Critical care travel involves having medical personnel on hand when you make a trip. It can include air ambulances used for emergency transport and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for travelers who want the security of having a nurse with them during a flight.
It’s an increasingly popular option to use critical care travel while making a long trip by plane for a vacation or to visit a specialist doctor. Having a travel nurse along for a trip ensures that a patient’s health is in good hands.
Who Uses Critical
Travel Care?
Critical care travel is something used by those who suffer from a chronic illness or those who have been injured. In either case, they may have difficulty with their mobility. A travel nurse (sometimes called a flight nurse) offers support by helping patients with their travel arrangements, moving through often congested airports and getting onboard the plane.
They also ensure that the patient has all the
medicine they need, as well as any important medical devices. Travel nurses are
trained in critical care travel and understanding the variables created by
treating someone while thousands of feet in the air.
NEMT is an air ambulance alternative. It’s helpful to know the differences. An air ambulance is
typically staffed by emergency medical personnel and used to transport people
from the site of an accident or natural disaster to the nearest medical
facility.
This is a far cry from NEMT and critical care travel.
The Advantages of
Critical Travel Care
There are many advantages for those who choose to use these kinds of services. Using Flying Angels’ service as an example, these are some of the factors that lead people to hire critical care nurses.
NEMT service is available for trips on commercial airlines anywhere in the world
An experienced flight nurse accompanies you on your trip, ensuring your health and safety
Flight nurses have years of experience in emergency room settings and are schooled in the details of providing in-flight medical care
There also are many advantages for NEMT as an alternative to air ambulances. Because you can get NEMT services on a commercial flight, you can also avoid the high costs of using a private flight. Also, everything is planned in advance, from dealing with items such as wheelchairs to coordination of the boarding process. Critical care travel with a travel nurse is a smart way to get the care you need while you travel. When looking for alternatives to an air ambulance, it’s an option worth considering.
People buying travel insurance should know the difference between medical repatriation and medical evacuation. Evacuation typically refers to the services needed to transport a patient in an emergency, while repatriation typically refers to transportation back home for recovery or rehab after emergency services have been done in another country or state.
Medical repatriation usually involves foreign travel, while evacuation can happen anywhere. In either case, insurance helps cover the cost.
It’s important to know the difference between trip & travel insurance. Keep in mind that both areas are separate from typical travel insurance, which covers issues such as lost baggage, canceled flights and some medical costs.
A medical evacuation happens after someone has
been injured in a natural disaster or accident. Medical evacuations involve
transportation to the nearest emergency medical services available.
Evacuation can also include transferring a
patient from one medical facility to another if specialized care is needed and
only available at the second facility. Typically, medical evacuations involve
the use of fixed-wing aircraft or air ambulances. Also, trained medical
personnel are involved.
Medical evacuation coverage will take care of the cost of the transportation itself, but not the medical bills. That needs to be covered by your insurance provider or from your own pocket. However, it will cover the costs of emergency transport, which can reach high levels – as much as $25,000 to $250,000 in some cases.
Medical repatriation differs from medical evacuation in significant ways. Medical repatriation is needed to cover the cost of returning home from a foreign country.
If you are traveling in France and get into an accident that requires emergency medical services, then you might have the insurance needed to cover the emergency transportation to a hospital and getting the needed medical work done. But then comes the question: How are you going to pay to get home?
Medical repatriation insurance will cover these costs. Another difference is that a medical repatriations trip may not involve medical personnel, depending on the condition of the patient and their ability to handle long-distance travel.
The usual case is that medical repatriation involves non-emergency medical travel (NEMT). That allows patients to find a company that provides comprehensive NEMT services.
Medical repatriation is also a term used by insurance companies to refer to the transfer of your remains back to your home in the event of your death.
By the way, this doesn’t have to be travel outside of the country. It could also include trying to get back from a vacation in Las Vegas to your home in Pennsylvania. Those are some of the key differences between medical evacuation and medical repatriations. It’s a smart move to have a clear understanding of both before purchasing any insurance for your upcoming trip.
How to Prepare for Medical Repatriation or Evacuation
When planning a trip, it’s crucial to be prepared for any unexpected medical emergencies that may arise. One way to do this is by having a detailed discussion with your insurance provider about what is covered under your policy. Ask specific questions about the differences between medical repatriation and evacuation coverages. Be sure to inquire about the conditions and limitations of each, as well as any additional costs that may be involved.
Furthermore, it is also essential to research and have a list of medical facilities in the area you will be traveling to. This can be a vital resource in the event of an emergency and can help to expedite the process of receiving the necessary medical attention. It is also recommended to keep a list of emergency contacts, including the local embassy or consulate, which can provide assistance in case of an emergency.
The Importance of Communication in Medical Emergencies
Effective communication is key in the event of a medical emergency while traveling. It is vital to have a plan in place and ensure that you can communicate with medical personnel, insurance providers, and family members in the event of an emergency. This includes having access to translation services if you are traveling in a foreign country where English is not the primary language.
Moreover, it’s essential to keep your family and friends informed about your travel plans and provide them with copies of your important documents, such as your insurance policy, passport, and itinerary. This will ensure that they have all the necessary information to assist you in the event of a medical emergency.
By taking these precautions and being well-prepared, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are ready to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during your travels.
No one wants to travel when they are sick. However, many times people who are too sick to travel still do so, anyway. That’s because they feel they must travel for any number of reasons, including an important business meeting or a rare family get-together in an exotic location.
But when should you simply admit to yourself that you are too sick to travel? It’s important to know the illnesses and symptoms that should keep you from getting on a plane. A stuffy nose is one thing. But the following are ways your body is letting you know that now is not the time for you to fly.
A Fever
A fever of more than 100 degrees is a sign that you likely have something contagious. You don’t want to expose fellow passengers to your illness. Also, a fever may worsen with the stress of travel. This is one of the primary ways your body lets you know that flying is not a good idea.
Chest Pain
As Dr. Cedrek McFadden told Orbitz, chest pain is a sign of heart trouble, and heart trouble takes precedence over travel. Chest pain means you need to get your heart checked out immediately. McFadden said, “If a person is feeling pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest, they could be exhibiting a sign they are not well enough to fly.” It could be a sign the heart is not getting enough blood flow.
Nausea
Nausea plus flying is not a good combination. Much like food poisoning makes you violently ill, flying can do the same thing with a case of nausea. At the very least, this can make the flying experience extremely unpleasant. This is a situation where you must really evaluate how you feel, as slight queasiness can be brought on over nervousness about flying. But true nausea is worse than that.
Trouble Breathing
Like chest pain, this is a sign that you need to
see a doctor rather than get on a plane. Difficulty breathing can be caused by
many different things, but it’s important to consult with a physician and find
out which one of those things is impacting you. Getting on a plane with
respiratory problems can only make the situation worse, as the decrease in
oxygen will only worsen your situation.
Sinus Infection
There’s pain. Then, there’s the pain that high altitudes can cause for someone with clogged sinuses who is traveling at 30,000 feet. The high altitude increases pressure on the sinuses, which in turn will cause pain for you. If you can clear your sinuses before getting onboard, you should be all right. But just be aware that changes in cabin pressure can cause severe pain and even damage to your eardrum if you have an infection. This is definitely an area where you might be too sick to travel.
Medical Escort
If you do not match the above but still are not feeling your best, it’s not a bad idea to travel with a medical escort. They can see to all your medical needs and be on hand if your situation worsens while you travel.
Keep these issues in mind as you consider whether you are too sick to travel. No one likes to bail on a planned trip. But sometimes, your body is trying to let you know that this time, cancellation is the best idea.
Medical travel insurance covers the policyholder for any medical costs incurred while traveling abroad. Many people need it because they want to have the comfort of knowing they are covered in case of an emergency, and because many insurance companies do not cover international travel.
Medical travel insurance sometimes is sold under the names international travel insurance, international medical insurance or worldwide travel insurance.
What Does Medical
Travel Insurance Cover?
There are insurance policies available that
cover all kinds of “what ifs” involving travel. Those include having to cancel
the trip because of illness and severe weather. Insurance also can cover the
cost of lost luggage. Most of that falls under the term “trip insurance.”
However, medical travel insurance is not trip insurance. It focuses on any costs on the trip from medical care. Those costs can include the following.
Having to get emergency medical evacuation from a remote area and transport to a medical facility
Costs for transporting your body back home in the event of death
An Inexpensive
Alternative
Medical travel insurance provides a less expensive alternative to trip insurance, according to Travel Insurance Review. Medical travel insurance policies are priced based on your age, the length of your trip and the amount of coverage.
That can add up to as little as a few dollars a
day, according to Travel Insurance Review. Because trip insurance policies are
based on the cost of the trip, they can cost hundreds of dollars more.
Also, medical travel insurance has some of the same benefits of trip insurance. Many policies will cover costs associated with trip interruption, trip delays or lost luggage.
How to Shop for
Medical Travel Insurance
When looking for the best medical travel insurance policies, it’s important to consider some of the key issues, in addition to cost.
For example, you want to make sure that the policy covers the costs that your medical insurance at home covers. That way, you are not stuck paying for basic medical tests if you feel ill. To be on the safe side and make sure that a hospital stay is covered, look for a minimum of $50,000 in coverage.
You also want adequate medical transportation
costs covered. That typically means about $250,000 in coverage.
Further, you want a company that provides around the clock customer service. That way they can help you file a claim, find a doctor or arrange medical transport no matter what time zone you happen to be traveling in. Medical travel insurance provides a needed safety net for those who plan to travel out of the country. It’s important to know what it can do for you, and how it differs from trip insurance. Read the fine print and ensure that it’s the right policy for you.
Considerations for Seniors
For senior travelers, choosing the right medical travel insurance requires special consideration. As you age, travel insurance needs can change, often necessitating more comprehensive coverage. Here are a few essential points to consider:
Pre-existing Conditions: Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions to avoid complications during your travels.
Emergency Assistance: Prioritize policies offering robust emergency services and medical evacuation, especially important for older travelers.
Policy Terms for Seniors: Be aware of age-related terms and restrictions. Some policies may have different conditions for travelers above a certain age.
Choosing the right policy means balancing coverage needs with policy terms. It’s essential to read the fine print and seek expert advice if needed. For more in-depth guidance tailored to senior travelers, explore our detailed article on Senior Travel Insurance. This resource provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of travel insurance for seniors.
Those looking for accessible resorts have many options to choose from. With the help of NEMT services like Flying Angels, injured travelers can easily reach these destinations in comfort. 8 popular accessible resort destinations include Club Med, Walt Disney World, Beaches Turks and Caicos, by Sandals, Atlantis – Paradise Island Bahamas, Little Mountain Valley Resort, Resort at Squaw Peak, The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort and Turtle Bay Resort.
Popular Accessible Resorts
The following eight accessible resort ideas will give you a starting point when searching for a place to go on summer vacation. You may even find what you need among these eight places.
Looking for
Accessible Hotels
Hotels in the United States are accessible by
law to those with physical limitations. That may not be the case if you travel
outside the country. Most hotels and resorts accommodate those with mobility
limitations or injuries, but whatever the case, make sure to research hotels
with all the services you need, as well as a location that best fits your
plans.
Walt Disney World
Every Disney hotel has accommodations for those who have limited mobility or special needs. In addition to accessible hotels, rooms, and bathrooms, Disney also makes much of its park accessible to those with limited mobility. These include wheelchairs available for rent, accommodations for service animals, assistive listening devices, and digital audio tours.
Atlantis – Paradise
Island Bahamas
This resort near Nassau in The Bahamas offers accessible lodging for those with limited mobility. The resort also has an online guide of its services for the disabled. The resort includes multiple beaches, dolphin encounters, water slides, a casino, great restaurants, and snorkeling excursions, among many other offerings.
Club Med
Club Med’s all-inclusive locations in the Caribbean include accommodations such as rooms and bathrooms designed for those with impaired mobility or special needs. Other accommodations included wider clearance doorways, bathroom rails, bathroom benches, and lighted light switches and faucets.
Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort
This family resort is one of the best to go to if you want a taste of the all-inclusive experience in an exotic location. The resort also includes wheelchair ramps and lifts scattered throughout the resort, allowing for accessibility, as well as wheelchair accessibility to the beach. Two of the resorts Caribbean Premium rooms are designed specifically for those with limited mobility.
Little Valley
Mountain Resort
If you are thinking of the mountains rather the beach, than the Little Mountain Valley Resort in Tennessee could be a great choice for an accessible resort. The resort offers you the chance to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge, which is near the Smoky Mountain National Park. These include wheelchair accessible cabins that feature ramped entrances, open floor plans and master suites on the first floor.
Resort at Squaw
Peak
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful areas in the western United States. The Resort at Squaw Creek by Lake Tahoe in the mountains of northern California is considered one of the most accessible resorts in the world. It features an accessible fitness center, wheelchair height peepholes, and audio/visual smoke detectors They have a Disabled Access Ambassador on staff who handles all the needs for disabled guests.
The Palazzo at the
Venetian Resort
Thinking of going to Las Vegas? The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort offers 66 wheelchair accessible rooms. It also has easy access for those with limited mobility to shopping and dining. And there’s a lot of that available – the resort has about 35 restaurants alone.
Turtle Bay Resort
If you are traveling to Hawaii, then the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of the island of O’ahu is worth considering if you need a place that accommodates those with limited mobility. The resort offers 11 standard accessible rooms and four suites that are accessible. All the resorts pools and hot tubs have lifts. These are some of the top accessible resorts that can hopefully help you decide where to have fun while injured. No matter which destination you choose, relax and focus on getting back to optimal health!
Both medical transport and emergency transport involve getting people from one location to another. Emergency transport typically is used to get a patient to a hospital quickly. Medical transport involves moving someone who needs or wants medical care during the journey.
The main difference is the situation. Those in emergency transport need to arrive at a treatment facility as fast as possible. Those who get medical transport are not usually in a hurry. They may even be on vacation. But they have medical personnel with them to ensure their medical needs are taken care of during the trip.
Reasons for
Emergency Transport
If you ever are in a situation where you must
dial 9-1-1, the people who arrive work in emergency transport. Typically, they
use an ambulance or helicopter. What is sent depends on your medical condition
or injury. Emergency personnel will send whatever vehicle they think has the best
chance of keeping you alive until you reach the hospital.
The staff involved with emergency transport includes emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics who can assess your condition and perform the necessary medical procedures to keep you stable until you reach the hospital.
They are experts at first-aid treatment and life
support care. They report what they have seen to doctors and nurses at the
hospital once they arrive.
Reasons for Medical
Transport
Many who are interested in medical transport may not know that the nurses who travel with patients have training and experience in emergency medicine – at least, that is the case with Flying Angels.
Medical transport, sometimes called non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), can be used for many reasons. They typically involve air travel. Situations that could involve medical transport include:
Traveling to see a specialist in another city
Grandparents on a vacation to see loved ones
Elderly parents moving to a new home
Someone who has suffered an injury but who must travel
Someone with a chronic medical condition
Someone who has experienced a medical emergency in another country and is trying to get home
In any of those situations, people can hire a service that provides a flight nurse who will travel with them. The experienced nurse manages all the medical equipment needed to handle any situation, as well as manage the patient’s medication. They also have training on providing medical care at high altitudes.
Additionally, the company handles all the travel arrangements for clients and guides them through all the processes within the airport. Those are the primary differences between emergency transport and medical transport. Here’s hoping you never need either, but if you need the latter, you at least know that help is there when you need it.
