Finance & Performance
Repatriation isn’t just a question of money: it’s about medical decision-making and logistical organization. Top-of-the-range plans cover up to $1 million for medical evacuation, and offer repatriation to a suitable center or chosen hospital. It’s crucial to call 24/7 assistance as soon as a local doctor considers that your condition requires transfer.
A medical evacuation can quickly cost tens of thousands of dollars. A transfer from a distant country, the use of a medical aircraft and the presence of a medical team can cost up to $500,000.
Insurers rated by Forbes are ranked on the basis of evacuation ceilings (≥ $500,000 for top rating).
We have also looked into specialized services (Medjet, Global Rescue) that will ensure evacuation to the hospital of your choice.
Exclusions (extreme sports, pre-existing illnesses, length of hospital stay) are also analyzed.
Allianz OneTrip Premier / AllTrips – Exemplary organization.
Allianz offers up to $1 million for evacuation, 24-hour assistance and coordinates medical transport to the right hospital. The Premier plan also includes $50,000 in medical care and an extended hospitalization option. Consulting services help you obtain insurer authorization and avoid reimbursement refusals.
Medjet / Global Rescue – Evacuation of choice. These membership programs are not insurance, but evacuation services. Medjet transports members “from bed to bed” to the hospital of their choice in their own country. Global Rescue intervenes in isolated areas and can deploy medical personnel on site. These memberships (≈ $100 to $359 per year) complement conventional travel insurance.
IMG Travel LX – High ceilings and hospital of choice. IMG offers $1 million for evacuation and a “hospital of choice”, allowing you to choose the final hospital after stabilization. Pet benefits and CFAR/IFAR options make this a premium option.
Seven Corners / HTH / World Trips – Balancing costs and benefits. Seven Corners (Trip Protector) offers $500,000 of evacuation and includes a 150% refund in the event of trip interruption. HTH offers annual plans with $500,000 evacuation for seniors. World Trips offers adventure options and a global network.
AXA Travel / AXA Schengen – Schengen coverage and limited repatriation. AXA’s Schengen plans provide the regulatory minimum (€30,000) and are excellent for obtaining a visa, but less suitable for far-flung expeditions. AXA Assistance USA’s top-of-the-range plans can cover up to $1 million in evacuation costs, but competitors often offer better value for money.
| Supplier | Evacuation / repatriation | Medical coverage | Strong points | Points to watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Premier | 1 M $ | 50 000 $ | Organized assistance, hospital acceptance, short waiting period | Check exclusions (extreme sports) |
| Medjet | Transport to selected hospital | N/A (membership) | Non-medical and medical evacuation, no deductible | Underwritten in addition to standard insurance |
| IMG Travel LX | 1 M $ | 500 000 $ | CFAR/IFAR, hospital of choice, animals | Higher cost, reporting delays |
| Seven Corners | 500 000 $ | 250 000 $ | 150% Interruption, 75% CFAR/IFAR | High premiums for certain plans |
| HTH (TripProtector) | 500 000 $ | 125 000 $ | Pre-existing (if underwritten for 14 days), seniors up to age 95 | No economic waiver |
* Indicative prices: please check official documents for confirmation.
Why is evacuation so expensive?
Medical transport involves ambulance, medical plane, medical team and coordination. Forbes reports that generous plans include up to $1 million in coverage, as repatriation from Asia or Africa can exceed $200,000.
What are Medjet and Global Rescue?
These are not insurances, but memberships: you pay an annual fee and, in the event of an accident, the company organizes your repatriation to the hospital of your choice, even if conventional insurance would only have covered transport to the nearest hospital. These services are useful for expeditions, or for people wishing to avoid local hospitals.
Does travel insurance always include evacuation?
Most plans cover evacuation, but limits vary from $50,000 to $1 million. Check that the “hospital of choice” option is included if you wish to be transported home.
Are extreme sports covered?
Many insurance policies exclude high-risk sports (diving, mountaineering, paragliding). Forbes recommends checking whether the insurer offers an extension or a dedicated plan. HTH and World Nomads offer special coverage for over 200 sports.