Why is Medical Evacuation Insurance Non-Negotiable for International Travel?

A medical evacuation insurance in India provides coverage for transportation to the nearest medical facility or repatriation to your home country if you suffer a serious condition or injury. It is non-negotiable since, without it, medical evacuation might be costlier. In addition, Schengen countries do not approve visas without medical evacuation coverage.

Let us know what are the benefits of medical evacuation insurance and who needs it the most.

Why is Medical Evacuation Insurance Important in India?

A medical evacuation insurance in India is important since it acts as an emergency support system in international travel insurance policies. It provides coverage of your entire travel-related expenses.

It covers air ambulances, medical escorts, repatriation back to India, ground transport, and transportation of mortal remains. Here is why a medical evacuation matters the most:

High Cost of Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuation can be highly expensive without insurance, especially if an air ambulance is required. For instance, an air ambulance from Australia to India can cost AU$ 80,000 to AU$ 150,000. Travel insurance with medical evacuation can protect you from these out-of-pocket expenses.

Visa Requirements for Schengen Countries

Schengen countries like France, Italy, and Germany require travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage to issue a visa. According to The Economic Times, Indians have lost ₹136 crore in failed Schengen visas, with more than 1.65 lakh applications being rejected in 2024.

Coverage for High-Risk Activities

Adventure travels, such as bungee jumping in New Zealand or white-water rafting in Costa Rica, come with a risk of accidents that may require specialised medical care. These activities may lead to injuries that need evacuation to a renowned hospital, if your insurer covers such scenarios.

Limited Access to Healthcare in Rural Areas

Some destinations, like Southeast Asian islands or rural Europe, do not have advanced medical facilities. If you get a serious injury in these locations, you may need to be transported to another city with better hospitals. A medical evacuation insurance in India may cover air or ground transportation expenses to handle your condition.

To get 24x7 support in medical emergencies during your international trip, you need a reliable international travel insurance policy. Purchase the Bajaj General Travel Ace policy to avail the evacuation benefits!

Also Read: Everything to Know About Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Who Needs Medical Evacuation Insurance the Most?

Medical evacuation insurance provides emergency transportation to the nearest hospitals and air ambulance services. Here is the list of individuals who need emergency evacuation insurance in India:

Adventure Tourists

Individuals who often participate in adventure sports, like trekking, camping, or hiking, in rural areas, may consider buying this insurance.

Travellers of Remote Areas

If you frequently travel to remote areas, you need medical evacuation insurance in India, since a regular ambulance will not reach you in the Svalbard or the Icelandic tundra.

Senior Citizens With Existing Health Conditions

Older adults with existing health conditions need medical evacuation coverage since they may face sudden emergencies more often.

Families With Children

You need medical evacuation insurance while travelling with children. It provides you with the financial backing to take action without panicking.

Also Read: Things to Do in Czech Republic

Final Thought

Before choosing a medical evacuation insurance in India, you must check its validity, confirm activities, and read the terms for exclusions. For Indian travellers, emergency medical evacuation during a foreign trip can be financially overwhelming. You can choose an international travel insurance which offers medical evacuation.

You can also consider purchasing the Bajaj General Travel Prime International to get coverage for emergency medical evacuation. It also allows you to opt for coverage for pre-existing illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you skip medical evacuation insurance?

If you skip medical evacuation insurance, you have to arrange your own evacuation, like clearances, permissions, and aircraft hiring. In addition, you will have to pay the entire out-of-pocket expenses before the treatment.

Can I get air ambulance travel insurance coverage?

Yes, you can get an air ambulance travel insurance coverage from a reliable Indian insurer. Check the insurance provider’s policy wording and inclusions, whether they cover it or not.

What are the key inclusions of medical evacuation coverage?

The key inclusions of medical evacuation insurance in India are coverage for air ambulance, ground ambulance, medical escorts, and repatriation.

Does domestic evacuation travel insurance cover air ambulance services?

Yes, domestic evacuation travel insurance policies provide coverage for air ambulance services if getting ground transport is not feasible.

Why do international travellers need medical evacuation insurance?

In many countries, especially with more rural travel destinations, local hospitals may not have advanced facilities to treat severe illnesses. In this situation, a medical evacuation insurance can cover your evacuation costs, especially by providing air ambulance services.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.