Who really pays for the rescue transport?

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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. “In Switzerland, basic health insurance covers only 50 percent of ambulance costs, whether ambulances or rescue helicopters are 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. “In consultation, we experience every day that many people really do not know this. 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.”

How is it abroad?

Anyone addicted to rescuing or recovering from a life-threatening situation abroad has to dig deep in their own pockets. If something unexpected happens when you go shopping in Germany or during your ski holiday in Austria, that’s enough. Likewise, returning home from abroad by ambulance jet or ambulance is not dependent on basic insurance.

Repatriation by ambulance jet within Europe can cost up to 20,000 francs and from overseas like Thailand up to 200,000 francs. This is not covered by basic health insurance. For those who work more than eight hours a week, the amount of accident insurance is also limited to CHF 29,640.

play it safe

Therefore, it is a mistake to believe that health insurance or accident insurance always fully covers the costs of recovery and recovery. However, the SOS 144 recovery card covers all costs incurred during rescue or rescue operations that are not covered by health or accident insurance. Rega, Air Zermatt, Alpine Air Ambulance and even ambulances: No matter which air rescue team or which ambulance comes to the rescue, the SOS 144 rescue card fills any insurance gap. Likewise, returning home from abroad can be insured with a recovery card.

Source : Blick