Earthquakes, altitude sickness, civil unrest, broken bones, lost passports and so many more crises drive operations at Global Rescue.

Including COVID-19.

“Global Rescue responds when people are having, in many instances, the worst day of their lives and we do everything humanly possible to make it better,” said Dan Richards, Global Rescue CEO.

As a leading provider of travel risk and crisis management services, Global Rescue protects enterprises, governments and its members — at home, overseas, at work, on a trip, solo or with family.

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Travel restrictions may delay a trip home but there are many best-in-class services that will help a member dealing with a COVID-19 medical crisis.

“Members should call us first,” said Scott Hume, vice president of operations at Global Rescue. “Every question is a good question and our medical and security experts are standing by to provide answers.”

To assist our members, below are answers to frequently asked questions related to our capabilities and coronavirus.

I Have International Travel Planned. Should I Go?

As long as you follow reputable hygiene and social distancing precautions such as those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the odds are in your favor that you will not contract the virus. The odds are in your favor that if you contract the virus you will survive.

What Will Happen if There’s a Coronavirus Outbreak in My Destination?

Anything could happen.

Borders can close without notice. If borders close you will be stuck.

If you contract the virus while traveling you will recover in a foreign hospital. Your family is unlikely to be allowed to visit. Are you prepared mentally and financially for that?

The global coronavirus situation is constantly changing and Global Rescue’s medical, security and intelligence teams are monitoring developments 24/7/365 to provide travelers with the most accurate information. Stay informed by signing up to receive daily alerts from Global Rescue’s coronavirus report.

If I Decide To Travel, What Is the Best Way To Arrange for Medical Assistance if I Need It?

After you’ve researched your destination, choose a company that offers travel risk and crisis response services, like Global Rescue. This could range from travel insurance to a travel protection membership to telehealth services — or include all three.

Travelers should look for plans or memberships that include medical advisory and evacuation support, medical and security guidance and referral, coordination and transmission of medical records and travel assistance.

What if I Contract COVID-19 Outside of the United States?

Evacuation home if you are infected and contagious will be extremely unlikely and difficult, if not impossible.

If you contract the virus and recover, the protocol to prove you are contagion free may not be well understood at your location and may be a low priority. Again, you may be stuck.

How Can Global Rescue Help if I’m in Quarantine at Home in the United States?

The CDC has advised Americans to make arrangements for telehealth services, so they can receive medical advice even if they are unable to physically travel to a doctor.

That’s where a Global Rescue TotalCareSM membership can help. TotalCare members don’t have to risk exposure in a hospital, with access to real-time video consultations with board-certified, licensed physicians from home. Doctors can prescribe medications and order labs and or imaging in all 50 states.

What if I’m Not Permitted To Leave a Country (Cruise Ship or Other Quarantine Area) With a COVID-19 Outbreak?

Travelers are at risk of getting stuck almost anywhere, from a country to a cruise ship or an airport. Medical evacuation is not possible during a mandated quarantine period. If a member is quarantined, Global Rescue will provide medical and other advisory services, including:

  • Health advice to decrease symptoms and prevent complications of disease
  • Information and advice for caregivers to protect their health
  • Local/regional/governmental public health directives to advise when to seek care and testing and when to remain at home
  • Hospital/clinic referral and facilitation of access, as needed
  • Medical translation services to improve communication with medical providers and facilities
  • Oversight of medical care by physicians
  • Assistance in locating and acquiring medications and/or medical supplies
  • Coordination and transmission of medical records to facilitate ongoing care with other medical providers or facilities
  • Coordination with the U.S. Embassy

What if I Contract COVID-19 in Foreign Country and After Quarantine, Want to Return Home?

In addition to advisory-level support, Global Rescue can coordinate travel on a fee-for-service basis, provided such travel meets all public health and travel restrictions in place at the time of the event.

Qualification for tests verifying the member’s health and any time frame for quarantine will be defined by the country of origin and the local public health authorities. Once movement is allowed by law, Global Rescue can help members with travel arrangements (hotels, flights, ground transportation, etc.).

Has Global Rescue Identified Air Ambulances to Transport COVID-19 Patients?

Yes. We have these services and are prepared to deploy them. However, there are relatively few specialty isolation-equipped aircraft in the global air ambulance fleet and there could be significant wait time before access is available. These services are available on a fee-for-service basis.

What if I Need a Medical Evacuation — And My Illness or Injury Isn’t COVID-19 Related?

Global Rescue can coordinate medical transport services to local hospitals and provide support for evacuation and repatriation — if allowed by governmental public health authorities in the country of origin and destination.

If you have additional questions, Global Rescue’s member services department is available 24/7/365 to assist our members.