Does My Credit Card Cover Air Ambulance Services During Travel?
April 29, 2008
Credit cards seem to fill the pockets and purses of nearly every traveler around the world. Premium credit cards frequently offer benefits and perks for travelers. These little extras lure consumers into using their specific credit card to make travel purchases. If you use credit cards when you travel, it is important to learn about the specifics for your particular card.
Does your credit card cover lost or stolen items away from home? Does the card cover air ambulance services in an emergency? Learning about such benefits will help you prepare for your next trip whether it is across the country or around the world.
Begin your quest for answers by digging out your paperwork from your credit cards. Start combing through the fine print to see what your premium credit card covers and what exclusions apply. After doing a little detective work, you will undoubtedly realize that you do have some coverage during your trip away from home. Credit card companies will typically pay for lost or stolen luggage or other personal goods during a trip, but this feature is only effective after a deductible has been applied. Of course, all credit card agreements are different, so check your card to be certain.
If a medical emergency should arise, the credit card coverage may pay to have you transported to the nearest medical facility. Your premium credit card may even pay to have someone fly to be with you. Yes, this is quite a nice benefit, but the card will not cover expenses to fly you home on an air ambulance to the hospital of your choice to be near family and friends. Also, it will not cover the added expenses of hotel rooms, food, and other expenses associated with the family member traveling and staying in the area so far from home.
Due to this vulnerable situation, many cardholders decide to purchase a membership to an air ambulance service that will cover any fees associated with getting the patient home. Such a company will charge a set fee, typically charged monthly or annually. For this fee, the covered person or family can choose to fly via air ambulance from any hospital far from home to the hospital of their choice. All of this is at no additional cost. Since such a flight home on a medically staffed air ambulance is expensive, this membership can save a great deal of money. One trip on an air ambulance can cost between $10 and $75,000.
Even a premium credit card won’t cover those expenses.
Before traveling away from home, it is crucial that you learn the ins and outs of your coverage from a credit card. Even premium credit cards with fabulous benefits may leave you open and vulnerable in a medical emergency. All credit card agreements vary, so read the fine print very carefully.
If you are not guaranteed coverage of a flight home on a medically staffed air ambulance to the hospital of your choice, then you are not adequately covered with your credit card. Additional coverage is necessary to protect yourself, your family, and your wallet.
Does an Air Ambulance Need RVSM?
April 27, 2008
If you are someone you know will be needing to use an air ambulance service, there are numerous factors to consider before making the trip. One factor to consider when flying in an air ambulance is the aircraft. If the patient must travel by air over a distance of 500 miles, then it is advisable to transport the patient in a jet. Before selecting any air ambulance service that uses jets to transport their patients, check to see if the aircrafts are equipped with RVSM.
What does RVSM mean? The letters RVSM are an abbreviation for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum. RVSM is a modification to the jet aircraft that has been required by the FAA on all aircrafts that want to fly above 29,000 feet in the air. Despite the FAA regulation since January of 2005, many pilots have chosen not to make this modification to their jet aircraft. Without RVSM, pilots are forced to fly their aircraft at lower altitudes.
For personal flights, flying at lower altitudes is primarily a minor inconvenience, but when traveling for medical necessity by air ambulance, the situation changes. Patients flying on an air ambulance jet are in need of comfort, safety, and speed. The lack of RVSM requiring flight at lower altitudes compromises the patient’s comfort and the speed of the flight.
When a pilot is forced to fly at lower altitudes, the transit time is lengthened. When time is of the essence, patients cannot afford to waste time. Jets having RVSM are able to fly at higher altitudes and save precious time. In some instances, this can make the difference between life and death.
Another negative side to flying without RSVM includes more fuel stops. With each landing and takeoff for fuel, more time is spent circling the airport, taxiing, and fueling up the plane. Waiting for more fuel can spend time that some patients don’t have to spare. Selecting an air ambulance service that flies with RVSM can save time and offer patients and family peace of mind.
More turbulence is frequently experienced at lower altitudes when compared to flying with RVSM. Turbulence can compromise the safety of the patient. This can be avoided using RVSM technology on the air ambulance flight permitting the aircraft to fly above the turbulence. Choppy flights can also become uncomfortable and unpleasant for patients. Selecting an air ambulance service that has RVSM on their jets will ensure the highest possible comfort for the patient.
Anyone traveling by air ambulance is undoubtedly concerned with safety, speed, and comfort. RVSM may seem to be a luxury for some pilots, but quality air ambulance services know the value of RVSM for their clients. The RVSM technology modification to aircraft allows the patient the utmost comfort possible during the flight.
Flying at higher altitudes saves considerable time, by avoiding refueling, extra touchdowns of the aircraft, and issues with turbulence. Clearly, selecting an air ambulance jet with RVSM is important when traveling by air ambulance for long distances. RVSM offers safety and convenience for passengers creating peace of mind during a stressful time.
Do Air Ambulance Service Companies Carry Insurance?
April 27, 2008
In today’s society, it seems that everyone is concerned about insurance and liability. No, this article is not focusing on health insurance coverage for services involving the transportation of a patient with an air ambulance. We are focusing here on liability insurance and malpractice insurance coverage that should be in place for each air ambulance.
Just like every motorist who drives a car should possess liability insurance, each air ambulance should carry liability coverage. An air ambulance should carry at least a minimum of $20 million in aircraft liability coverage. Of course, patients would never hope to need to worry about such coverage, but knowing that the air ambulance service carries this coverage can be reassuring and provide confidence for the client. Companies who carry the appropriate amount of coverage indicate their reputation.
Just like any doctor’s office or medical transport service that travels by ground, medical malpractice insurance coverage is essential. Patients and their families long to avoid the worries about a malpractice situation, but in reality, the risk does exist. For this reason, each air ambulance should have a minimum of $1 million policy for medical malpractice coverage. Again, no one wants to use such coverage, but knowing that an air ambulance company carries such excellent insurance, will help to ensure that the air ambulance service is reputable.
As you would feel uncomfortable traveling with a motorist who didn’t carry the appropriate insurance coverage, you would want to reconsider traveling with an air ambulance service who discards the need for liability insurance. Likewise, all good doctors carry malpractice insurance. Air ambulance companies should do the same.
As you compare companies that provide air ambulance services, you may want to consider checking in on the coverage amounts for both liability aircraft insurance and medical malpractice insurance. Air ambulance companies are not required to give out pertinent insurance information, but reputable companies will be happy to answer any and all of your questions about their insurance coverage and minimums. Some companies will provide a standard copy of information regarding liability and medical malpractice insurance coverage with the other paperwork that is involved with the processing information to request air ambulance service.
All reputable air ambulance companies and organizations have the best interest of the patient at heart. These air ambulance services will undoubtedly be eager to discuss and explain any questions or concerns you have in regards to their levels of liability and medical malpractice insurance. If the air ambulance company is unwilling to discuss this with the patient or the family, then it may be advisable to look to another company that will help to ease your concerns.
It is Important to find an air ambulance service that makes you feel the most at ease. During this time of medical necessity, stress can be high. Knowing that the patient is being transported by an air ambulance service that is responsible and carries excellent insurance coverage can provide insight into the type of organization it is. A reputable company will do their utmost best to provide assurance to everyone involved to create an environment of peace of mind for their clients.
Disadvantages of Using a Broker to Secure Air Ambulance Transportation
April 27, 2008
If you or someone you love are in need of transportation via air ambulance, you may be confused about where to look to locate such a service. Frequently, patients and families will turn to a broker in order to secure air ambulance services. The use of a broker can help you to locate air ambulance services to meet the needs of the patient, but this is not always the best plan of action.
Using a broker to secure air ambulance travel for a patient can have many disadvantages. It can be wise to take the time to search for air ambulance service on your own whenever possible.
Since the broker is a middle man, he does not own the aircraft, fly the air ambulance, or staff the flight. The broker merely finds an appropriate air ambulance service at the lowest price available. Although this may sound like a great opportunity, it really is not a beneficial situation.
After the broker locates air ambulance transportation, he adds his fee to the final cost.
Using a broker does not ensure a higher level of quality for the patient. In fact, they have no system to analyze quality control for patient care. Dealing directly with the air ambulance service company, the patient can receive the best rate for the service.
Going through a broker to locate air ambulance services will tie your hands and leave the patient unable to deal directly with the service provider. On the other hand, patients who forego the broker can contact the air ambulance service provider directly. This allows the opportunity to discuss any personal questions or concerns. During this stressful time, patients and their families need reassurance. Direct contact between you and the air ambulance company can be very comforting and provide much needed peace of mind about the quality service and medical treatment the patient will receive.
Using a broker to secure adequate air ambulance transportation services is much like using a broker to locate the perfect child care provider for your children. Regardless of the excellent reputation of the service provider, it is important and crucial to have trust and confidence in the service provider for the best results. Yes, the broker will find appropriate services, but will everyone feel confident about the broker’s decision? Making the decision for the best air ambulance service provider through your own resources will add a sense of comfort and assurance.
If the circumstances arise that you or a family member require the services of transportation by air ambulance, you may want to skip the services from a broker and do the legwork yourself. There are several advantages to locating the air ambulance service on your own. Without the use of a broker, direct contact between you and the service provider is useful to answer any questions that may arise.
A sense of confidence arises with the patient and the family during this interaction. Also, dealing directly with the air ambulance service provider can create an opportunity to receive the highest quality service at a great value. Going through a broker merely marks up the cost of such services.
Consider Safety First When Choosing an Air Ambulance
April 27, 2008
Times of stress often leave people feeling drained and unable to think clearly. When you or a loved one are suffering from medical conditions, stress levels are high. It is important to think of safety first when deciding on which air ambulance company to use. Here are some suggestions to help you put safety first in the decision.
Don’t let the stress and circumstances cloud your mind. Research the air ambulance service thoroughly before making the decision to use their services. Learn about the company and their history. Find out what certifications the pilot and flight crew must possess. Do the pilot and other crew members meet all FAA requirements and certifications? Is the pilot required to have flight-simulator training? If so, how often.
Some companies will permit only a single pilot to fly the aircraft. Although this is not deemed unsafe, it is a good idea to fly with an air ambulance service that offers two pilots in the cockpit.
Inexperienced pilots may not have the hours and background to safely transport patients on a medical mission. Locate an air ambulance company that uses pilots solely dedicated to medical missions that require numerous hours of flight time.
Ask about the company’s safety record. Although most companies who offer air ambulance services have excellent safety records, you can never be so sure. Find out for yourself. Do your homework to make sure the company follows the strictest guidelines in the industry.
Find out if the air ambulance company is a member of CAMTS. This means that the company is certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services. Membership varies throughout the industry, but with no federal standards in place, it is a way to be certain that minimum competency and safety standards are being met. To receive certification, the company commits to being evaluated on educational standards, safety, equipment, staffing, maintenance,
Communication, and administration.
When considering an air ambulance transportation service, find out if the company employs a medical director. This person should be a licensed physician trained in all the areas of critical care and emergency treatment. This person should be available for consultation during a transport if questions should arise. Also, to encourage quality control, this individual will review the circumstances of the transport to ensure that all medical protocols were followed correctly.
This person oversees the training of medical staff and is responsible for the actions of the medical team during the transport. A company with such a person on staff has a lot at stake, so quality and standards will be high in such a case.
How many medical professionals accompany the patient during transport? In many situations, an air ambulance service may only send out one medically trained person on each flight. In some instances, this is safe for patients, but if an emergency should occur, it is best to have a minimum of two medically trained personnel on hand to completely handle the emergency situation. The trained staff should have experience in emergency treatment and critical care. In specialized cases, more members should accompany a patient and the number of the team increases. This is true in cases that require a respiratory therapist, for example.
Investigating air ambulance services may seem overwhelming at the time, but knowing that the patient’s needs should come first is important. Safety of the patient is evident in companies that strive for excellence. Check out the air ambulance company and their safety record for an indication of the company’s quality and level of experience before making the final decision.
Children Tour Air Ambulance Helicopter
April 27, 2008
We have all seen and heard the choppers overhead. The familiar sight and sound tells us that the air ambulance helicopter is heading off on another medical mission. Each time the air ambulance flies by, everyone’s curiosity is peaked. Both children and adults will stare and stretch their necks to snag a glimpse of the air ambulance. There is just something exciting about an air ambulance that consumes us and nabs our attention.
Young children, in particular, have an interest in things like a fire truck or police car. Imagine their excitement when they can take a closer look at an air ambulance. The kids will wander up and stare wide-eyed at the bird. The mere size of the chopper up close is amazing to the youngsters.
Many communities have made arrangements for the local air ambulance helicopter to be on display at community events and safety expos. Children and adults alike peer inside this marvelous machine for a glance at the medical wonder. This rare opportunity is not only educational, but memorable, for the children as well.
It is sad, but true that more and more people need the service of an air ambulance. This unique opportunity to experience the air ambulance up close is not only interesting and educational, but helps to inform children about the benefits of being careful and practicing excellent safety habits. It is wise to use the tour of the air ambulance as an opening to communication about health and safety messages.
The experience of touring an air ambulance may also allow the opportunity for the children to meet the flight crew and medical staff. Getting to know community heroes is an excellent experience for children. Teachers can use this opportunity for children to write a letter to the crew or other heroes in the local community. Older children may find the experience intriguing and be interested in learning more about volunteering or becoming an EMT. Grasping a child’s natural curiosity could lead to a career in the medical field or as a pilot in the years to come.
If your community has not set up an opportunity to tour an air ambulance, then consider checking into this as a project through school, Scouts, or other organizations.
For older children, it may be possible to schedule a chance to ride in the air ambulance as an observer. High school students interested in a medical career may relish the opportunity to job shadow in this position.
Tap into children’s interests to educate by touring an air ambulance helicopter. Utilize the experience to meet the requirements for a safety demonstration, health badge or project, or simply for fun. Children of all ages seem to be intrigued about this marvelous medical machine.
Touring and examining an air ambulance may inspire youngsters to peruse a career in the medical field. Speaking directly with the flight crew and medical staff can help children to realize their own potential to help others. There are numerous benefits to children who take advantage of the opportunity to tour an air ambulance.
Can Family Travel With the Patient in an Air Ambulance?
April 27, 2008
When a loved one is dealing with serious medical conditions, everyone wants to help and be supportive. The family of the patient wants to be involved and informed about what is going on. Just like the doctors and medical staff, a patient’s loving family wants what is best for the patient. When the patient must be transported, many issues of concern arise. If a loved one must fly in an air ambulance, can someone from the family come along for support?
The goal of transporting the patient is often to reach qualified healthcare quickly and conveniently. This is especially true for many patients whose lives are dependent on the speed in which they get to the appropriate hospital and treatment. In some cases, the patient will fly in an air ambulance just a short distance to a local hospital, in other cases, a patient may travel across the globe for medical services.
Each specific case is looked at individually. There is no one right answer to this question. In some cases, it is imperative to the patient that they only travel in the air ambulance with the medical staff. Frequently, this is due to space limitations in the aircraft. For example,, if the patient has just been involved in a severe car accident and must be air lifted to a trauma hospital in a helicopter, there may not be adequate room aboard the aircraft for the medical personnel to properly care for the patient if another person is seated in the area.
On the other hand, if the patient must fly long distances for medical treatment, larger jet aircrafts may be more suited to the medical mission. If this should be the case, chances are high that there will be the necessary room for a member of the family to accompany the patient safely while en route to the destination.
Doctors, medical staff, and family all know that the patient is more relaxed when they can travel with someone they know and care about. For this reason, whenever possible, accommodations for a support person are made during the trip in an air ambulance. Of course, if the medical mission is compromised by the addition of another person into the cabin, for any reason, family members will be asked to refrain and meet the patient at the destination by using other forms of travel.
During this stressful time, all efforts are made to make the patient the most comfortable and relaxed as possible, while keeping safety as the top priority. If someone wants to accompany the patient on the air ambulance to the destination, by all means, ask. If it is feasible, the medical staff will welcome the family member aboard the aircraft. If the request is denied, take heart that the decision was based solely on the safety of the patient and the flight crew.
Travel by air ambulance can be a complicated issue, but the mission is to safely get the patient from the point of origin to the destination as quickly as possible. In some cases, patients are not permitted a support person during the flight, but whenever possible, a family member is encouraged to travel with the patient.
Business Travelers Need Air Ambulance Service Coverage
April 27, 2008
Do you travel frequently away from home due to your specific job requirements? Business travel has increased dramatically over the past few decades. More and more, men and women are sent hundreds of miles away from home to perform business duties. In many cases, travelers are even sent out of their home country on business.
The good business traveler comes prepared for the trip with all of the appropriate luggage, business files, and a laptop, but often something is missing. You may think you leave home fully prepared for the trip, but in reality, you are vulnerable. The business traveler may not be prepared for a medical emergency during the trip. Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. Just for this reason, people who travel away from home on frequent business trips should be prepared for such an emergency.
Although no one ever wants to use air ambulance services, it is possible that such a need may arise. The cost of a trip in an air ambulance can be extremely expensive. Fees can range from $10,000 to $75,000 per trip.
Business travelers really should consider purchasing air ambulance service coverage for those times when they are away from home. Not all air ambulance service coverage providers offer equal coverage. Carefully read the fine-print and examine the policy with caution. It is important to know when air ambulance service is covered, when it is available, and at what charge to you.
Do your best to select a plan that will allow you to be transported by a medically staffed air ambulance under any health condition. Be certain that you are able to determine the destination. It won’t be helpful to be dropped off at some random hospital along the route that is still miles from home. It is important that you be transported to the hospital of your choice, especially if you are concerned about being near family or at a hospital in your health insurance network.
Locating an air ambulance service coverage
Plan that has no conditions about pre-existing health conditions is very important. As you read the details of the coverage plan, try to look for any loopholes that exclude coverage. If too many exclusions apply, look elsewhere for reputable coverage.
Companies and corporations can supply air ambulance service coverage for business travelers at a reduced rate to the employees or as part of a benefits package. Speak to your employer today to find out if this option is available for you. If coverage is not available through your employer, it is wise to search for this coverage on your own to protect yourself, your family, and your finances.
The next time you travel away from home, don’t just grab your files and your computer. Bring with you confidence and peace of mind that you are covered in an emergency. Should you need to be transported by an air ambulance while away on business, you will know that you can protect your wallet with service coverage. When an emergency arises, you can quickly be transferred to a hospital near home and family without incurring the outrageous expense.
Benefits of NICU Air Ambulance Services
April 27, 2008
A medical mission is always an important flight. The crew on an air ambulance takes each and every flight to heart and treats the patient as if they were one of the family. This fact is never more true than when the air ambulance contains a NICU patient.
There are few things in life scarier than knowing your child is in distress. The sight of a tiny newborn attached to wires and leads, tubes and IV drips, can be extremely disturbing. As new parents, such a vision tends to stab into their hearts, but rest assured that the tiny baby is in good hands. If the doctor orders travel via an air ambulance for the infant, know that the child will be receiving continuous medical monitoring and treatment during the entire trip, from bedside to bedside.
Each air ambulance specially staffed for NICU treatment has all the appropriate medical tools and equipment to do the job. Whether the NICU is on the ground or in the air, newborns receive the best care possible. Don’t fret that the child will be traveling with just a single nurse or basic EMT. In many cases, an entire NICU team will escort the child to the destination. Not for a mere second will the baby be lacking appropriate medical attention and care.
The equipment on board an air ambulance includes ventilators, cardiac monitoring and treatment devices, and other specialized equipment to handle any emergency. The flying NICU in the air ambulance is well equipped and staffed for the mission at hand.
In many cases, the mother and father may accompany the child during the air ambulance flight. Although in some rare instances this may not be the case, it is encouraged whenever possible. The doctors and staff know the benefits of the parent and child bond. Rest assured that all efforts will be made to include parents during each step of the process of transport whenever it is deemed medically feasible. If for some reason, a parent or parents must stay behind, know that it is in the best interest of the child at such a critical time.
When travel by a conventional ambulance is not enough, an air ambulance is called in to transport the patient safely and quickly to the desired destination. In some cases, this flight may be several hundred miles or halfway around the globe. Regardless of the point of origin or the destination, air ambulance travel is a safe alternative for patients. This is true for any NICU patient requiring special transport and monitoring.
Although the air ambulance is equipped with devices and tools for adult patients, the special needs of NICU patients are met, as well. Each and every flight on an air ambulance is specifically staffed with the appropriate medical team to suit the situation. All pertinent medical equipment is on board the aircraft to treat the NICU patient safely and effectively.
Any parent learning that their child requires air ambulance transport can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the air ambulance is well-suited for the job. The equipment and staff on board the flight transform the aircraft into a flying NICU that can handle any emergency.
Benefits of CAMTS Certification for Air Ambulance Services
April 27, 2008
As you shop around for an air ambulance service, you may be confused about all the details. How do you know which air ambulance service is best? If you are looking for air ambulance transportation that is high-quality and lives up to standards, then look for a service that is CAMTS certified.
What does CAMTS mean? The initials CAMTS stand for Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services. Companies who are accredited by CAMTS receive several benefits. Although the company must incur some cost and time commitment for the certification, the company who receives such an honor will appreciate the time and money invested.
The air ambulance service that is certified by CAMTS may have lowered insurance premiums due to the quality commitment and high safety standards. Local, state, and federal government may recognize the CAMTS certified air ambulance company. Such certified air ambulance services may be granted contracts only available to certified companies. The credibility attained by CAMTS certification is prestigious among other medical transport companies and the public.
Customers will note the CAMTS certification and know that they are securing a flight with a dependable air ambulance service. The commitment to excellence seen only by CAMTS certified companies will provide confidence to the customer. During stressful times, it can be hard to know that you are making the right decision about medical issues, but choosing a CAMTS certified air ambulance will make the decision easier.
Because no federal or state regulations exist to standardize many of the practices associated with air ambulance transport, it is difficult to determine which companies are best and which companies simply will do the job. CAMTS certified companies are required to meet minimum standards that indicate the company is providing excellent service that focuses on patient comfort and safety.
The company interested in certification begins by critically assessing their own organization. This helps the air ambulance service note their strengths and weaknesses. In time, inspectors come to the site of the service to assess the company and their practices. With this amount of scrutiny, it is no doubt that the company has the opportunity to perfect any problems.
Measurements are taken in regards to communication, administration, education, and maintenance. If the air ambulance company fails to meet the minimum requirements, they will not receive the CAMTS certification. While companies who do not have the certification may, in fact, meet the standards, there is no way to judge this fact. Customers selecting only CAMTS certified air ambulance services can be certain that such minimum standards are met. Periodically, certified companies are re-evaluated to ensure quality.
Certification from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services offers several benefits for the air ambulance service. Among prestige and lower insurance premiums, the company will get more business. Customers in search of a high-quality air ambulance service will be able to easily separate the CAMTS certified companies from the rest of the pack. CAMTS certification is a win-win situation for both air ambulance companies and potential customers of the service.