Air Ambulances are no doubt a lifesaver and operate at a much faster speed. However, medical air transport may come at a cost. So, do you have to empty all your savings for this? In such cases, your insurance policies are a silver lining. It can certainly ease some of your financial burdens. However, many things come into consideration. In this blog, we will understand the insurance coverage for air ambulance in India, equipping you with the necessary information to navigate this crucial aspect of emergency medical care with confidence.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in Air Ambulance
If you require medical attention with a minimal financial budget, then air ambulance insurance can come in handy. But should you count on your insurance for air ambulance expenses? No, because generally, standard insurance may not cover your domestic or international air ambulance expenses. However, some medical insurance may be covered based on the policies, provisions, and limitations. Some policies may only cover you if you are within a certain range of an airport or even if you are flying in a specific type of aircraft based on your medical emergency. To clear this dilemma all at once, we will take a look at different types of insurance and the situations in which coverage can be easily accessed.
Health Insurance:
Air ambulance in India may be covered by health insurance, but only if you obtain a letter of medical necessity or if the attending emergency physician deems it medically necessary. This coverage typically applies in cases where the patient requires treatment or diagnosis that is unavailable locally or through ground transportation. However, even if recommended by your doctor, your air transfer must be approved and meet the current standards established by your health or travel insurance company, following a review of your case by an in-house physician.
Nevertheless, in scenarios involving terrorism, attempted suicide, drug-related incidents, or pregnancies beyond the 28th week, you may not be eligible for health insurance coverage. Ultimately, coverage limits may vary among different insurance providers, so it’s advisable to verify with your insurance company. But what about organ air transplant cases? Are they covered? Well, health insurance can certainly cover organ transfer as well under certain conditions.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance policies frequently incorporate emergency medical evacuation coverage, which typically includes air ambulances. However, certain plans may exclude air ambulance coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, air ambulance coverage is generally not provided for non-emergency situations.
For instance, coverage may be dependent on the severity of the condition in cases such as road accidents or natural disasters. For emergencies such as neonatal care, high-risk obstetrics, heart attacks, appendicitis, blood clots, and more, coverage may be available. Nonetheless, there are several considerations to bear in mind when selecting a policy, including limitations on private aircraft or helicopters and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical Insurance:
Firstly, it is imperative to grasp the essence of medical insurance. Medical insurance policies typically encompass coverage for specific types of medical illness. While the terms health insurance and medical insurance are often used interchangeably, certain medical insurance plans may offer even more limited coverage for domestic or international air ambulance transport compared to comprehensive health plans. If a specific medical condition is identified, medical insurance can be claimed for that up to a certain extent.
For instance, a significant stroke necessitating urgent intervention at a stroke centre may qualify for air ambulance coverage, contingent upon the terms of the plan. Similarly, in the event of a severe head injury, air ambulance transport may be deemed necessary to access a neurosurgeon if such expertise is not locally available. Additionally, a life-threatening lung condition may mandate an air ambulance in India to a hospital equipped with advanced respiratory support capabilities.
Term Life Insurance:
What if a person passes away during the transfer? Well, even with top-notch medical teams and equipment accompanying, there’s never a risk to death. Primarily, term life insurance is designed to provide financial protection for beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder’s death. So, regardless of whether the person travels via ground or air transport, that typically doesn’t affect the payout as long as it’s not an exclusion in the policy. Air ambulance insurance is provided in this case.
Note: It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand the scope of coverage for air ambulance services, including any limitations or exclusions that may apply based on the specific provisions of the policy.
Navigating the Insurance Claims Process
Claiming air ambulance insurance requires is huge tail. But here are a few tips on how to navigate the insurance claim process and what to do in special case scenarios.
- Documentation is Key: Make sure to keep copies of all medical records, including the initial diagnosis, treatment plans, and any correspondence with your insurance company. ICATT operations team will coordinate with your treating doctors and insurance providers to complete any documentation process. Additionally, ICATT also takes care of any pre-approval from the insurance provider to streamline the whole process.
- Understand Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your insurance policy, including coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions that may apply to air ambulance services. Our ICATT Air Ambulance Services experts will help you navigate the claim process more effectively and avoid any surprises later on.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: As soon as possible after the air ambulance service is utilized, contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with the required forms and documentation. Air ambulance insurance coverage may be subject to state and country-specific regulations.
Special Case Scenarios:
- International Travel: If you require international air ambulance services while travelling internationally, the claims process may be more complicated due to differences in healthcare systems and insurance regulations. In such cases, it’s essential to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and seek their guidance on how to proceed.
- Balance Billing: One significant issue in the air ambulance industry is balance billing, where patients are billed for the difference between the provider’s charges and what the insurance company is willing to pay. You can get professional help to navigate through any issues.
- Secondary Insurance: If you have secondary insurance coverage, such as through a spouse or employer, you may be able to coordinate benefits to maximize your coverage for air ambulance services. Contact both insurance providers to understand how they can work together to cover your medical expenses.
What If Insurance Is Not Covered?
If you may be wondering, how much a domestic or international air ambulance would cost if your insurance provider were not cooperating. Well, all air ambulances are one of a kind, tailored to specific medical conditions. The exact cost may differ, but in general, the pricing would depend on factors like distance, type of air ambulance, and the patient’s condition.
However, on the bright side, ICATT commercial air transfers will be an economical option. We have also pioneered Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), making it a reality in India. This represents a significant advancement in emergency medical transportation. Our air ambulance in India is led by critical care specialist doctors who have over a decade of experience. The complete cost of operation and delivery to the desired hospital would have to be covered by the state. So, don’t worry about the financial aspects because during medical emergencies like road accidents, disasters, and trauma, HEMS is available 24/7.
