Article Highlights:

  • Travel insurance policies often require travelers to arrange transport to a hospital before benefits apply.
  • Global Rescue provides direct field rescues and medical evacuations without claim forms or deductibles.
  • AMEX, Chase, and Capital One travel insurance offer emergency medical assistance but require prior approval and claims processing.
  • Medical evacuations can cost up to $300,000 without proper protection—be prepared with a comprehensive Global Rescue membership and travel insurance.

 

Health emergencies while traveling can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Knowing what steps to take can make all the difference, whether a minor illness or a life-threatening condition.

When illness or injury strikes while traveling, getting help quickly is crucial. If you experience a life-threatening emergency and are within the range of an emergency service — like 911 in North America, 112 in the EU or 999 in the U.K. — contact them immediately.

If you experience an emergency after you are safe and stabilized and need to communicate with Global Rescue, you must contact Global Rescue directly by phone at +1 (617) 459-4200 or by sending an email to operations@globalrescue.com.

Some travel insurance policies offer emergency medical evacuation coverage, and fewer provide emergency field rescue from the point of illness or injury. Additionally, the difference in the level of service outlined by travel insurance policies compared to Global Rescue is significant. Travel insurance policies require you to find your way to the nearest hospital before benefits kick in. This can be particularly challenging during a traveler’s medical emergency, especially in remote areas with limited or non-existent transportation options.

 

Field Rescues and Medevac Services

Unlike standard insurance policies, Global Rescue specializes in field rescues and medical evacuations, providing assistance from the point of injury or illness using helicopters, jets, or even on-foot rescue teams. Global Rescue’s direct approach eliminates the need for travelers to confer with insurance benefits managers, complete a bevy of claim forms and arrange their own medical transport.

Without such services, travelers may face astronomical costs. A medical evacuation, for instance, can cost up to $300,000, depending on the location and severity of the situation.

 

Travel Insurance Options: What’s Covered?

Travel insurance policies from companies like AMEX, Chase Sapphire, and Capital One Venture offer emergency medical assistance but come with caveats.

  • AMEX Travel Insurance: Offers reimbursement for medical expenses, but travelers must coordinate through a benefits administrator and complete claim forms.
  • Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance: Includes emergency medical coverage but requires pre-approval and detailed documentation for reimbursement.
  • Capital One Venture Card Travel Insurance provides emergency assistance, but only after claim approval and coordination with the benefits team.

While these credit card insurances can be helpful, they require meticulous planning and adherence to policy rules. Global Rescue is a membership with service benefits; it is not an insurance company. Global Rescue does not require claim forms, deductibles, or co-pays, ever. Global Rescue members simply contact the medical operations team for immediate assistance.

 

Quick Guide: Using Global Rescue Services

Global Rescue designs its membership services to make emergency medical assistance seamless. Here’s how members can access their benefits:

  • Contact Immediately: If you experience a severe injury or illness like a head injury, acute mountain sickness, or heart attack, contact Global Rescue at +1 (617) 459-4200 or via email.
  • Access Expert Advice: Members can consult real-time medical professionals to assess their symptoms, even for minor concerns like a twisted ankle or bug bite.
  • Leverage Additional Support: Need help finding a pharmacy, navigating a language barrier, or changing travel plans due to weather? Global Rescue provides round-the-clock assistance.

Members should remember that services must be arranged directly through Global Rescue for service benefits to apply. Self-arranged rescues are not reimbursed.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

If you are ill or injured while traveling, a Global Rescue travel protection membership evacuates members from the point of illness or injury to the nearest appropriate hospital, clinic or medical provider. Perhaps the hospital doesn’t provide the care you need. Global Rescue will transport members to a vetted medical center or their home hospital of choice.

“The closest medical facility isn’t always the right one. Global Rescue gets you to the most appropriate hospital for your illness or injury,” said Dan Stretch, operations manager at Global Rescue.

Sometimes, you have a question about a symptom. Available 24/7/365, a travel protection membership team can direct you to the best local medical resources worldwide, so you are not left guessing how to address your health concerns best.

“Our team of medical professionals includes paramedics, nurses and doctors. We handle calls for cuts and stomach upsets to more severe illnesses and injuries, like chest pains and serious trauma,” said Michael Lovely, operations supervisor at Global Rescue.

Standard travel insurance often falls short during emergencies. Membership services like Global Rescue bridge the gap by offering comprehensive medical evacuation and field rescue options. Unlike traditional insurance, there are no claim forms, deductibles, or delays — just immediate, effective assistance when you need it most.