The Difference between Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains

shutterstock_83967790When it comes to finding international insurance, two popular terms that shoppers will come across frequently are emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. There are many country and school requirements
that state individuals need to have both emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains in their insurance plan. To make the process of finding an international insurance plan as simple as possible, you will want to know the difference between emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains before you begin the international insurance hunt.

In the process of looking at the difference between emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, we will first look at emergency medical evacuation. Emergency medical evacuation occurs when an individual has a life-threatening emergency and needs care at a facility immediately. The evacuation may occur by air or ground. Additionally, if the individual is at a facility that is unable to provide the medically necessary treatment, emergency medical evacuation may occur if recommended by the attending physician.

Repatriation of remains is another term that often causes confusion. This term is referring to the transportation of mortal bodily remains to the principal residence of the covered individual. Usually, this is back to the insured’s family in their home country. Depending on the location of the home country and host country of the insured individual, this will be done by air or ground. Typically insurance plans include this benefit when the covered individual has a covered illness or injury that results in death.

There are a few key items included when looking at the difference between emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. However, one main difference is that repatriation of remains refers to an individual who is already deceased, whereas emergency medical evacuation refers to a living individual who still is in need of medical assistance. Even if not required by their school or host country to obtain coverage for these benefits, students will want to make sure they have a plan that includes them since both of these instances can rack up high medical bills.

If you need a plan that includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, contact one of our licensed agents to find a plan that best meets your needs.

*Helicoptor taking off photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Posted by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined International Student Insurance in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.

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