It is only when someone becomes ill or has an accident while travelling overseas that they realise how well-protected and cushioned our National Health System is. We do not have to pay for any treatment in the UK, and while we may complain about patient waiting lists, we do not have to worry about how we will pay for our operation, x-rays, or blood tests. This is not the situation in many other parts of the world, which is why Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses are the most crucial coverage of any travel insurance policy.
What is Repatriation Insurance?
Repatriation is a type of travel insurance that covers the costs of returning to the UK if an illness or accident occurs while you are overseas and disrupts your return travel plans.
Furthermore, if you are in an area where you do not speak the local language, an emergency 24-hour helpline is frequently included in the coverage to assist you in communicating with the medical staff caring for you.
What is Included in Repatriation Insurance?
All insurance policies give varying amounts of coverage, however, the following should be included as a general rule:
- The cost of returning home once your medical team has determined that you are fit to travel.
- Accommodation and travel costs for a companion to accompany you till you can return home
- organising your return trip home on your behalf.
- A helpline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Repatriation of a deceased insured traveller’s body
Things Excluded in Repatriation Insurance
#1. Existing medical conditions
You must select insurance that covers any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. If you don’t tell your insurer about a pre-existing medical condition, your insurance may be voided. So, you’ll have to pay for your own medical expenses and travel costs to get home.
#2. Illnesses and injuries caused by alcohol and drugs
Insurance companies do not expect you to abstain while you are away. However, any accidents you have will not be covered by your insurance if your judgement was affected due to excessive alcohol or drug use.
#3. Expats
Most conventional insurance policies only cover UK residents. So if you’re a British citizen living abroad and wish to return to the UK if you get sick or have your remains returned if you die, you’ll need international healthcare insurance.
#4. Violent behaviour
Injuries caused by violence will not be covered either.
How to Find the Most Affordable Repatriation Insurance
Repatriation insurance should be included as standard in all travel insurance policies. As a result, you shouldn’t have to look for specific travel insurance that includes repatriation.
Instead, when looking for the finest policy, you should concentrate on what else you require. As an example:
- Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? Make sure you cover any health issues you may have so that you are covered if you become ill while you are gone.
- Are you older than 65? If this is the case, the non coverage be limited and more expensive. Look for policies tailored to the needs of senior citizens.
- Do you require winter sports coverage? You’ll need a policy that covers your activities and equipment if you’re going skiing or snowboarding.
- Are you planning a backpacking trip? If so, check for coverage that will cover your extended trip.
Repatriation insurance, however, is a factor that you should also take into account when comparing each policy’s medical coverage.
What is Repatriation Travel Insurance?
When your insurance policy covers the cost of travelling back to the United Kingdom from anywhere in the world, this is known as repatriation. This could be particularly useful if you become ill or are seriously injured while travelling.
In most circumstances, if you become ill or wounded while travelling, you will be treated and able to continue your vacation. However, if the problem is more serious, you may have to stay in the hospital and miss your trip home.
If you miss your departure flight due to illness or accident and must return on a separate trip, you can purchase repatriation cover. You can also use it if you are flown back to the UK in an air ambulance or on a private plane after a major accident.
Typically, one member of your group will be able to stay with you and travel home with you. The travel repatriation insurance will normally cover this person’s boarding and other costs as well.
Knowing you have repatriation travel insurance coverage to fall back on in the event of a medical emergency might provide you with peace of mind and the confidence to travel. It prevents you from having to pay exorbitant medical expenses.
Where can I find out what level of Repatriation Insurance I have?
Repatriation insurance is typically included in medical expenses. Check the fine print on your policy to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
People frequently underestimate the value of repatriation insurance. They typically realise this when they are in an uncomfortable and scary scenario overseas.
How much Repatriation Cover do I Require with My Travel Insurance?
Because repatriation might be costly, you should search for a minimum of £1 million in repatriation insurance coverage. To have complete peace of mind, you may want to consider better insurance that provides at least £10 million in coverage.
Repatriation isn’t usually as straightforward as changing flights. If you have to return home by air ambulance or private plane, or if you have to be taken back from a remote location, the costs might quickly add up. You’ll also require a medical escort, which raises the cost.
The cost of specialised transportation may be higher than you realise. A rescue helicopter, for example, can cost a small fortune. Furthermore, medical treatment and drugs in other countries can be exorbitantly priced.
Because we are so well-protected by the NHS system in the United Kingdom, we are frequently unaware of how much medical treatment costs.
The more coverage you have, the less you’ll have to spend if you experience a medical emergency while travelling.
What is the easiest way to find the Greatest Repatriation Travel Insurance?
There’s no need to look for specialised repatriation travel insurance because it’s included in all travel policies. However, keep in mind that the degree of coverage varies greatly among policies.
The goal should not be to locate the cheapest policy, but to find the best policy at the best price. It’s usually worth paying a little more to receive the coverage you’d need if something bad happened while you were abroad.
By providing a few details about yourself and your plans, you can quickly and easily compare travel insurance coverage. You’ll obtain rates that include both the cost and the amount of medical coverage you’ll get. Then you can rest assured that you have adequate insurance if the necessity for repatriation arises.
Who decides whether or not to Repatriate a Patient?
If you become ill or are seriously injured while on vacation, you must contact your insurance company to consider repatriation. Your insurance will provide a 24-hour emergency helpline and repatriation service, allowing you to seek assistance whenever and wherever you need it.
In addition, they will choose an English-speaking medical aid firm to communicate with you and your doctors. This company will have a specialised staff that will determine if it is best to leave you where you are or repatriate you.
The medical assistance firm will look at the type of care accessible to you in your area, as well as the facilities. They will also consult with your doctors to determine how safe it is for you to travel while ill or injured. They’ll use all of this information to determine the best course of action and decide if and when to repatriate you.
In some situations, you will be repatriated shortly after being ill or injured. Everything is dependent on the circumstances and the level of repatriation insurance contained in your policy.
When travelling abroad, don’t forget to bring the details of your travel insurance policy with you.
Does my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover repatriation?
It doesn’t work that way. While your EHIC remains valid until December 31, 2023, it does not cover the cost of repatriation. It should not be seen as a substitute for travel insurance; you will undoubtedly require both.
Will my Repatriation Insurance Cover Me if I Contract COVID-19 While Abroad?
It all depends on where you’re going. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s (FCDO) latest advice for your destination. If the FCDO is not encouraging non-essential travel at the time of your departure, your insurance will most likely deny your claim.
What is the Procedure for Repatriation?
Specialists will review your case to determine whether or not you should be repatriated.
Whether you are or are not depends on a variety of factors, including the country’s medical resources and the severity of your ailment.
For example, if a country’s facilities are inadequate, you may be repatriated. Repatriation, on the other hand, maybe impossible if you are too ill to travel.
Cover for Adventure Vacations, Extreme Winter Sports, and Repatriation
If you intend to go skiing, rock climbing, or riding a jet ski, you should look for a policy that covers these kinds of activities.
Because there is a greater risk of injury while on an adventure vacation or participating in winter sports, it is critical that you have enough repatriation coverage.
Remains Repatriation
People can die while travelling, and their bodies must be returned home. This is referred to as repatriation of remains,’ and it should be covered by your insurance policy.
Check the terms and conditions to learn how much an insurance company will contribute to the repatriation of remains.
It’s also worth examining whether the policyholder’s age is restricted, and keep in mind that an insurer will only pay out for pre-existing medical conditions or if someone dies while participating in a high-risk activity that is covered by the policy.
If you already have a major medical condition, or if you have a multitude of conditions, some insurers may refuse to cover you. Others may only provide insurance at a significantly greater cost. If you are unable to find suitable coverage, the Money and Pension Service (MaPS) has also established a directory of insurers willing to cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions.
You can get in touch with the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) or call 0800 138 7777.
What else should I consider Regarding Repatriation?
Once you’ve selected the correct coverage, keep your provider’s contact information on hand in case you need to contact them during your trip.
If anything tragic happens to a loved one while you’re gone, the UK government gives advice on how to deal with it.
Repatriation Insurance FAQ’s
How much does emergency repatriation cost?
The cost of medically necessary repatriation can vary depending on whether you can board a commercial airline, but without cover, the typical cost can be over US$25,000.
What is the difference between medical evacuation and repatriation?
In the case of a medical emergency, while travelling, Medical Evacuation can provide coverage for transportation to the next adequate medical facility. Repatriation is the process of returning a traveller’s remains to their native country.
Does all travel insurance include repatriation?
You will not need to purchase any specialised repatriation insurance policy. Repatriation should instead be covered in all regular travel insurance packages. Repatriation is typically included in the medical cover component of a travel insurance policy, however, some insurers mention it separately.
