One always hopes that international private medical insurance will be a precaution that is never used. Unfortunately, contemplating the worst case scenarios is a good way of knowing exactly what to do if something does go wrong. Emergency assistance is the most important part of international medical insurance, since the expat or their family must be able to access advice. Needless to say, this service has to be available all year round, all day every day. Being able to get professional medical advice and access evacuation services will ensure that the best care is rendered, which could make all of the difference.
The team that the expat contacts have to have a great deal of experience dealing with emergencies. This means being able to put people at ease as procedures and advice are given. The worst thing to happen is for information to be lost in the heat of the moment. The team may then consult with doctors and hospitals to decide on where the best care can be given, since not every hospital has the same facilities. If there is not a local facility nearby, then the expat will be taken to the best location depending on the severity of the situation. They may be taken by either road or air ambulance.
Naturally, as much information should be disseminated as possible between both the insurance member’s family and colleagues. Knowing exactly what is happening and that it is taken care of can be a great weight lifted.
