As we pursue the sport we love, we often place ourselves in hazardous situations. The Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen Board supports an informative corner to sharpen our be smart and safe behaviors.
Traveling to Remote Places
submitted by Harry Petrakis
Traveling to Remote Places
submitted by Harry Petrakis
If you have ever given any thought to purchasing medical evacuation insurance read on. All Medical Evacuation companies are not equal. Most such as Med Jet Assist will only send a jet to the nearest airport capable of handling a Lear Jet. You are responsible for getting there. Many offer assistance with logistics like speaking directly with a physician and ground transportation, expediting customs*, etc. So far I have only heard of one company, Global Rescue, (www.globalrescue.com) that will come to you with some limitations (like entering areas that puts the crew to risk) wherever you are even if this means the use of a helicopter to do so.
Cost is by the trip or on a yearly memberships basis, the cost of which is determined in most cases by the amount of travel you do. There are limitations like number of times per year you can use the service and in the case of Global Rescue not being over 75 years old. Students are offered a discounted rate. Given the relative affordability, (costs range from a low of $200 per trip to under $400+ for the entire year), of medical evacuation insurance and the advent of companies that rent satellite phones chances of remote rescue is increased for the traveler who frequents them. Google "Air Ambulance" for more info.
* There are also companies whose sole business is to cut through red tape to expedite you out of a country if you have been injured or have legal problems. One that covers Mexico is BEMCC. (619) 425-5080. I came across this in one of the magazines on a flight to Mexico recently. I did not call them, but it might be a number worth keeping. - Harry Petrakis