.

US Department of State. Emergency financial assistance for U.S. citizens abroad. Available from: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/emergency-financial-assistance.html .

US Department of State. Insurance providers for overseas coverage. Available from: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad/insurance-providers-overseas.html .

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Best Medical Evacuation Insurance Plans 2024

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• Key takeaways

What is emergency medical evacuation insurance?

Medical evacuation insurance vs. travel medical insurance, our top picks for the best medical evacuation insurance plans, do i need medical evacuation insurance, what does emergency medical evacuation insurance cover, how much does a medical evacuation cost without insurance, how much emergency evacuation insurance coverage should you have, when is medical evacuation coverage recommended, tips for choosing the best medevac insurance, how to use emergency medical evacuation insurance, air ambulance insurance and other alternatives, medical evacuation insurance faq.

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Related topics

• The CDC recommends buying medical evacuation insurance if you are traveling to a remote area or to somewhere that has low-quality medical care that may not be up to U.S. standards.
• Based on our research, the best emergency medical evacuation insurance plans come from: AXA Assistance USA, Seven Corners, Tin Leg, & Cat 70. ( skip ahead to view these plans )
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance is built to cover the cost of transporting you to a high-quality hospital via air ambulance or other suitable arrangements and can cost as little as $2 per day.
• Many medevac plans also cover the repatriation of remains, which means if you or a travel companion pass away during a trip, you can be transported home for a proper burial.
• We recommend opting for medical evacuation limits between $250,000 - $1,000,000 because evacuation costs can easily exceed $100,000 in most parts of the world - as outlined here by the CDC .
• We recommend using a comparison tool to compare plans and prices from multiple providers at once.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance, also known as medevac insurance or air ambulance insurance, can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in case of an emergency while traveling.

For this reason, we consider medevac insurance as one of our most basic coverages to look for when buying travel insurance .

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What it covers
• How much it costs
• What to look for when you go to buy
• How to use it if you need it

Not all evacuation coverage is made equal, and many factors can influence whether the plan you purchase will cover you or not.

To help you make the best decision when buying medevac insurance, we have reviewed plans from some of America’s best providers and highlighted our top picks.

So without further delay, here is our selection of the best medical evacuation insurance.

Our top picks for the best medical evacuation insurance

• Seven Corners: Best Value
• Tin Leg: Best for Budget Friendly Travelers
• IMG: Cancel For Work Reasons Inlcuded
• Travel Insured International: $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: No Medical Deductible

Emergency medical evacuation insurance, or medevac insurance, is a type of travel insurance coverage that pays for emergency transportation home or to a suitable medical facility when you become sick or injured while traveling.

Medevac coverage is different from travel medical insurance in that it focuses on paying for the journey to a medical facility or transport home after an incident whereas travel health insurance is made to reimburse you for the costs of medical treatment you receive while traveling.

If you plan to take a trip that’s far from where you live, it’s best to have both travel evacuation insurance & travel medical coverage in place.

These insurances work in tandem to cover essential services and treatments while offering entirely separate types of benefits.

• Emergency travel medical insurance: pays for the emergency medical care you receive while you’re away – including doctor bills, lab tests, emergency surgery, etc.
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance:  pays for you to be rescued or evacuated mid-travel and will ensure you are transported to a proper medical center for treatment. Also repatriates remains in the event of your death.
• Combining both coverages:  The  best travel insurance plans  combine both of the above coverages into one comprehensive travel insurance package and can also include extras like baggage coverage.

Search for comprehensive plans with combined coverage

Seven Corners

Why we like it.

Editor's take

The Trip Protection Choice plan from Seven Corners is an excellent choice for a comprehensive plan and offers robust coverage at a great price. In fact, the Trip Protection Choice plan is our top-selling travel insurance policy thanks to its high coverage limits, customizable add-ons, excellent 24-hour customer service, and a 14-day money-back guarantee. This plan is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but it offers solid coverage for an affordable price.

Regarding medical coverage, Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan offers $500,000 for emergency medical coverage and $1m in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage per person. It also covers medical expenses related to Covid-19. The plan’s primary medical coverage also means there is no deductible, and you won’t have to pay out of pocket if any medical emergencies occur during your trip.

The Trip Protection Choice offers extensive medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Here is what it includes at a glance:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Covers transportation expenses for evacuating you to the nearest suitable hospital or medical facility for necessary treatment.
• Medical Repatriation: Covers expenses for sending you back home or to a hospital or medical facility closest to your home for continued treatment.
• Medical Escort: Covers expenses for a medical professional to escort you back to the U.S. and provide medical care during the trip, if necessary.
• Repatriation of Remains: If you die while on the trip this will cover expenses for sending your body back home and can include embalming or local cremation before sending, temporary storage costs, transportation of the remains, and necessary documentation.
• Transportation of Children/Child: Covers the cost of returning your dependent children or minors left unattended due to your hospitalization for 7+ consecutive days or death during the trip. It also ensures they are accompanied and attended to until they arrive home.
• Transportation to Join You: Covers the cost of someone you know to visit your bedside if you are hospitalized for 7+ consecutive days. A daily benefit of up to $1,000 is available for bedside traveling companions.

Apart from this, the Trip Protection Choice plan can easily cover and reimburse you for things like:

• Overall trip cost
• Travel delays & stipends
• Baggage & equipment loss/damage
• Accidental death or dismemberment

You will also be covered for trip cancellations (up to 100%) and interruptions (up to 150%) including a wide range of valid reasons for claiming trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Optional add-ons include coverage for Cancel for Any Reason, Interruption for Any Reason, rental car damage, sports equipment rental, and event ticket protection.

Read our full review

• Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Money-back guarantee
• Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
• Covers action sports & equipment
• Cancel for any reason not included standard
• Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best for Budget Friendly Travelers

The Tin Leg Gold plan is one of the top-selling plans offered by the acclaimed budget insurance provider Tin Leg. Despite being one of the most affordable insurance providers on the market, Tin Leg is renowned for its high-quality travel insurance coverage at competitive and reasonable prices. The gold plan is an ideal plan for medical evacuation thanks to its extremely high limits and the complementary medical coverage it offers for accidents and illnesses while traveling.

The Gold plan provides up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation & medically necessary repatriation, guaranteeing a safe return in case of emergencies.

Here’s a look at the coverage:

• Expenses for evacuation to a medical facility – including medically necessary transportation, related medical services, and supplies.
• Cost to send one person (chosen by you) to come and accompany you in the hospital if you are hospitalized for an extended time.
• Return transportation costs for dependent children, domestic partner, or spouse.
• Return transportation costs for you once you are healed and can leave the medical facility.
• Medical escort to accompany you back home if you are disabled during your trip.
• Escort to return your dependent children back home if you’re incapacitated or deceased.
• Repatriation of remains in case of death. This can include embalming or cremation before sending, temporary storage costs, shipping of the remains, necessary documentation, consular proceedings, transfer to final destination.

Apart from the extensive medical evacuation coverage, this plan offers up to $500,000 in primary emergency medical treatment coverage, ensuring you receive emergency medical care without deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses. The plan’s medical coverage includes COVID-19 sickness.

Tin Leg Gold also covers pre-existing conditions when purchased within 14 days of booking your trip and insuring the full trip cost. This feature is valuable for older travelers or those with pre-existing health concerns.

This plan also includes comprehensive travel protection in the form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage for various circumstances, including COVID-19.

The plan includes other essential benefits such as coverage for accidental death and dismemberment, as well as sports and adventure activities (with some exclusions). Additionally, it offers coverage for travel delays, missed connections, baggage delays, damage, loss, and sports gear or equipment issues.

While this plan has slightly lower limits for travel delay and baggage coverage compared to other plans, its outstanding medical coverage at an affordable price makes it a compelling choice. With a 14-day money-back guarantee and 24-hour travel assistance service, Tin Leg Gold prioritizes customer satisfaction and support, making it a top pick for travelers who value their well-being and seek comprehensive coverage for their trips.

• Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
• High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
• Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
• Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
• Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Cancel For Work Reasons Inlcuded

• Purchase your plan up until one day before you depart
• Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
• Pre-existing condition waiver available if purchased within 20 days of initial trip deposit
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered
• Plan gets notably more expensive with age

$1,000,000 Medical Evacuation

Travel insured international.

• Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
• CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• No rental car coverage

No Medical Deductible

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

• $1,000,000 worth of medevac coverage
• Optional cancel for any reason coverage
• Cancel for work reasons included
• Costs higher than the industry average

The US Government’s travel.state.gov website highlights that most traditional health insurance plans will not cover repatriation costs back to the U.S. making evacuation insurance all the more useful to travelers.

Travelex travel insurance reports that medical evacuation costs can average close to $25,000 in North America, or as much as $100,000 in Europe or $250,000 on a global level.

These two factors alone are enough to warrant travel insurance that includes medevac coverage. Without emergency medical evacuation insurance, you could be forced to bear the brunt of these costs by paying out-of-pocket if you needed to be transported by a medevac helicopter, plane, or ambulance for medical treatment.

You should consider opting for medical evacuation coverage if:

• You plan to travel to a remote area where medical facilities may be far away or inadequate
• You have pre-existing health conditions that could flare up and require hospitalization
• You have special healthcare needs that certain facilities may not be able to adequately treat
• There is a higher-than-average risk of you dying or falling seriously ill while away
• You cannot afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs associated with an unexpected medical evacuation

Medical evacuation travel insurance will pay for a range of non-medical and even non-emergency services that can help you overcome an injury or illness when you travel.

The following services are typically covered with emergency medevac coverage:

Emergency transportation to a hospital of your choice

All medical evacuation plans offer coverage to the nearest suitable medical facility equipped to handle your condition. However, most plans allow you to be sent to a hospital of your choice. Transport method depends on your condition but can include a specialized medical plane equipped with a mobile ICU, commercial airplane, helicopter, or ambulance.

COVID coverage & transport care

Most emergency evacuation plans include coverage for COVID-19. If you become severely ill with coronavirus and need to be hospitalized or intubated, you can receive emergency medical transportation in a specialized mobile COVID quarantine unit that will provide adequate care throughout transport to a proper medical facility.

A medical escort for returning home

Your coverage may pay for a medical escort, such as a doctor, to accompany you home safely if you need surgery or medical care as a result of your emergency. This means you won’t be stuck traveling home alone, which can be a major blessing when you’re sick or injured and require extra assistance.

Return travel costs for your children

If you pass away or become hospitalized and require care during your trip, evacuation coverage can pay for a return ticket for your dependent children who were traveling with you. Your plan can also provide them with a travel escort if one is required.

Bedside companion’s room and board

If you are ill or injured and require hospitalization, **some emergency medical evacuation plans cover non-medical expenses** like your bedside companion’s room and board so your travel companion can accompany you as you receive proper treatment. It’s important to read over your policy and check to make sure coverage extends to travel companions and not just the patient.

Travel expenses for a family member or friend to reach you

If you are alone and become hospitalized at your travel destination for a longer period of time (usually seven nights or longer) your emergency coverage may pay for a family member to travel to visit you . This non-emergency protection can pay for a plane ticket to where you are located, as well as meals, hotel stays, and incidental travel expenses incurred by your companion.

Repatriation of remains

Finally, you should know that your evacuation plan can pay to have your body returned home if you pass away during your vacation. In addition to covering the travel expenses for your remains, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance can also cover embalming, local cremation, and a basic casket for transportation.

The costs for medical evacuations can be astronomical and can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Travel insurance guidelines from the CDC state the following :

“The total cost of medevac varies by location, ranging from $25,000 for transport within North America to ≥$250,000 for more distant and remote locations. Costs increase when the patient being evacuated is critically ill or needs complex infection control measures.”

It’s best to anticipate that when traveling abroad you could end up paying $250,000 or more for an international transfer to a U.S. facility to receive medical attention.

Ultimately, this is why many travel insurance plans with emergency medical evacuation coverage have limits of up to $500,000 or even $1 million for emergency transport.

With emergency medical evacuation protection in place, there may be zero out-of-pocket expenses associated with this care. In other cases, your costs may be limited to the travel insurance deductible amount or a few hundred dollars.

How much coverage you should have for travel evacuation insurance depends heavily on the destination and traveler profile.

For U.S. domestic travel, it’s good to have at least $25,000 in medical evacuation coverage, but we recommend opting for around $50,000 in coverage – based on information outlined by the U.S. Government and the CDC .

Generally speaking, it’s best to have protection with limits that are robust enough to cover nearly any medical emergency that pops up. That said, medical evacuation limits below $250,000 are likely not enough for international trips.

Travel insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many cheap travel insurance plans that include medical evacuation coverage for extra peace of mind while traveling.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage or annual travel plans can also be added to certain plans for additional coverage.

Medical evacuation insurance is recommended any time you travel out of your home country where your normal health insurance does not apply.

There are other scenarios where you’ll want to ensure your coverage for emergency medical evacuation is especially robust, such as if you plan to participate in high-risk adventure sports or if you’re traveling in an extremely remote area of Spain , for example. In these cases, it is definitely worth it to consider travel insurance specific to medical emergencies.

For example, if you plan to hike the French Alps and you’ll be miles from the largest city on the side of a mountain, having emergency medical evacuation coverage is crucial. The same is true if you plan to go hang gliding or deep sea diving on your trip to Bali , but also if you plan to do nothing more than relax and sightsee on your trip.

We also recommend medical evacuation coverage if you are going on a cruise since being evacuated from a ship is very costly. Check out our recommendations for cruise insurance to make sure you’re covered when setting sail.

The fact is, you never know when you may be in an automobile accident, or if you’ll come down with COVID-19 or another illness during your travels. Your health is one of your biggest assets, so it’s best to provide yourself with adequate protection just in case.

Do you need medevac insurance coverage for trips in the U.S.?

Even if you are traveling within the United States, medical evacuation insurance can come in handy.

This is especially true for the add-ons and additional coverage that medical evacuation insurance provides like repatriation services, and more.

For example, if you’re traveling full-time or part-time in remote areas of the United States, your health insurance plan may pay for your medical care but not necessarily your travel back home.

Imagine hiking in Yellowstone National Park and being injured from a fall. Your normal health insurance plan would likely cover an ambulance ride to the nearest hospital and your immediate medical care. However, your health insurance plan would not cover your plane ride home, or an escort if you need help with the journey due to your condition. This is particularly important for those who are at a higher risk of injury or illness, like senior citizens .

This is true whether you have health insurance through a private provider, or if you get insurance through a federal plan such as Medicare or Medicaid. If you aren’t covered by health insurance in the United States, then medical evacuation insurance becomes even more important.

By having adequate emergency medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance in place, you can enjoy your travels and worry less about unforeseen accidents.

As with anything, it helps to know what to look for as some plans and providers are better than others.

To help you choose, we have come up with the main things to look for when buying medical evacuation insurance.

Read over the fine print

Travel insurance is notorious for including many exceptions for coverage in the fine print. While it may be a pain, make sure to read over the fine print and all details of the policy from start to finish. Ensure the company offers adequate limits for each type of insurance you want to buy. It can also help to look for companies that offer travel assistance, such as 24-hour emergency assistance services.

Check what is excluded from the policy

If you plan to participate in high-risk adventure sports during your trip, make sure your travel insurance plan covers these activities. Each plan has different requirements relating to action sports, so check that it does not list your sport as an exclusion. Also, note that some plans exclude coverage in certain countries or regions of the world.

Opt for plans that also cover medical expenses

Make sure your policy has robust limits for medical expenses that might appear during travel, including expenses caused by accidents, illness, emergency dental treatment, and any other care you receive.

Check coverage for pre-existing conditions

Many plans will cover pre-existing conditions if you meet certain criteria – such as booking within a certain time frame. That said, pre-existing conditions are commonly excluded from travel insurance coverage or come with strings attached. Make sure you understand if you can be fully covered before buying.

Understand the dollar limits

Make sure you have a full understanding of all the limits listed in your travel insurance policy, and determine what the specific limits are on the emergency evacuation coverage for plans you’re considering. Ideally, you’ll select a high-quality policy that offers generous limits for emergency evacuation and medical expenses.

Review the hospital selection policy

Note that most emergency medical evacuation plans will pay for necessary transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, which may not be the hospital of your choice. Others allow you to choose where you want to be sent. Be sure you know and understand your plan’s policy ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to consider alternatives if you want to choose where you receive care.

Use a comparison tool

Using a comparison tool allows you to see many plans all at once. This can also allow you to filter and sort plans based on the types of coverage you find most appealing. By using a comparison tool, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate plans that don’t meet your needs and narrow down which ones are the best options.

The first step involved in benefiting from this coverage is making sure you have it, and checking to confirm your medevac insurance has adequate limits that can protect you financially when you need it most.

Steps required to use emergency medical evacuation insurance include the following:

Call for approval immediately

Each provider offers a 24-hour hotline you or the in-house doctor or medical professional can call to expedite the process, and you’ll want to do this right away. If you become sick or injured during a trip and require emergency medical transportation, you’ll need to get approval from your travel insurance provider first before using this service.

Wait for evacuation

Your provider will proceed to assist you and manage your medical evacuation and repatriation. They will coordinate with local doctors to monitor your condition and provide adequate medical support for evacuating you home to the US. As an example, this could include an air ambulance equipped with an on-board ICU, or a business class ticket with a medical escort.

Save all bills and receipts

In some cases, your travel insurance plan will pay your medical transportation bills directly. In others, you may have to pay for some of your care upfront and then wait to be reimbursed afterward. Either way, you’ll want to save all documents and receipts relating to your incident or illness, including all bills and paperwork that prove your medical expenses.

File a claim online or over the phone

Once you arrive home, you should call your travel insurance provider to find out where you’re at in the claims process. You may need to file an individual claim for the emergency medical evacuation and other services you used from your plan, or you may only need to provide the company with supporting documentation to use your coverage.

If you want comprehensive medical evacuation coverage but you’re not thrilled with the options you’re finding online, consider these alternatives.

Medjet: Medjet Assist is primarily an evacuation and air ambulance insurance. This company only covers medical evacuations and it can be purchased in addition to a traditional travel insurance plan. One of the biggest benefits of Medjet is the fact you get to select the hospital you’re transported to for medical treatment. See our full MedJet insurance review for more info.

Global Rescue: Global Rescue is another air ambulance insurance provider that offers standalone coverage for emergency evacuation, which can include ambulance transportation, commercial air travel, and more. Worldwide field rescue, 24-7 travel emergency assistance services, and advisory services are also included in this coverage based on eligibility.

Premium Travel Insurance Plans: The cost of travel insurance will vary by many factors, one of which being the level of coverage you choose. Comprehensive travel insurance plans tend to cost more, but you may get a higher level of emergency evacuation coverage with more options and benefits in exchange. These plans can be purchased for long-term travel, or on a short-term basis for individual trips.

Travel Credit Card Coverage: Finally, you may be able to get medical evacuation insurance with a credit card if you’re eligible. While a handful of travel credit cards offer this coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers one of the most comprehensive plans with coverage for medical services and transportation in amounts up to $100,000.

Do I need medical evacuation and travel medical insurance?

If you are traveling to a location where you don’t have health insurance, purchasing medical evacuation coverage and insurance for medical expenses is crucial.

It’s best to have evacuation coverage and travel medical insurance if you become injured or come down with an illness and require care when you’re away from home. Having both types of coverage ensures your evacuation is handled adequately, and that you receive professional medical attention from a licensed provider or doctor in a medical facility.

Do credit cards have medical evacuation insurance included?

Some credit cards come with emergency medical evacuation coverage, but these protections usually have limitations. For example, the insurance coverage you get through a credit card typically comes with lower limits than if you were to purchase from a travel insurance provider.

Also, credit card insurance requires you to pay for your trip, including all prepaid travel expenses, with the credit card for their coverage to apply. In other words, just carrying the credit card or having it in your name isn’t enough to be covered by the card’s insurance policy.

Is Medjet Assist any good?

Medjet Assist is only an air ambulance insurance service, meaning it only offers evacuation and will not pay for other medical bills relating to treatment of illness or injury. This service is good for people with a high risk of needing evacuations and is apt for long-term trips or annual coverage. That said, a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes medevac coverage and medical treatment coverage is usually a better fit for most travelers.

About the Author

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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Medical Evacuation Insurance – an Overview of Medevac Plans

Medical evacuation insurance plans, often called Medevac plans, are focused on emergency medical evacuations, international security evacuations and repatriation.

What is Medical Evacuation Coverage

Just because you get injured and require medical transportation doesn’t mean you will be sent all the way back to your home. When a well-planned trip goes awry and you, or someone you love, desperately needs immediate medical attention, this is where medical evacuation coverage comes through.

Most travel insurance policies cover transportation to the nearest facility and leave you there for treatment. They decide where you go, not you. They decide what is considered an acceptable medical facility for your care, not you. Once they get you to the hospital, their obligation is finished. You will then be liable to cover the cost of getting home or getting transported to a hospital at home that can complete your treatment.

Medical evacuation coverage gets you transported to the hospital of your choice and then, after you are well enough to be repatriated, it transports you to your hospital at home.

How does Medical Evacuation Insurance Work?

Most travel insurance plans include basic coverage for medical evacuation. According to the terms of your contract with them, they take you to the nearest facility that can handle your emergency.

This means you have:

• No choice in where you go
• No guarantee of going to the best medical facility
• No one to walk you through the process or translate the language for you

Medical evacuation insurance is important because each year over 10 million travelers are hospitalized abroad and over two million require emergency medical transportation. And medical transport is not cheap.

When you need a medical evacuation, you will contact your plan provider and they will coordinate your medical evacuation, handle family communications, provide translation services, and provide support every step of the way. When you’re well enough to travel home, they will arrange for medical transportation to your choice of hospital back home.

Different types of Evacuation Coverage

There are essentially two types of evacuation coverage:

• Medical evacuation coverage (also called medevac)
• Security/political evacuation coverage

Medical evacuation covers the coordination and cost of transportation to a medical facility. Depending on your need for treatment, it will also transport you either to your home or to a medical facility at home that can continue your care.

Security and political evacuation covers your transportation away from an unsafe place to a safe one. Depending on how the situation develops, you and your dependents can be returned to your trip destination or back home.

What makes Medical Evacuation unique?

A medical evacuation insurance plan provides coverage for evacuations and repatriation for individuals who travel either internationally and/or for business reasons on a regular basis.

Focuses on all types of evacuations

Medevac plans focus on emergency medical evacuations, international security evacuations, and repatriation. The travel insurance company must handle the coordination of these efforts and they usually take care of payments to the rescue team as well. Evacuations are covered up to the policy limits and only for covered reasons listed in the policy document.

Care for the important people in your life

Medevac plans often include emergency medical reunion benefits and return of minor children benefits, so you can care for the people who are important to you as well.

Often includes AD&D or term life benefits

Many medevac plans include AD&D and/or term life benefits as well. These are paid regardless of whether the insured has other AD&D or life insurance benefits to the beneficiary(ies) listed on the application form.

May include extra benefits

A few medical evacuation plans include  some package-like benefits, including:

• Trip interruption
• Lost baggage
• Optional adventure sports coverage

Why do you need a Medical Evacuation Coverage Plan?

• You are working on a volunteer project in the middle of the jungle and have a heart attack.
• Your teenage son has an accident with a jet ski while on a family cruise and suffers a severe concussion at sea.
• On a hike to a waterfall in Costa Rica, your wife slips off the trail and breaks her leg.
• Your parents are traveling with you to Rome when your father experiences a stroke.
• Your daughter’s graduation trip ends in a horrific traffic accident miles from home.

What coverage is included?

The following coverage is typically found in a Medical Evacuation travel insurance plan.

• Coordination and payment for emergency medical transportation to get you to a medical facility or return you home where you can obtain medical care.
• Language translation services when you are traveling in a foreign country and don’t understand what the local medical team is saying.
• Communication to family members and business partners back home who are worried about you.
• Repatriation arrangements, including proper handling, negotiations and payments necessary to return your body to your home or a nearby funeral home if you are killed or die on your trip.

Who should buy Medical Evacuation travel insurance?

Travelers like these should purchase medical evacuation travel insurance:

• Individuals and families on a cruise. The medical facilities on a cruise ship are limited and if you experience a medical emergency, you’ll want coverage to coordinate and pay for your evacuation to obtain proper medical care.
• Travelers headed to remote destinations. If you are planning to travel to remote regions of the globe, where medical care may be non existent, you’ll want assistance if you are severely ill or injured.
• Missionaries and foreign aid workers. Often missionaries and foreign aid workers travel to politically dangerous areas or regions that are damaged by natural disasters. Be sure you can save yourself if something happens to you so you can continue doing important work.
• Business travelers working abroad. When you work in a foreign country, you may have access to  your own health care or universal health care, but you won’t have coverage to be returned home if something truly terrible happens without medical evacuation insurance.

How much does Medical Evacuation cost?

The factors that affect the cost of a medical evacuation plan include:

• The age of the travelers
• Individual or family plan
• Annual or single-trip
• The length of the trip
• Optional coverage

An annual medical evacuation plan will cost a traveler around $200.00 and cover all the trips taken during the year. A single-trip medevac plan will cost a traveler between $45 and $68 (depending on the factors above).

• 4 Steps to 100% confidence in your travel insurance plan

Where should you buy your Medical Evacuation travel insurance?

You have two options for buying travel insurance – the best option is to compare plans from all companies, get quotes, and purchase your travel insurance plan online:

• Compare plans from all companies: Compare travel insurance plans from all companies, get quotes, and buy online.
• Quote and buy direct: Review the travel insurance companies and plans and purchase directly from the company.

All travel insurance companies include a free look period with a refund that lets you review the plan documentation. If you decide you need something a little different, you can make changes to your policy or cancel it for a refund (minus a small fee).

Which companies offer Medical Evacuation travel insurance plans?

• Medevac plans focus on all types of evacuations – emergency medical, security, etc.
• Often includes coverage for emergency medical reunion and return of minor children if you are hospitalized
• Sometimes includes coverage for medical expenses and package-like benefits
• Use a travel insurance comparison tool to find medevac plans and compare prices

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

Travel with peace-of-mind... Compare quotes for free

Medical Evacuation Insurance: Best Medical Repatriation Coverage

• July 20, 2023
• Travel resources

Vacations abroad can be marred by illness or injury, which becomes even more distressing when you are far from home. In such situations, immediate medical care, medical helicopter rescue insurance or airlift transportation might be necessary. To safeguard your wellbeing and against the financial burden of these emergencies, having a comprehensive travel insurance plan with medical evacuation insurance is crucial.

This review blog looks at the best medical evacuation insurance plans, as well as everything you need to know about medical evacuation and repatriation insurance.

Quick Answer: Best Medical Evacuation Insurance

Editors Choice

Global Rescue Insurance

Coverage for Trekkers

No limitation on altitude for coverage

Emergency medical coverage: to $100,000

2nd Best Choice

World Nomads Insurance

Coverage until 22,965 feet (7,000 meters)

Up to $500,000 in coverage

3rd Best Choice

Travelex Trekking Insurance

Coverage until 20,000 feet (6,000 meters)

Up to $1 million in coverage

Best Medical Evacuation Insurance Providers

The information below highlights our top three choices for medical evacuation and repatriation insurance which are perfect for trekkers and adventure sports enthusiasts. We must insist that you look through the policies and what they cover before you purchase one. Additionally, if you are looking for more traditional travel insurance, have a look at one our other blogs: best trekking travel insurance , and insurance for trekking in Nepal .

Our top three choices for medivac insurance:

1. Global Rescue Insurance:

Global Rescue Trekking Insurance is a well-known provider of rescue memberships in high-altitude and trekking circles. This plan is highly recommended by many of Nepal’s travel and expedition companies.

The most significant advantage for travelers with Global Rescue’s rescue and evacuation insurance is no elevation limit. Meaning that their policy covers you no matter where you are in the world – even Everest!

You can get a membership on short- or long-term basis (7, 14, or 30 days), making the plan extremely flexible and affordable! Their specialty is with medical rescue and reparation insurance, and does not cover travel cancellations, delays, baggage, or medical and dental expenses.

However, they do offer add-on travel insurance policy with IMG (IMG Signature Travel Insurance), which provides coverage for all these items in addition to your high-altitude and rescue/evacuation coverage.

Make sure to check out my Global Rescue Insurance review blog, it will go into depth about what the medical Helicopter evacuation coverage offers!

Main Features:

Medical evacuation from anywhere in the world

Emergency medical coverage — up to $100,000

Trip cancellation — up to $100,000

Lost luggage/baggage delay — up to $2,500

Up to 150% of trip cost insured for trip interruption

Pros and Cons of WorldTrips Hiking Insurance:

The following are a list of pros and cons, things that we love and hate about the insurance policy:

• Secure the value of your entire trip
• Industry’s most complete travel insurance products
• Field Rescue services from the point of injury or illness
• Face-to-face video consultations and advice about your diagnosis
• Will rescue you no matter where you are in the world
• Help determining the best possible treatment options
• Can be expensive depending on the travelers usage of the plan
• Have to buy an annual membership
• Emergency medical expense coverage of $100,000 is quite low when compared to other altitude insurance policies

1. World Nomads Insurance

As an entity, World Nomads has been recommended by well known companies in the travel industry such as Lonely Planet and National Geographic — add with the thousands of customer reviews from  Trust Pilot  that they have garnished over the years, it is easy to see the great reputation that World Nomads has.

They are also backed by secure, trusted, and specialist underwriters who provide travelers with great cover, 24-hour emergency assistance, and the highest levels of support and claims management!

Let’s first start with who World Nomads is. You can also read my full World Nomads Insurance Review to take a deep dive into the insurance provider.

Who are World Nomads?

Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers.

They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel.

Because they believe in giving back to the places we travel to, World Nomads also enables you to make a difference with a micro-donation when you buy a policy.

And they’ll help you plan your trip with free downloadable guides, travel tips, responsible travel insights and recommendations from their global community.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Standard Plan until 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)

$500,000 in coverage

Trip cancellation insurance

Standard Plan until 22,965 feet (7,000 meters)

Emergency medical evacuation

Pros and Cons of World Nomads Insurance:

• Covers a Lot of Countries Worldwide
• High Coverage for Medical Expenses
• Flexible Prices
• Buy or Extend Anytime, Anywhere
• Perfect for adventure-loving travelers
• 24/7 customer service with online claims option
• Limited age coverage for seniors
• Coverage can differ depending on location and nationality
• Limited COVID coverage

2. Travelex Trekking Insurance:

Our third choice for insurance that provides medical evacuation and repatriation insurance is Travelex insurance. It is a great budget-friendly provider that offers affordable rates and coverage for families. Moreover, they offer plan extensions that will allow you to be insured while trekking at high elevations. They provide coverage on individual bases and will allow you to get trekking insurance up to 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) above sea level. This makes it great for climbers looking to hike up to Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal or other places around the world like the Alps, the Andes or Kilimanjaro! 

Another great aspect that we like about the Travelex’s service, is that they have an app that you can download which will provide important information about the country you are traveling to. It will help keep you safe by providing real-time security alerts, information about food and water safety, as well as ATM locations! 

If you are looking for a budget travel insurance plan that will cover the adventure sports aspect of your vacation no matter where you are in the world, Travelex will be a great fit for you! You can get a free quote from hen Travelex climbing insurance . You can also read our full Travelex Insurance review , to learn more about how they are one of the best trekking insurance providers!

Coverage upto 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) above sea level

Free coverage for children under 17

Can apply for pre-existing medical condition waivers

Travel delay coverage of $2,000

Pros and Cons of Travelex Trekking Insurance:

• The travel insurance will include free coverage for children under the age of 17 if they are with an adult that is covered by the insurance policy
• Offers an adventure sports upgrade, including for high elevation trekking
• You can upgrade the plan to get a “cancel for any reason”
• Medical expense coverage is primary, compared to some competitors’ secondary coverage.
• Provides great travel delay coverage. Providing USD $2,000 per person after an initial five-hour delay.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage provides 50% reimbursement of the non-refundable deposits – which is lower than most travel insurance providers, who usually provide 75%
• The emergency medical expense coverage for the Travel Select plan is $50,000, compared to higher levels from top competitors.
• Baggage delay benefits only apply after an initial 12-hour wait – longer than most companies

What is emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) insurance?

Medical evacuation insurance is a common inclusion within comprehensive travel insurance policies, often referred to as emergency medical evacuation, medical evacuation, or repatriation insurance.

Coverage is designed to handle the expenses associated with emergency medical transportation in the event of a serious injury or illness while you are traveling – no matter where you are in the world. Should you encounter a medical emergency and the nearest appropriate treatment center is distant, this insurance may also cover the cost of transporting you back to your home.

There are differences between medical evacuation insurance and standard medical travel insurance which you should be aware of before deciding which coverage to purchase. The section below highlights these differences.

Medical Evacuation Insurance vs. Medical Travel Insurance:

While traveling, it is prudent to have both emergency medical evacuation coverage and travel medical insurance in place. These insurance products complement each other, offering distinct benefits for crucial services and treatments you may require during your travels.

While searching for the most suitable travel insurance plan, remember that medical evacuation coverage caters to the expenses involved in transporting you to receive proper medical care. This coverage applies whether it entails emergency helicopter rescue or plane journey to a local hospital or a medically-supported trip back to the United States from a non-U.S. hospital.

On the other hand, medical travel insurance covers emergency medical care you might need while away from home, encompassing procedures like surgeries, treatments, and medicines required for your recovery. This coverage can also address doctor’s bills, X-rays, lab tests, and other medical services necessary during your trip. Some travel medical insurance policies even provide a separate limit for dental expenses if an accident leads to dental trauma requiring treatment.

The main differences between Medical Evacuation Insurance and Medical Travel Insurance lie in their specific coverage and focus:

1. Coverage Scope:

• Medical Evacuation Insurance: This type of insurance primarily focuses on emergency transportation services, arranging for transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility in the event of a serious injury or illness during travel.
• Medical Travel Insurance: On the other hand, Medical Travel Insurance primarily covers the costs of medical treatment and expenses incurred during your trip. It addresses emergency medical care, doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, and other related medical services required during your travels.

2. Main Purpose:

• Medical Evacuation Insurance: The main purpose of Medical Evacuation Insurance is to guarantee timely and effective evacuation in critical situations where local medical facilities may not be equipped to provide adequate care.
• Medical Travel Insurance: Medical Travel Insurance is designed to cover the costs of medical treatments and services while traveling, similar to health insurance coverage. It ensures that you have access to necessary medical care and alleviates the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses abroad.

3. Service Activation:

• Medical Evacuation Insurance: This insurance is typically activated when a qualified physician certifies that your injury or illness requires immediate evacuation for proper medical treatment. The insurance company arranges and coordinates the evacuation process to ensure your safety.
• Medical Travel Insurance: Medical Travel Insurance comes into play when you need medical attention during your trip. It covers the expenses incurred for medical treatments and services received while traveling.

In summary, Medical Evacuation Insurance centers on providing emergency transportation services, while Medical Travel Insurance concentrates on covering medical treatments and services during your journey. These two types of insurance can be complementary, offering a comprehensive safety net for travelers facing medical emergencies away from home.

What Does Medical Evacuation Insurance Cover?

In remote locations, medical evacuation expenses can be costly. Daniel Durazo , a spokesperson with Allianz Global Assistance had this to say:

“The cost of emergency medical transportation can run into the tens of thousands of dollars or more, and varies based on the traveler’s health condition, care required and their location.” 

Lacking emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) insurance means you would be burdened with the full weight of these expenses in the event you require transportation via helicopter, plane, or ambulance to preserve your life.

An example of what you may have to pay depending on your location in the world are as follows:

Break Down of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance Coverage:

Here is a summary of what medical evacuation insurance typically covers:

1. Emergency transportation:

Reparation medical insurance can pay for the cost of emergency transportation to the nearest suitable treatment center if you encounter a serious illness or injury during your travels and require immediate medical attention. It may also cover the expenses for transporting you back to the U.S. if medically necessary. Additionally, if you need to return to the U.S. for further treatment or recovery after being treated abroad, the insurance can cover the flight home.

2. Medical escort services:

If you need specialized medical care during your flight home, medical evacuation insurance can cover the associated costs for arranging a medical professional to accompany you.

3. Travel expenses for a friend or family member:

If you are hospitalized due to a covered illness or injury, the insurance can pay for a round-trip flight for a friend or family member to stay with you during your hospitalization. There may be a minimum hospital-stay requirement to qualify for this benefit.

4. Costs for a bedside companion:

Some medical evacuation benefits include compensation for hotel stays, meals, and other reasonable expenses incurred by your traveling companion while staying near you during your hospitalization.

5. Repatriation of your children:

If you are hospitalized during your trip and traveling with your children, the insurance company can arrange for your children to fly back home or to another U.S.-based location. The benefits can cover the cost, minus any refunds for unused plane tickets. This benefit also typically has a minimum number of days of hospitalization required to file a claim.

6. Repatriation of remains:

In the unfortunate event of death during the trip, the cost of transporting the remains back home can be covered by the repatriation benefits included in your medical evacuation coverage.

When Do You Need Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance?

Medical evacuation benefits can prove invaluable if you encounter a serious illness or suffer a severe injury during your trip, and the local hospitals lack the necessary resources to provide adequate treatment. Additionally, having the insurance company act as an intermediary in organizing transportation and medical services can be extremely beneficial during a medical emergency in a foreign land.

The travel medical insurance included in your travel insurance plan covers a range of expenses, including doctor and hospital bills, X-rays, lab work, medications, and other related costs, up to the limit specified in your medical coverage. It’s important to note that evacuation insurance and travel medical insurance come with separate coverage limits. For example, a comprehensive travel insurance plan might offer up to $500,000 for medical expenses and up to $1 million for evacuation.

Once you are well enough to travel, your travel insurance company can also cover the cost of your flight back home, ensuring you receive the necessary care and assistance throughout your journey.

Want more info about when you might need travel insurance, take a look at our why do I need travel insurance blog.

Do You Need Both Medical Evacuation and Travel Medical Insurance?

Having both medical evacuation travel insurance and travel medical insurance is a prudent decision when traveling abroad. According to Durazo from Allianz, purchasing travel insurance with emergency medical coverage and transportation benefits becomes crucial if you wish to avoid paying all your medical expenses out of pocket.

When traveling outside the U.S., obtaining travel medical expense insurance is often essential, as domestic health insurance plans might provide limited or no international coverage. It’s advisable to check with your health insurance company to determine if your plan offers global coverage and if it falls under the category of “out of network.” Additionally, senior travelers should be aware that Medicare is not accepted abroad.

How To Use Emergency Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Insurance?

To utilize medical evacuation insurance, typically, you will need an emergency evacuation prescribed by the attending physician at the location, certifying that the seriousness of your accidental injury or illness necessitates the evacuation.

Ideally, your travel insurance company should assist in arranging the medevac and approve it beforehand. However, if immediate approval is not feasible, informing your travel insurance company as soon as possible becomes essential.

Typically, to make use of your emergency medical evacuation insurance, you will should follow these steps:

1. Seek approval immediately:

If you encounter illness or injury during your trip and require emergency medical transportation, the first step is to obtain approval from your travel insurance provider before using the service. Each provider offers a 24-hour hotline that you, the in-house doctor, or a medical professional can call to expedite the process. It’s crucial to do this promptly.

2. Keep all receipts and bills:

Depending on your travel insurance plan, medical transportation bills may be paid directly by the insurance company or require upfront payment, followed by reimbursement later. In either case, it is essential to preserve all documents and receipts related to your incident or illness, including bills and paperwork that substantiate your medical expenses.

3. File a claim online or over the phone:

Upon returning home, contact your travel insurance provider to inquire about the status of your claims. You may need to submit a separate claim for the emergency medical evacuation and other services used from your plan, or you might only need to provide supporting documentation to utilize your coverage.

Stay Protected as you Travel with Medical Evacuation Insurance:

Medical evacuation insurance, also known as emergency medical evacuation insurance or travel insurance for medical evacuation, serves as a vital safety net for travelers venturing far from home. The coverage ensures prompt and efficient emergency transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, or even to your home country, should a serious injury or illness arise during their journey.

With the added benefit of medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, travelers can rest assured that they are financially protected when facing unforeseen medical crises abroad – even while trekking in Nepal and traveling in some of the most remote places in the world. By securing this comprehensive coverage and understanding the steps involved in utilizing it, travelers can embark on their adventures with peace of mind, knowing that they have a reliable support system in place should the need for emergency medical evacuation arise.

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• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

What is Medical Evacuation & Repatriation travel insurance?

If you become critically ill or injured while traveling and local hospitals are unable to provide adequate treatment, the Medical Evacuation benefit can provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation services.

Most insurance plans with Medical Evacuation coverage will transport you, or an insured member of your party, to the nearest adequate medical facility. If the treating physician determines you should return to your home country to receive further medical attention, this benefit can also cover those transportation expenses.

Medical Evacuation is a benefit included in most travel insurance policies that provides coverage in the event of a medical emergency that requires an evacuation. Most Medical Evacuation policies can include coverage for the following:

• Transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility: If the facility you arrive at is unable to treat your condition, this benefit may cover the cost to transport you to another facility to receive medical services.
• Transportation back home: If the treating physician or medical professional believes it is in your best interest to return home for treatment, this benefit may cover the cost emergency transportation to back home.
• Hospital companion: If you are traveling alone, some Medical Evacuation policies can cover the cost of a round trip ticket for a close friend or family member to visit you in the hospital if your stay reaches the minimum length outlined in your policy, usually 7 days.
• Traveling companion: If you are traveling with a companion, this benefit may reimburse their hotel stay, meals, and transportation expenses so they can remain nearby while you receive treatment.
• Return of children: If you are traveling with children at the time of your hospitalization, this benefit may cover the cost to transport your children back home so they can be in the care of a close friend or relative while you are treated.
• Repatriation of remains: If you die during your trip, this benefit may cover the cost to return your remains to the city of the burial site, as well as cremation, embalming, and other necessary expenses.

Common Medical Evacuation Exclusions

Even the best travel insurance plans have limitations. While the Medical Evacuation benefit can be used in a wide-range of scenarios, below are some common exclusions you may find when comparing travel medical insurance.

• Pre-Existing Conditions: Most plans won’t cover claims relating to a pre-existing medical condition unless stated otherwise.
• Drug & Alcohol Abuse: Claims stemming from drug or alcohol abuse, including overdoses, will likely not be covered.
• Pregnancy: Routine pregnancy checkups and childbirth are typically not covered by travel protection.
• Medical Tourism: Traveling for the purpose of having an elective cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure may not be covered by your plan.

Be sure to check the policy details of your specific medical plan for a more detailed list of exclusions and limitations prior to departing for your trip.

Travel insurance companies offer a wide-range of Medical Evacuation coverage limits. On Squaremouth.com, plans offer anywhere between $50,000 to $2,000,000 in coverage per traveler.

For most international trips, we recommend at least $100,000 in emergency Medical Evacuation coverage. This is due to the potentially high cost of transporting you during an emergency situation, as well as the cost of receiving treatment abroad for medical emergencies. For more cruises or remote trips, we recommend a policy with at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Most primary health insurance plans, such as Medicare or an employer sponsored plan, do not provide coverage outside the the United States . While your medical transport may be covered in the USA , it is not likely to be covered if you are planning international travel.

If you are planning travel overseas, consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy. These plans not only provide peace of mind, but also includes coverage for out of pocket medical expenses, cancellations, delays, and personal belongings.

Do Credit Cards Provide Coverage for Medical Evacuations?

No, credit cards do not typically provide insurance coverage for medical treatment or transportation while traveling. The cards that do offer coverage for medical care typically offer coverage limits that fall short of Squaremouth’s coverage recommendations.

Many travel credit cards do, however, include other valuable benefits, such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and various travel assistance services.

A Medical Evacuation Membership is a type of service offered by various organizations, typically insurance companies or specialized assistance companies, that provides coverage and assistance for emergency medical evacuations. These memberships are designed to assist individuals who encounter medical emergencies while traveling or living abroad, particularly in remote or underdeveloped areas where access to adequate medical care may be limited.

Medical evacuation memberships typically cover the cost of transporting the individual to the nearest appropriate medical facility capable of providing the necessary treatment. This usually involves ground ambulance transportation and air ambulance services.

Unlike a travel insurance plan that covers you for the duration of your trip, a Medical Evacuation Membership involves an annual or short-term fee. One of the more well-known Medical Evacuation Membership programs is MedJet .

Please be aware that coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit differ by policy. The tables below show the providers that offer Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage.

Looking for a policy with Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage?

Enter your trip information on our custom quote form . Once you receive your results, select the Medical Evacuation & Repatriation filter to find the best policy for your trip with the coverage that you need.

Medical Evacuation & Repatriation by Provider

• Travel Delay
• Hurricane & Weather
• Missed Connection
• Cancel For Any Reason
• Cancel for Covid-19 Sickness
• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Financial Default
• Employment Layoff
• Cancel For Medical Reasons
• Cancel For Work Reasons
• Interruption For Any Reason
• Medical Coverage for Covid-19
• Emergency Medical
• Pre-Existing Condition
• Co-Insurance
• Medical Deductible
• Home Country Coverage
• Non-Medical Evacuation
• Extension Of Coverage
• Baggage Delay
• Baggage & Personal Items Loss
• 24 Hour AD&D
• Flight Only AD&D
• Common Carrier AD&D
• Sports & Activities
• Sports Equipment Loss
• Sports Equipment Delay
• Sports Weather Loss
• Search & Rescue
• Sports Fees
• Rental Car Damage
• Money Back Guarantee
• 24 Hour Assistance Service
• Identity Theft
• Renewable Policy
• Maximum Trip Length
• Maximum Number of Trips
• Additional Benefits

Additional Information

• AM Best Ratings

Medjet medical evacuation services explained

• Features and benefits
• Medjet vs. Traditional travel insurance
• Choosing Medjet
• Membership enrollment and utilization
• Conclusion and final recommendations

What is Medjet? Exploring Medical Transport and Travel Protection Services

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Medjet is an annual membership service that coordinates air-medical transport for travelers.
• Medjet is supplemental to travel insurance and international health insurance, not a replacement.
• Medjet memberships are usually annual, but there are short-term plans available for up to 30 days.

You've booked your trip, packed your bags, and purchased travel insurance coverage. It seems like you're ready for your trip, but you might forget important emergency medical coverage.

Travel insurance usually covers medical evacuations to the nearest hospital. But global medical transport companies like Medjet coordinate transfers to the hospital of your choice. It's another way to protect yourself during travel, especially since it's challenging to coordinate care in a foreign country or new state. 

Here's everything you need to know about Medjet, including whether you should become a member before your next trip. 

Medical evacuation coverage

Medjet is an annual membership service that coordinates air-medical transport for travelers. It's different from travel insurance which covers trip cancellations, damage to personal belongings and emergency medical treatment.

Medjet covers medical transport to the hospital of your choice, usually a facility near home. The company arranges the transportation, and your membership fees cover the costs. Members can also add extra protection against security threats like violent crimes and natural disasters. 

Established in 1991, Medjet was the first company to introduce an air-medical transport membership. Other companies like Global Rescue, SkyMed and International SOS offer similar services today. 

Domestic and international coverage

Medjet offers medical transport services domestically and internationally. It transfers you to the hospital of choice if you're hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, whether you're traveling domestically or abroad.

Features and benefits of Medjet membership for travelers

Membership plans and inclusions.

Medjet offers two annual membership levels: Medjet Assist and Medjet Horizon. The memberships have coverage and price differences, but both cover the following situations. 

• Medical transfer between facilities, even if it's not medically required
• Member's choice of medical facility
• No cost for domestic or international transfers
• Translation services, medical referrals and phone consultations with doctors
• Transfer of mortal remains

Medjet plans cost

The cost for Medjet coverage depends on your coverage type, membership term, age, membership level, and if you want coverage for domestic travel only.

For example, a one-year standard Medjet Assist membership that covers all travel within the membership year, with no single trip lasting longer than 90 days out of the country, costs $315. The same membership for Medjet Horizon costs $474. 

Medjet offers discounts for multi-year coverage. Plus, students and academic faculty can qualify for extended time abroad (up to 140 consecutive days per trip) for the same price as a regular membership. Short-term policies are typically cheaper as well. 

Additional services and features

Opting for medjet horizon gives you additional access to the following benefits..

• Ground hospital transfer via ambulance or other vehicles
• Cash advances for in the event of a medical emergency 
• 24/7 security response for threats like violent crimes and natural disasters.
• Crisis response for wrongful detention, blackmail or kidnap
• Access to legal referrals 

Medjet offers Diamond Memberships for travelers aged 75 to 84. The membership includes all of the benefits of MedjetAssist but is limited to one medical transport per year. 

There are also short-term memberships. These memberships include the same benefits as MedjetAssist but are available in 8, 15, 21 and 30-day terms.

Comparing Medjet to traditional travel insurance

Medjet vs. travel insurance coverage.

Medjet provides different coverage from travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance usually covers cancellations, trip delays, lost luggage, and emergency medical expenses. 

Medjet solely covers medical transfers and doesn't offer coverage for emergency medical treatments typically provided by travel medical insurance .

It's worth noting that many travel insurance policies offer medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. However, its scope of coverage is limited compared to Medjet and other subscriptions for global medical transport. For example, Medjet doesn't have monetary coverage limits and will transport you to the hospital of your choice rather than the nearest facility. 

Choosing Medjet for your travel protection

Factors to consider when choosing medjet.

These are several important factors to consider before purchasing a Medjet policy.

• Choice of care facility: While traditional travel insurance only pays to get you to the nearest medical facility, Medjet covers transportation to a medical facility of your choice.  It also covers transfers from one facility to another at no additional cost.
• Coverage limits: Unlike travel insurance, Medjet doesn't impose monetary coverage limits, covering the entire cost of medical evacuation. However, it does limit transports to twice per year for individual members under 75.
• Pre-existing conditions: Medjet doesn't have pre-existing conditions exclusions , unlike a travel insurance policy. 
• Your budget: Medjet is an added annual expense, usually in addition to travel insurance. However, unlike travel insurance, you pay a member subscription rather than a premium, so your costs are predictable. 

Ideal users and scenarios

If you identify with one of the following traveler profiles, consider Medjet. 

• Travelers with pre-existing conditions: Since the standard travel insurance policy may have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, Medjet could be a beneficial addition. 
• Frequent travelers: Medjet is ideal for frequent travelers, as the annual membership provides comprehensive coverage for multiple trips.
• Travelers visiting remote destinations: If you're visiting a destination with limited access to quality medical facilities (e.g., remote or less-developed areas), Medjet provides the peace of mind that you'll receive timely and quality health care.

Medjet membership enrollment and utilization

How to enroll in medjet.

You can enroll in Medjet by completing an online application or speaking to a representative at 800-527-7478. The company will ask for membership type, term, type of travel, number of days abroad per trip, and desired plan. In addition, be prepared to provide personal information like your name, contact information, date of birth, and address. After answering those questions, you'll receive a quote on the spot

Accessing assistance during travel

You'll need to call Medjet's emergency hotline for assistance and coverage. They are available 24/7. 

For a medical emergency, contact a Medjet representative at 800-527-7478 (or worldwide collect at 205-595-6626). According to Medjet's website. You'll need to provide the following information: 

• Your name and telephone number
• The policyholder's name
• Location (city, country)
• Brief description of your medical condition
• Your hospital's telephone number
• Attending physician or medical professional name and telephone number.

For a security emergency, call 619-717-8549 (worldwide collect) and have the following information available:

• Your name and telephone number 
• Location (city, country).

Medjet conclusion and final recommendations

Assessing the value of medjet.

Medjet doesn't replace travel insurance or international health insurance. Instead, it fills the coverage gaps and provides a service those policies do not cover. In most instances, medical transport is nice and can drastically reduce stress. But it's not generally medically necessary, except in extreme circumstances.

However, if you're a frequent traveler traveling to a destination with limited medical facilities or have a pre-existing condition, comprehensive medical transport services may be important to you. In that case, Medjet may be a valuable addition to your travel insurance policy.

Medjet FAQs

Medjet primarily focuses on medical transport and evacuation services. However, it doesn't cover medical treatment costs. It complements travel insurance, which typically covers those expenses.

Medjet may offer assistance in non-medical emergencies, such as security and crisis response, depending on the membership plan.

Medical evacuations with Medjet are typically determined based on the member's medical condition and the capabilities of the local healthcare facilities.

Medjet can be a beneficial addition to your travel insurance policy, but it's not a complete replacement. It doesn't cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical treatment costs.

Medjet sets itself apart with its comprehensive global network, range of services beyond basic medical transport, and additional security and crisis response coverage options.

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5 Things You Must Know Before Ever Buying Travel Insurance

Whether you are a frequent traveler or someone who only takes one long vacation a year, having travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you plan to go abroad. Travel insurance can help you cover any unexpected expenses like medical care and lost or delayed baggage. 

However, before buying travel insurance there are five key things you should keep in mind to ensure the best coverage for your needs:

Always Understand Properly What You Are Getting 

Not all insurance policies are equal. The coverage usually includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. However, picking the cheapest insurance may come with certain exclusions and claim limits. For instance, some policies also cover natural disasters, while others don't.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Matter

Declaring pre-existing medical conditions is required for every insurance, including travel. Checking things like whether the policy covers any necessary doctor visit or hospital stay related to a previous condition is included in the policy or not, will help you immensely later.

Check The Claim Process To Avoid Any Hassle Later 

Before purchasing a policy, check how the claims are processed and the documentation you will require. While some insurers have a straightforward online process, others may need more legwork. To get a better understanding, checking reviews of past customers can be helpful.

Where You Plan To Go Will Affect Your Insurance Needs 

Whether you plan to go to one place or more, your destination will play a role in determining the travel insurance policy needed. For example, if you plan to go to a place with a history of political upheaval or terrorism, choosing a policy with evacuation coverage would be wise.

Don't Settle For The First Policy You Find

Doing research, comparing notes of customer reviews, cost and coverage, and shopping around for different plans, helps you tailor the best policy for your need. Create a checklist of what are your requirements, and then compare policies. Websites with aggregated insurance options can be a good starting point.

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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15 men brought to military enlistment office after mass brawl in Moscow Oblast

Local security forces brought 15 men to a military enlistment office after a mass brawl at a warehouse of the Russian Wildberries company in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast on Feb. 8, Russian Telegram channel Shot reported .

29 people were also taken to police stations. Among the arrested were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

Read also: Moscow recruits ‘construction brigades’ from Russian students, Ukraine says

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

City coordinates

Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia