If you're wounded while traveling, or if you need care for an emergency or a disease that requires specialist treatment that isn't available at your local hospital or health care center, air ambulance coverage can help. Air travel may be necessary in an emergency or to obtain specific services. This coverage may be included in your health or travel insurance policies. Examine your travel or healthcare plan ahead of time to find the one with the lowest out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, and co-insurance terms that work best for you.
What Is an Air Ambulance and How Does It Work?
A medical air transport is another name for an air ambulance. It refers to any type of aircraft that is outfitted with supplies, equipment, and qualified medical personnel to offer mobile care while in transit. Patients are transported to institutions by air ambulance when other modes of transportation are unable to provide them with the necessary treatment en route. A helicopter or an airplane can be used for air transport. Its aim is to ensure that you receive the finest possible treatment while being transported to a medical facility that can best treat your condition, accident, or disease. When time is of the essence, air ambulances are deployed. It's useful if you're hurt on a trip and want to be treated close to home; if you need to be transferred to a rehabilitation center for specialized care; or if you need to go to a faraway facility for specialized treatment. It can get you help quickly if ground transportation is either difficult or dangerous to your health. Depending on your health coverage, the air ambulance may transport you to the nearest facility, or it may transport you all the way home if your contract provides for a greater level of coverage. This is where having a thorough understanding of the coverage you've acquired is critical. Consider the types of activities or destinations you'll visit.How much does it set you back?
According to the Health Care Cost Institute, helicopter transportation expenses climbed by 144% from 2008 to 2017, the most recent complete analysis. In 2017, the average cost was $27,894, while the cost of planes increased by 166% to $41,674 in the same year.When Does It Become Covered by Health or Travel Insurance?
When an emergency doctor suggests air transportation because it is medically essential, it may be covered by health or travel insurance. If you receive a letter of medical necessity, it may also be covered. "Medically necessary" is defined as "necessary" in medical terms. By contemporary standards, medically necessary treatment refers to the care required to prevent, diagnose, or cure an illness, accident, condition, or disease. This category of healthcare might include both services and supplies. A travel or health insurance plan may pay for the expense of an air ambulance if it is deemed medically necessary and there is no other way for you to receive care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you've been in an accident or if you don't think you'll survive a trip in a land ambulance, you can request an air transfer. Medical specialists are on board, as well as a mini-hospital where they can start treating you as you fly. When the alternatives will endanger your health or jeopardize the success of a necessary surgery, you may need to fly. You might need it if you're bleeding too much for usual services to handle, or if you require oxygen, life support, or other assistance while traveling. Air transport is frequently used in cases of stroke, heart attack, burn care, brain or spinal cord damage, and transplants. It's especially common when an injury occurs in a distant location when regular transportation is unavailable or when vast distances must be covered quickly.Is it necessary to get approval?
Even if the doctor approves it, air travel must still be approved by your health or travel insurance company. The request will be reviewed by a doctor who works for your insurance company. They'll decide whether it's required by present regulations. In most cases, your insurance must approve the recommendation. or you may not be covered at all.Is the cost always covered by insurance?
Many people with employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or a private travel or health insurance plan are unconcerned about an ambulance fee. They believe the insurer will cover it, but due to deductibles and coinsurance clauses in health and travel plans, they could still be on the hook for a large price even if coverage is provided. Air ambulances are not covered by insurance by default. They are bound by the policies of each insurer. Never expect that all of your air travel expenses will be covered. If you don't check with your insurer first, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket. The cost of air travel is determined by the firm that is engaged, the services that are given, and the distance traveled.What Are the Exclusions and Limitations?
Air transportation coverage varies by state, as well as by insurance type and company. If you're confused about the coverage offered in your state, you can contact the office of the state insurance commissioner. Some companies specify when this coverage may be offered in full or in part. Some will impose restrictions on the types of aircraft that are insured. They may also choose to pay only the fraction of the bill that is "reasonably necessary." In certain situations, you may be responsible for the balance of the bill.Out-of-Network Services Should be Avoided
Even if you're covered for air travel, double-check that your coverage will accept the service you're utilizing. If the air ambulance is "out of network," you may not be reimbursed for the costs, or you may only be reimbursed up to a particular level. Inquire with your insurance company regarding out-of-network air ambulances and what to do if you require one. The service can cost tens of thousands of dollars, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.How to Make Sure You're Protected?
To find out if you have air transportation coverage, contact your insurer, employee benefits plan administrator, or agent. If you don't think you have adequate coverage, see if you can add extra coverage for an air ambulance. You should also check to see if you're covered by your spouse's health insurance or if you qualify for domestic partner benefits. In such circumstances, you might want to look into cost-cutting through benefit coordination. If you still need more coverage, you may need to look into another insurance carrier.Only in the case of an emergency
More than 550,000 people in the United States use air transportation each year, according to the Association of Air Medical Services. It isn't always for unanticipated medical emergencies. It's possible that a service is medically required but not urgent. While caution is essential during transportation, the time is not critical. When it comes to patient transportation, hospitals frequently collaborate. They can create a schedule to help save money.Is it covered by Medicare or the Affordable Care Act?
If no other mode of transportation is available and the service meets the criteria for being medically required, Medicare or Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans may pay for it. However, because your plan may include a deductible and a co-insurance provision, you may still have to pay a portion of the charges out of pocket.Noncoverage Notice to Beneficiaries in Advance (ABN)
If flying is deemed necessary but not urgent, you may get an "Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage" (ABN). Before you use the service, the ABN will inform you that you will be responsible for all charges.- Transport of a Friend, Relative, or Spouse
- If flying is covered, insurers frequently include coverage for a family member or companion.
- Make sure to inquire with your insurance representative.
Is it a good idea to have an air ambulance service?
There are numerous private air transportation options. They're frequently designed for travelers who want to be able to fly back to their own doctor or hospital if they need medical attention while on the road. These are excellent services, but they may not meet all of your requirements. If you don't contact your insurance before making a decision, you might find that your claim is denied. Private air ambulance providers frequently offer an insurance coordination service, so inquire about how they may assist you with your insurance and what charges will be paid or not. The best thing you can do is make a point of asking a lot of questions. Before signing any contracts, make sure you read them well.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Medicare cover in terms of air ambulance services
In most cases, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of air ambulance services that are approved by Medicare. After you've paid your Part B deductible, this coverage kicks in.What is the top speed of a life-flight helicopter
The speed of the helicopter varies depending on the model, although it usually ranges between 150 and 170 miles per hour. Emergency jets can travel at speeds of over 270 miles per hour and cover significantly more ground.