What is Repatriation

When planning a holiday, repatriation isn't something that is often thought about as we would all like to hope that any holiday we plan goes off without any serious repercussions. However, unfortunately, unexpected accidents and injuries can happen on holidays and in some cases travellers may need repatriating back to their home country.

This happens for a number of reasons but a majority of cases are for travellers either to gain access to medical treatment, following medical treatment and sometimes, in the worst case scenario, following death. Whilst a number of holidays go to plan, it's important to understand what this section of cover is for and why it is an important aspect of extensive Travel Insurance cover.

That is why InsuraTrip Travel Insurance explains simply what repatriation is, when it may be needed and why it is important to ensure you are covered for this on your holidays.

What is Repatriation?

Repatriation is the act of returning someone to their country of origin (Merriam-Webster, 2022), in terms of Travel Insurance, this usually relates to the insured requiring emergency medical treatment.

Why Would I Need Repatriation Cover?

The emergency medical assistance provider of your Travel Insurance policy may decide that the best solution for your individual circumstance is to be repatriated back to your home country rather than stay and receive treatment in the country you are visiting. This could be for a number of reasons but it could be that the country you are visiting lacks the medical facilities to provide the care you need. On the other hand, It also may be decided that repatriation may be the better option, in terms of treating you via the NHS, rather than incurring expensive medical bills.

However, the cost of repatriation is not cheap. Should you need to return back home for emergency medical treatment or following emergency medical treatment, the cost of this can exceed tens of thousands of pounds, with you footing the bill if you don't have a Travel Insurance policy in place that provides cover for repatriation.

In 2017, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that the average cost of an air ambulance from spain is £25,000 and that figure is likely to have only increased in price since then.

Should you need to be repatriated back home following a medical problem abroad, the reason the costs are so high is because you may require a qualified medical chaperone (for example a nurse or a doctor) an air ambulance kitted out with any medical equipment you may need and to also cover the costs of your treatment and hospital stay. Equally, in some cases it may be medically unsafe for you to travel. This is usually judged by the physician treating you in the country you’re visiting. However, the final decision is ultimately down to the emergency assistance provider as to whether or not it is medically necessary to be repatriated or if there is an alternative solution.

It is also worth noting that if you are travelling to a European country and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), neither of these provide cover for repatriation. Therefore, this should not be considered as an alternative to Travel Insurance.

The repatriation section of cover provides comfort, peace of mind and confidence with travelling that should the unexpected happen, you can safely be returned to your home country without having to pay an extortionate medical bill.

Get covered with InsuraTrip Travel Insurance

When you do decide to travel, it’s important not to forget to buy your travel insurance. InsuraTrip Travel Insurance policies include cover for the following:

• 3 levels of Single Trip and Annual Multi Trip travel insurance cover
• Emergency Medical Expenses outside of your home area - up to £10,000,000.
• Cancellation Cover up to £3,000.
• Missed Departure up to £500.
• Legal Expenses – up to £20,000
  
  And much much more.
  
  

In relation to Coronavirus, cover is available for the following:

• Cancellation if you test positive for COVID within 14 days of departure.
• Emergency Medical Expenses if you get COVID and are admitted to hospital.
• Up to £2,000 additional accommodation if you contract COVID, need to isolate and so are unable to travel home . Furthermore, this section of cover also provides an additional £2,000 for 1 person, i.e. a parent or carer, to stay and look after the person if necessary!
  
  

For more information, read the policy wording here or click here to learn how we can protect you and your family on your next trip.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording here for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.