On a trip, do you or one of your loved ones have to go to emergencies abroad? Here's an idea of the price it could cost you.
The French health system is one of the most favorable in the world. Number of expenses are managed by Health Insurance and reimbursements are provided by the Social security and mutual health. To go to emergencies abroad, things are quite different. Care can cost a small fortune. Without travel insurance, it is impossible to cope with this expenditure.
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Emergency: a variable price according to countries
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Health systems around the world are very different. The standard of living is also variable, which impacts the amount of the medical expenses . Common care or hospitalizations, you have already been able to see through our articles that each country applied its own policy. While a Frenchman will consult a generalist 25€ , an American will have to spend about $80 to $100 .
If you're going to United States , to resume this somewhat extreme example, being admitted to emergencies can cost you more 50 000€ . But in reality it will depend on different parameters.
On the one hand, the price of this health expenditure will depend on nature of the establishment if it is public or private. Then, being admitted to emergencies meets different needs. Did you have a serious accident that requires heavy surgery? Did you make a mistake? Are you suffering from appendicitis? Admission to emergencies is one thing, medical care is another.
In most countries, going to emergencies will cost you a few thousand euros , but, as we have mentioned, it is indeed case by case. What we are certain, however, is that without travel insurance, the note will be salted for you. With such an expense, if it is not supported, you can find yourself in a delicate financial situation. And it is also a possible necessary medical repatriation. Without travel insurance with the medical repatriation guarantee, there again, the expenditure may explode.
What care if you have to go to emergency services abroad?
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What is important is, of course, to know how much cost to go to emergencies abroad. But the other essential element concerns reimbursement of that expenditure. This will first depend on where you left on your trip.
Emergencies in Europe
When you leave to stay in Europe, you have to apply for European Health Insurance Card . Of course, ECAM is not mandatory, but you will see that it can be very useful in case of emergency hospitalization (it is of course also useful if you are simply going to see a doctor).
With this map, if you leave in a European Union country, you just need to present it to the hospital in which you are admitted in emergency, you can be Supported by Social Security French and even benefit from a fee advance. Otherwise, you must, upon return, make a refund request via the form “care received abroad” S3125 .
Attention, however, this solution is far from miraculous. Indeed, you can be taken care of at the rates in the country of your stay or France. But, in any event, it is hard to bet that the care will not be integral and that you will have to pay yourself part of the expenditure.
To be admitted to emergencies outside the European Union
If you travel to the other end of the world, this time, you can’t get any advance fees. Hospital care provided by the emergency service should be paid by yourself On your way out. Upon your return to France, once again, you will need to make an application by filling out the form “care received abroad” and by joining the invoices paid and other supporting documents that can attest to the urgency of the care. But, again, the refund will not be up to your expectations. So, to go to emergencies abroad, better be covered.
The importance of travel insurance to preserve your budget and health
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In the event of an emergency abroad, you will have understood it, better to be well insured . Financial emergency management will be consecutive to the level of your guarantees.
Travel insurance with the bank card to pay the emergency service
With one Credit card Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold, it is quite possible to ambition a support. Pediatric emergencies, psychological emergencies or even a vital emergency, make sure to consult the real nature of your guarantees. The insurance of your bank card can perfectly present exclusions.
The other point of vigilance concerns the compensation ceiling. Indeed, you just need to check the terms and conditions of your bank card to discover these ceilings. They must be up to the country you visit. We mentioned it, going to emergencies abroad can have a variable cost. Going to the United States will not cost you the same price as if you had been to the emergency hospital Kathmandu . If you choose a bank card especially for your travel insurance, make sure it is in accordance with your actual needs.
Independent travel insurance to be perfectly protected
For a classic medical visit, for first-aid care, for short-term hospitalization and additional examinations or for long-term medical care, travel insurance is better adapted . Indeed, this time you will be able modulate your guarantees . The different insurance companies allow you to get a basic protection to which you can add options, play with ceilings, etc.
As long as your state of health permits, try to contact your travel insurance As soon as you get to the emergency room. If you are accompanied, make sure the person travels with you. This will make it possible to report the disaster and provide care in the context of urgent care. The sooner the statement is made, the more likely you will be to receive a fee advance from your insurance. Because, even if you know that you’re reimbursed by your insurer, in view of the cost of emergencies abroad, you don’t necessarily have the money available on your account.
We invite you, before subscribing travel insurance, to check whether you are actually taken care of. Indeed, there may be some deficiencies . For example, care for hospitalization can only be activated if you are hospitalized for a minimum of two days. Once it is not customary, we invite you to be very vigilant when you sign your contract, it is the assurance of spending a more serene vacation.
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