Cost trap in case of accident or illness: Who actually pays for rescue transport?

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However, emergency transport by ambulance or rescue helicopter can be costly to the affected person. Many of those affected are surprised at how much they have to pay, even though they have health or accident insurance.

50 percent belongs to the patient

“When it comes to the question of who will pay in an emergency, you first need to distinguish whether the emergency transportation is due to illness or accident,” says Florian Obrist, SOS 144 rescue card insurance manager. “In Switzerland, basic health insurance only covers 50 percent of emergency transport costs, whether an ambulance or a rescue helicopter is used.” The remaining 50 percent belongs to the patient.

When it comes to accident insurance, the situation is slightly different. “Anyone who is at work and works more than eight hours a week is on the safe side,” says Obrist. The accident insurance then covers all expenses. “According to the UVG, there are exceptions for children, students or retirees who do not have accident insurance. “In case of illness and accident, the same 50 percent regulation applies there as well.”

Gaps in sickness and accident coverage

The biggest gaps in insurance coverage occur in the event of a sudden illness requiring emergency transport. “Basic insurance pays only half of a certain maximum amount: 500 francs for medical transport and 5,000 francs for rescue from a life-threatening situation in case of illness,” explains Obrist. «When we work as a consultant, we experience every day that many people do not know this subject completely. “But of course I also understand that people don’t like to deal with this issue, especially because it’s so complex.”

Analysis 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. “You must remember that when the helicopter is deployed, if the situation is still unclear, the ambulance is often called at the same time,” says Obrist. “This can lead to costs of several thousand francs, which you may have to pay out of your own wallet.”

How is it abroad?

Anyone needing to be rescued or rescued from a life-threatening situation abroad has to dig deep into their own pockets. This is enough if you are going shopping in Germany or if something unexpected happens during your ski holiday in Austria. Likewise, returning to your country from abroad by ambulance jet or ambulance is not included in the basic insurance coverage.

While the cost of being repatriated by ambulance jet in Europe can quickly cost tens of thousands of francs, repatriation from overseas countries such as Australia can cost up to 200,000 francs. This situation is not insured in the basic health insurance policy. For those working more than eight hours a week, the amount of accident insurance is also limited to 29,640 francs.

Play it safe

It is therefore a mistake to think that health insurance or accident insurance always fully covers rescue and recovery costs. However, the SOS 144 rescue card covers all expenses arising from rescue or rescue operations that are not covered by health or accident insurance. Rega, Air Zermatt, Alpine Air Ambulance and even ambulances: Whichever air rescue team or ambulance comes to the rescue, the SOS 144 rescue card covers all insurance gaps. Returning to the country from abroad can also be insured with the rescue card.

Source : Blick