Air ambulance costs may not top most people’s list, but can quickly add up in an emergency situation. Many assume their travel or health insurance covers medical air transport; it is wise to read your coverage details closely in case any mismatch arises.
Medical air transportation is only covered when considered “medically necessary”. Insurance companies will then determine what percentage of the flight will be covered as reimbursement.
Health insurance
Many health and travel insurance plans (both travel and private plans) cover air ambulance costs if medically necessary, though the amount covered depends on provider and distance traveled. Furthermore, health and travel policies frequently contain cost-sharing clauses like deductibles and coinsurance which could leave you with an unexpectedly large bill should an out-of-network provider transport you.
Air transportation costs for medically necessary purposes can easily reach into the thousands, and many are shocked to discover that health insurance doesn’t cover everything. Insurance providers usually cover only part of this expense; leaving you responsible for covering any remaining sum. In an emergency situation, there may not be time for price negotiation or refusal if life-threatening events arise.
Medicare may cover the costs of air ambulance rides deemed medically necessary and no other means exist to reach hospital. Unfortunately, Medicare typically doesn’t cover transport services outside the U.S.
Be sure to contact your health insurance plan prior to booking an air ambulance while abroad. Most insurance providers have online resources where you can learn what your coverage entails, but if unsure, call your provider and inquire further for confirmation of what exactly it covers.
Aero Med Express works closely with both employers and private insurance providers to determine whether you have air transportation coverage under their policies. If so, Aero Med Express will work directly with them to secure preauthorization for the flight to avoid any surprises down the road. If your coverage doesn’t cover an air ambulance transport entirely, other options exist such as supplemental insurance or domestic partner benefits which typically offer lower costs than paying out-of-pocket for this service. For assistance on how to identify whether your insurer will cover an air ambulance transport service please reach out our customer care team who are happy to assist!
Travel insurance
Medical emergencies can arise while traveling abroad and require care not available at local hospitals or health centers. To safeguard against this happening, travelers should purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical air transportation; this could cover the costs associated with an air ambulance flight that could run into thousands of dollars. When purchasing one such policy it’s essential that one reads all of its details first as many have exclusions, limitations, deductibles as well as out-of-network services that could require out of network treatments – which travel insurers will typically inform them before purchasing such policies.
Medical air transport services can save lives in emergency situations by transporting patients between hospitals. This is especially relevant in remote locations. Unfortunately, air ambulance services can be prohibitively expensive; however, there are ways around this problem; whether through travel insurance that includes this service or buying an air ambulance rider on top of existing policies.
Most international travel medical insurance plans include emergency medical evacuation benefits that will cover the costs associated with air ambulance transport if required. While this coverage shouldn’t replace traditional health or travel policies, it can provide valuable additional coverage. The best way to determine whether this benefit exists in your policy is to contact your insurer, employee benefits administrator or travel agent and inquire.
If you travel often and have a high risk tolerance, considering purchasing a private air ambulance rider for extra coverage during your trip and peace of mind. Just keep in mind that these policies may not provide as comprehensive protection than traditional travel or health insurance plans.
If you are planning an international trip, it is essential that you review both medical and travel insurance plans to make sure you have sufficient protection. Most U.S. health plans provide limited or no coverage outside of their own country; additionally Medicare doesn’t cover emergency expenses incurred overseas either – although Medicare beneficiaries can purchase additional travel health coverage to fill any gaps in coverage.
Private insurance
Some private health and travel insurance plans provide medical air transportation coverage. This coverage can come in handy should you get injured while traveling and require specialist treatment that’s unavailable in your country or where your healthcare provider resides. Depending on the policy, companion or family members may accompany them during flight; make sure to inquire with your insurer to understand exactly what’s covered before booking any flights.
Emergency ambulance rides are generally covered by insurance; however, non-emergency transfers between medical facilities for non-urgent care may not. This often applies to long-term care facilities moving patients for transplantation or other treatments into different hospitals for non-urgent treatments like surgery or dental work.
Not all private health and travel insurance policies cover air ambulance costs, even if their fine print indicates otherwise. Failing to read your terms and conditions carefully could leave you facing a steep bill; clauses in these policies often stipulate meeting deductibles and co-insurance payments before coverage applies.
Most insurance companies have contracts in place with air ambulance providers to ensure patients receive optimal service at fair rates for transporting. Unfortunately, however, these arrangements do not always apply across international borders; The No Surprises Act mandates health insurers provide details about coverage of air ambulance services to create a public report detailing costs related to them.
Consider investing in stand-alone medical air transport insurance as well. This form of coverage offers similar protection as regular health or travel policies but is an ideal solution if you travel frequently or have an increased risk threshold. There are multiple providers who provide this type of cover; quotes should be easy to obtain online.
If your health or travel insurance doesn’t cover medical air transport, filing an appeal can help get a refund. Your claim should typically be approved after they review your documentation and determine that transport was medically necessary; if not satisfied with its outcome, contact your state’s department of insurance or attorney general’s office for help.
Medicare
If you are facing a medical emergency, an air ambulance can get you there quickly and comfortably. These ambulances are staffed with paramedics and medical professionals to ensure the safe transport of their patients; however, these expensive services can rack up large bills; luckily some health insurance policies cover these services.
Medicare Part B coverage covers air ambulance trips. Medicare may only pay for them if it’s determined that such transportation is “medically necessary,” meaning immediate and rapid ambulance transportation cannot be provided by other means – for instance if you fall off a roof while cleaning it and experience serious injuries as a result, air transport should be immediately made available so you can reach a hospital that can perform surgery to address them.
Medicare does not cover non-emergency trips. If an ambulance company believes you could have safely traveled by land instead, they’ll issue an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) and ask if another form of transportation would work better for you. By signing the ABN, you agree to pay any costs not covered by Medicare; failing this, they could refuse service altogether.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans both provide some ambulance transportation coverage; however, their rules and costs differ significantly. Medicare Advantage plans often offer greater coverage for ambulance services than Original Medicare does, though both still require you to pay a deductible and coinsurance payment.
If your doctor determines that an air ambulance ride is medically necessary, Medicare approval must first be requested. After reviewing it and considering all criteria related to approval or appeals made timely enough, approval can be granted or denied accordingly.
How can you know whether Medicare denied your claim? By reviewing your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). This notice explains why they didn’t cover it and offers you an opportunity to file an appeal. Your MSN should arrive by mail every three months or you can access it online by signing into your Medicare account.
