Repatriation insurance can be a valuable asset in the event of health-related challenges during your time in Vietnam. Specific reimbursements can provide relief from financial burdens until your health situation stabilizes. To understand what repatriation insurance entails, read our on Repatriation Insurance.
Is Repatriation Insurance Recommended for Vietnam?
Repatriation insurance for Vietnam may not be essential for everyone. But it’s worth considering, depending on your situation. Repatriation insurance covers the costs of transporting you back to your home country in case of a medical emergency, serious illness, or even death. It can include air ambulance transport, medical escorts, and even the return of your remains if needed.
Why Repatriation Insurance Might Be Important in Vietnam:
Distance – when Vietnam is considerably far from your home country, anticipate potentially exorbitant medical evacuation costs, particularly if an air ambulance becomes necessary.
Comfort and Familiarity – confronting illness or injury in a foreign land can induce significant stress. The language barrier and unfamiliarity with local healthcare systems in Vietnam can exacerbate mental strain. Repatriation offers the comfort of receiving care in a familiar environment, surrounded by loved ones.
Advanced Medical Care – while Vietnam has decent medical facilities, some specialized treatments or expertise may be unavailable. Another reason to get evacuated at home is to get treatment from a trusted physician familiar with your medical history. Repatriation facilitates access to such tailored care in your home country.
How Much Repatriation Insurance Coverage do you need for Vietnam?
Repatriating from Vietnam to your home country can incur significant expenses, particularly for those in Western nations. The cost largely hinges on both your home country’s location and the severity of your condition. To offer a rough estimate, consider the following breakdown:
Moderate coverage ($100,000 – $250,000) – this range provides added assurance for extended stays or travelers who want to engage in risky outdoor activities in Vietnam, albeit nothing overly extreme.
Comprehensive coverage ($500,000 or more) – perfect for extended trips, those planning to participate in adventurous recreational pursuits, or individuals apprehensive about the availability of specialized care in Vietnam.
Covered expenses may include:
- Air ambulance transportation (typically the most expensive component, utilized only if medically necessary)
- Medically equipped commercial flights
- Medical escorts
- Repatriation of remains (if required)
Key considerations:
- The decision should be according to your unique circumstances.
- Evaluate the factors above to ascertain the level of comfort and financial protection that best suits your needs.
- Consider seeking guidance from a travel insurance specialist such as LUMA for personalized coverage details.
- Initiate Contact Between Your Insurance and the Hospital in Vietnam:
Upon encountering a medical emergency in Vietnam, promptly establish communication between the hospital and your insurance provider. Refer to the emergency contact number provided in your evacuation insurance policy. Typically, emergency evacuation in Vietnam precedes repatriation. Once the hospital and insurance provider agree on repatriation, they will undertake appropriate measures.
- Commence Repatriation Process:
If receiving treatment in Vietnam is deemed unfeasible or if the condition requires specialized treatment unavailable locally, the process of repatriation to your home country can start. Depending on your situation, you may need to:
- Arrange medical transportation back home, potentially accompanied by a medical escort if necessary.
- Coordinate with hospitals in your home country to ensure seamless continuity of care upon your arrival.
- Manage all required travel documentation and obtain clearances for international medical transport.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that each insurance policy may entail unique conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to thoroughly review your policy beforehand to ensure a clear understanding of its coverage.
Repatriation for Vietnam: Examples
Question – “I’m at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh, where the doctors have recommended continuing my treatment back in the United States since they cannot proceed with the necessary procedures here. Can my repatriation benefit cover this?”
Answer – this situation will likely be covered as long as the insurance company and the attending doctors agree that your medical treatment necessitates care only available in your home country.
Question “I’m currently in Vietnam and sense the onset of a cold. I prefer not to seek medical attention here and would want to return to the United States for treatment. Can I request repatriation?”
Answer – Unfortunately, this scenario would not be covered as there must be documentation from a medical professional recommending treatment in your home country for coverage to apply.
