Emergency Medical Reunion Coverage

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This coverage provides round trip transportation for one person of your choice (friend or family) to visit you if you are hospitalized a minimum number of days (usually 7) on your trip.

Let us tell you a story

Carolyn’s son, Patrick, had always wanted to take a backpacking trip in Peru after he finished high school and before starting college. As he was packing, she researched and purchased a travel insurance plan to be sure he was safe. She made copies of the travel plan for him and sent him on his way.

A month later, Carolyn received a call that Patrick had been seriously injured and it was recommended by the doctors on staff that she come immediately. Carolyn’s hands were shaking as she pulled out her own suitcase and began dialing the travel insurance company. The company arranged for her to fly to Patrick immediately and found a hotel for her near the hospital. When Carolyn arrived, Patrick was still unconscious and the doctors informed her that he had been hit by a vegetable truck and brought to the hospital. Two days later, Patrick found his way to consciousness and was very happy to see his mother at his side.

What does Emergency Medical Reunion cover?

This benefit is sometimes known as ‘bedside visit’ as well.

• Round-trip economy class airfare for one person to visit the insured if you are hospitalized on their trip.
• Some, but not all, travel insurance plans include reasonable expenses such as hotel accommodations in addition to the flight costs.

Important notes about this coverage

• The visitor may be a family member or friend – typically chosen by you, but may be chosen by a family member if you are unable to choose.
• Air transportation is typically round trip and economy fare, but if air travel is not possible or useful, travel arrangements will be made on an appropriate common carrier (rail, bus, etc.).
• Often the benefit maximum is included with the emergency medical transportation coverage.
• All bedside visit arrangements are made through the travel insurance provider’s travel assistance services (no benefits will be paid unless the trip is approved in advance).
• Some plans limit the emergency medical reunion period to a certain number of days (usually 10).
• The injury or illness that causes hospitalization must be a covered injury or illness.
• Some plans stipulate that the emergency medical reunion has to be recommended by the attending physician or life-threatening.

What type of policy covers this?

Many travel insurance package plans provide this benefit, but you’ll also find it in a number of travel medical plans as well.

One plan, WorldMed from Travel Insurance Services, separates emergency medical reunion from emergency bedside visit and the distinction is that the bedside visit benefit is enacted when the insured has suffered an illness or injury that constitutes an immediate danger to their life. The WorldMed plan includes both emergency medical reunion (up to $10,000, inclusive of transportation and lodging) and bedside visit coverage (up to $1,500 air fare only).

How much coverage does each company provide?

* Included in medical evacuation maximum
** Daily limits apply
*** With purchase of upgrade only
**** Plan includes both emergency medical reunion and bedside visit – the maximum shown here is for medical reunion; $1,500 for round-trip airfare is included for emergency bedside visit as well
***** Inclusive with return of minor children or grandchildren benefit maximum

Summary

• Many travel insurance package plans include this coverage, but you’ll also find it in some travel medical plans
• Benefits are typically round-trip economy fare and not all plans cover lodging and meals (but some do)
• The medical reunion is typically limited to a certain number of days (usually 10)
• The injury or illness causing hospitalization must be covered by the plan