Illness, accident and rescue transport abroad: This is what an emergency costs you

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Evaluations showed that the cost of calling an ambulance is between 900 and 2,100 francs, depending on the canton. According to these calculations, the average cost of using a rescue helicopter in Switzerland is around 3,500 francs.

In an emergency, every second counts. Therefore, in Switzerland the next best principle applies: The nearest rescue equipment most suitable for the type of emergency is sent to the emergency area. For the patient, this means that it is not possible to choose which rescue organization will come to help. Depending on illness or accident, a rescue helicopter may also be called. This means those affected can be taken to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. Depending on the need, an ambulance, rescue helicopter or both will be called. Different organizations may be used depending on the region. This makes it even more important that you know how to be insured in case of an emergency. If you are not properly insured this can cost you dearly.

Disease: 50 percent at the expense of those affected

Many of those affected are surprised at how much of the recovery costs they have to cover themselves. Basic insurance pays only 50 percent of emergency transportation costs due to illnesses such as stroke, heart attack or wasting attack, up to a certain maximum amount per year. The insured must pay the amounts exceeding this maximum amount within one calendar year. If it is a patient transfer, this is always 50 percent up to 500 francs per calendar year. If you are rescued from a life-threatening situation, your basic insurance will cover a maximum of half to 5,000 francs per year.

Accident: 50 percent of expenses for those affected

For people who do not work or work less than eight hours a week, such as retirees, housewives, househusbands, children and students, this gap also arises in the case of rescue transport due to accidents such as falls, sports or home accidents. There too, according to KVG, 50 percent of the costs must always be borne by you, as they are insured against accidents.

How about saving abroad?

If you are rescued abroad by ambulance or rescue helicopter, your basic health insurance policy is usually not covered. Medical transport abroad is limited to 500 francs. The same applies to people who insure the accident with health insurance (working less than eight hours a week). Depending on the destination, rescue costs may be even higher than in Switzerland.

Return from abroad

With the basic health insurance policy, repatriation is not insured in any way and the costs must be borne entirely by you, without additional insurance.

Repatriation by ambulance jet within Europe can cost up to 20,000 francs, and from abroad such as Thailand, more than 100,000 francs. For those working more than eight hours a week, the amount of accident insurance is also limited to 29,640 francs. This means almost everyone has an insurance gap when it comes to repatriation.

Solution to unreimbursed costs

The SOS 144 rescue card is a good solution. This covers rescue and recovery costs regardless of the rescue organization and rescue equipment. This cover applies, among other things, to operations of Rega, Air Zermatt, AAA Alpine Air Ambulance or DRF, but also to ambulance. This insurance coverage is valid worldwide; It doesn’t matter where the emergency occurs, who is involved in the rescue, or whether the emergency occurs due to an accident or illness. As an SOS 144 policy holder, unlike membership, you have the right to cover recovery costs that are not contractually covered. This insurance coverage is available at prices starting from just 60 francs per year for individuals and 90 francs per year for couples and families.

Source : Blick