Taking out repatriation insurance for expatriation or long-term travel is an essential choice for protection against the unexpected. In the event of a medical emergency, serious accident or critical family situation, repatriation insurance offers rapid coverage. It sometimes covers costly medical evacuations to ensure the policyholder’s safety.
In such circumstances, not being properly protected can quickly turn into an administrative and financial nightmare: the average cost of repatriation by air ambulance is around €40,000.
International repatriation insurance is therefore an essential guarantee when going abroad, whether as an expatriate, business traveler or vacationer. This coverage is sometimes included in your international health insurance contract.
When can repatriation insurance be activated?
Repatriation insurance is activated in a variety of situations requiring the rapid return of the insured to his or her country of origin. It also comes into play in the event of transfer to an appropriate medical facility. Here are some typical situations in which repatriation insurance could be activated:
- Serious medical emergencies: When the insured is diagnosed with an illness or injury requiring specialized medical care unavailable locally, emergency medical evacuation to an appropriate hospital becomes imperative. This is the case, for example, in the event of a serious pathology such as cancer.
- Serious accidents: Involving serious physical damage, requiring repatriation for appropriate treatment. For example, a scooter accident in an Asian country such as Thailand or Vietnam.
- Death: In the event of death, repatriation insurance can cover the costs associated with repatriating the body to the place of burial in the country of origin. The coffin must be placed in the coffin before repatriation.
- Serious family problems: The need for the insured to return quickly to the family in the event of serious family situations.
It’s important to understand the terms of the contract, as the guarantees and services included vary from one policy to another. Some policies include logistical support, medical assistance or administrative support. Santexpat.fr offers personalized support to ensure that policyholders benefit from comprehensive protection tailored to their specific needs.
How does repatriation work?
To benefit from repatriation cover in the event of accident or illness, it is essential to contact the assistance provider as early as possible, ideally before incurring any expenses. An advisor will assess the situation, taking into account both the insured’s state of health and the country in which he or she is located. Local medical teams, assisted by a French doctor, will work with the insurance company to make the decision to repatriate, and to organize the logistics involved.
Depending on the severity of the situation and the state of the local infrastructure, the insurer may decide to :
- Refer the patient to a suitable nearby care facility.
- Arrange evacuation to another location by ambulance, cab or plane.
- Arrange evacuation to a better-equipped neighboring country.
- Organize repatriation to France so that the insured can be taken care of by a hospital, clinic or even home care.
Family presence: Santexpat.fr’s commitment in case of emergency
In a recent case, Santexpat.fr helped a policyholder join his father in hospital by covering all travel costs. The father of one of our policyholders was hospitalized for more than six days, and our teams mobilized to ensure that he could return to France to be with him. Thanks to this assistance, the policyholder was able to concentrate on his family without worrying about financial constraints. This assistance demonstrates Santexpat.fr’s commitment to its policyholders. It not only provides them with financial cover, but also concrete support in difficult times.
In most cases, repatriation cover extends to all family members, from spouse to children and siblings. In the event of hospitalization or death, the insured may be reimbursed for the cost of air travel. Where necessary, accommodation costs are also covered.
Choosing the right repatriation insurance for a trip abroad
Choosing the right international repatriation insurance is important to guarantee your safety when you’re abroad. Choose a company that specializes in international health and repatriation insurance. Make sure the insurer is easy to contact, offering advice by chat or phone 24/7. Choose a serious company with logistical expertise and solid local networks. Specialized French companies ensure greater responsiveness thanks to their in-depth knowledge of international issues. What’s more, French-language contracts, governed by the French Insurance Code, offer policyholders enhanced protection. Opting for a specialized French company guarantees total peace of mind during your travels. When you choose Santexpat.fr, you benefit from the advice of an international health expert who’s there to support you, all at no extra cost!
