The Importance of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance for Employees Abroad

Steve Willaims / October 20, 2021 /
REVA Air Ambulance IAG Australian Trip

As an employer, understanding medical evacuation and repatriation insurance needs for employees abroad is essential. Whether your employees are traveling overseas for a long- or short-term business trip, having medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage can help them receive the care they need. 

What Is Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance?

Medical repatriation and evacuation insurance cover the cost of traveling for medical treatment if it’s not available locally. An international worker and their dependents will be transferred to the nearest suitable medical facility if they are injured or fall ill and need medical treatment elsewhere. 

Medical repatriation and evacuation insurance can often be added to an employee’s global medical plan for an extra cost or included in international health insurance policies. Some travel insurance plans have medical evacuation coverage included.

Why International Health Insurance Is Vital in Times of Crisis

For employers embarking on short- or long-term business trips where they may not have access to medical facilities, medical evacuation and repatriation coverage is a crucial part of their health insurance. 

Employers must recognize the importance of providing global health care for their employees as more businesses seek opportunities abroad. Health care is a significant concern for individuals traveling or working abroad, no matter the length of time spent overseas. It can be reassuring to know they are covered by a health insurer who speaks their language, regardless of location. 

What Is the Difference Between Medical Repatriations and Medical Evacuations?

Medical repatriations involve employees returning home to their native country to receive medical treatment where medically possible and appropriate. Medical repatriation insurance also extends to situations where an expatriate passes away. The cost of returning the remains to the individual’s home country should be covered under repatriation insurance. 

Medical evacuations occur when international workers or dependents become injured or fall ill, and medical treatment is unavailable locally. At this point, they need to be taken to the nearest suitable medical facility. 

A large number of insurance options provide medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. For example, an ex-pat living in Africa may be evacuated to Germany or South Africa if they don’t have access to a high-standard hospital nearby. If an employee is working in Mozambique, Libya or Cambodia and needs medical treatment, they would most likely be evacuated to a different country to receive high-quality medical treatment. 

Learn More About Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance for Your Employees

With appropriate insurance coverage in place, globally mobile staff and their employers know they have access to medical care if it’s urgently needed. One of many important factors for an employer to consider when making this decision is choosing a provider who is knowledgeable of the hospital network in the location where staff members are based. 

At REVA, we accept most major insurances, so you can support your employees working overseas. 

To learn more about medical evacuation and repatriation insurance options for your employees, reach out to the REVA team online or call us at 305-539-0825 today.