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What Happens in a Travel Medical Emergency and What You Should Do

Learn what steps to take during a medical emergency while traveling abroad, including contacting assistance and filing travel insurance claims.

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Key takeaways

Step 1: Seek Immediate Local Medical Care
Step 2: Contact Your 24/7 Travel Assistance Line
Step 3: Documenting Your Treatment and Expenses
Step 4: Navigating Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
Step 5: Filing Your Emergency Medical Claim

Step 1: Seek Immediate Local Medical Care

Call Local Emergency Services First
Finding the Nearest Medical Facility
Prioritizing Personal Safety and Stabilization

Step 2: Contact Your 24/7 Travel Assistance Line

Reaching A.R.T. Assistance Call Centers
Why Advance Approval Is Required for Evacuations
Arranging Emergency Inpatient Expense Advances

Step 3: Documenting Your Treatment and Expenses

Requesting Detailed Itemized Medical Bills
Gathering Physician Statements and Diagnosis Records
Keeping Proof of All Out-of-Pocket Payments

Step 4: Navigating Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Criteria for Medically Necessary Evacuation
Hospital Companion and Family Transportation Benefits
Coordination Between Local Physicians and Assistance Teams

Step 5: Filing Your Emergency Medical Claim

Understanding Primary vs Excess Medical Coverage
Submitting Proof of Loss to the Claims Administrator
Avoiding Common Claims Delays

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the first thing I should do if I am injured or fall ill abroad?

Your priority is always seeking immediate emergency care from local healthcare providers or calling the local emergency telephone number. As soon as safely possible, contact 24/7 Travel Assistance at 1-855-447-0080 or collect at +1 340-715-7943 to notify the assistance provider.

Do I need pre-approval before an emergency medical evacuation?

Yes, emergency medical evacuations and repatriations must be coordinated and approved in advance by the plan assistance provider. Unapproved transportation organized independently may not be eligible for coverage under policy terms.

Can travel insurance pay my hospital bill directly?

A.R.T. Assistance can advance on-site emergency inpatient medical payments to secure admission or discharge upon receipt of a satisfactory assignment of benefits. This assignment allows the insurer to process claims directly with primary insurance or the hospital.

What documentation do I need to keep for a medical travel claim?

You should collect all itemized bills, physician notes detailing your diagnosis and treatment, discharge summaries, and receipts for any out-of-pocket medical payments. You may also need to provide proof of your initial trip departure and travel arrangements.

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