About 500,000 rescue operations are carried out in Switzerland each year. In an emergency, every second counts. This is why many emergency call centers operate on the next best principle. This means that they deploy the closest and most suitable recovery vehicles. However, emergency transport by ambulance or rescue helicopter can be expensive for the person concerned. Many of those affected are surprised at how much they have to pay themselves despite health insurance.
50 percent at the expense of the patient
“As for the question of who pays in an emergency, you first need to distinguish whether an ambulance was transported because of an illness or because of an accident,” says Florian Obrist, Head of Insurance, on his SOS 144 rescue card. “Basic health insurance covers only 50 percent of ambulance costs, whether an ambulance or rescue helicopter is used.” The remaining 50 percent is borne by the patient.
Accident insurance is a little different. “Anyone who has a job and works more than eight hours a week is on the safe side,” says Obrist. Then accident insurance covers all costs. “There are exceptions for children, students or retirees who do not have accident insurance under the UVG. In case of illness and accident, the same regulation with 50 percent applies there as well.”
Coverage gaps in case of heart attack, cerebral hemorrhage or stroke
The largest gaps in coverage occur in the event of a sudden illness that requires ambulance transport. For example, we’re talking about a heart attack, a brain hemorrhage, or a stroke. “As stated, basic insurance only pays 50 percent and pays a maximum of 500 francs a year for ambulance transport and 5,000 francs for recovery from a life-threatening situation in case of illness,” explains Obrist. “At the consultation we experience every day that many people do not know exactly what is going on. But of course, I also understand that people don’t like to discuss it, especially because it’s so complicated. »
Analysis has shown that an ambulance costs between 900 and 2100 francs, depending on the canton. According to these calculations, the average cost of using a rescue helicopter in Switzerland is CHF 3,500. “It should be noted that when a helicopter is deployed, if the situation is still uncertain, an ambulance is usually called at the same time,” says Obrist. “This could certainly result in costs of several thousand francs that you may have to pay out of your own wallet.”
play it safe
Therefore, it is wrong to think that every insurance company fully covers recovery and recovery. However, the SOS 144 recovery card covers all costs incurred by rescue or rescue operations that are not covered by health or accident insurance. Rega, Alpine Air Ambulance or Air Zermatt: No matter which air rescue team or ambulance comes to the rescue, the SOS 144 rescue card fills any insurance gap.
Author: This is a paid promotion with SOS 144 AG.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
