How to Arrange Medical Evacuation from the Caribbean

Traveling to the Caribbean can be a dream vacation with its stunning beaches, exotic culture, and beautiful weather.

If unforeseen medical emergencies arise however, being prepared to handle such situations is crucial. Knowing how to arrange a medical evacuation from the Caribbean can make a significant difference in ensuring that you or your loved ones receive the necessary medical care promptly.

This guide will provide you with essential information on how to manage a medical evacuation efficiently and effectively.

But before we get started, let’s clarify the locations we’re going to discuss.

Caribbean geography

The Caribbean is a region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts.

It is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America, and north of South America. The region comprises more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays.

For the purpose of this article, we’ll stick to the island nations (excluding Venezuela, Colombia, Belize, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana on the mainland of Central and South America).

So we’re talking about:

• Cuba
• Jamaica
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Dominica
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Grenada
• Barbados
• Trinidad and Tobago
• The Bahamas
• Turks and Caicos Islands

What you need to know about medical evacuation

Medical evacuation, often referred to as medevac, is the process of transporting a patient to a medical facility that can provide the necessary treatment, which may not be available locally.

In the Caribbean, this often means transferring patients to hospitals in the United States or other countries with advanced medical care facilities. Medevac can be done via air ambulance, commercial flights with medical escort, or other specialized medical transport services.

If medical evacuation isn’t covered through your health insurance, travel insurance policy, or travel assistance membership, it can be very expensive. This article on medical evacuation costs goes into great depth on that topic.

If you’re new to medevac, you may want to check out these related articles:

• Need a Medical Evacuation? Here’s What to Expect
• Medevac Protection Explained: Why You Might Need It

Now that you have some background, let’s get into the details of acquiring medevac services in the Caribbean.

Preparing before you travel

Every good trip starts with preparation, and medevac is no different. Consider taking these extra steps before your island vacation and save yourself a ton of headaches should the need for medevac arise.

Travel assistance

If you’re even remotely concerned about a possible medical emergency, consider a membership with Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) for added peace of mind. With EA+, we handle the whole process of medical evacuation, repatriation, and companion assistance. Consider this the ‘done for you’ option when it comes to medevac and all related concerns.

Travel insurance

You can also consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Some policies specifically cover air ambulance services, while others may offer coverage for commercial flight medical escorts.

Keep in mind that with travel insurance, you’ll likely have to pay upfront out of pocket for these services, then file a claim to be reimbursed at a later date.

Know your health conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consult your doctor before traveling. Ensure you have all necessary medications and medical supplies. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing your condition and treatment plan, along with their permission to travel if such pre-existing conditions may require it.

Emergency contacts

Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency numbers, your country’s embassy or consulate, and your insurance provider’s emergency hotline.

Research local medical facilities

Familiarize yourself with the nearest hospitals and medical centers at your destination. Knowing where to go in case of an emergency can save valuable time.

Note that some of these medical facilities may or may not be suitable for all types of treatments. EA+ can help you locate the nearest suitable medical facilities and provide assistance in an emergency.

Steps to arrange medical evacuation

If the worst happens, here’s how to react in the moment to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

Assess the situation

In the event of a medical emergency, the first step is to assess the severity of the condition. If immediate medical attention is required, get to the nearest hospital or clinic.

Consult with local medical professionals

Local doctors can assess a patient’s condition and recommend whether medical evacuation is necessary. They can also provide medical reports that will be crucial for the evacuation process.

Contact your insurance provider

Call your travel insurance provider’s emergency hotline. They can guide you on the next steps and help coordinate the evacuation process. Provide them with all necessary information about the patient’s condition and location. With an EA+ membership, one call is all you need to make to begin the process of arranging and providing your evacuation to a facility that can properly treat you.

Coordinate with evacuation services

If evacuation is deemed necessary, your insurance provider will coordinate with air ambulance services or commercial flight medical escort providers. These services include a medical team and specialized equipment to ensure safe transport. Note that this can take time to coordinate, so contacting your provider, trip insurance, or trip assistance company is necessary as soon as possible.

Prepare documentation

Gather all necessary documents, including medical reports, travel insurance details, passports, and any other relevant paperwork. This will facilitate a smooth evacuation process.

Stay informed

Keep communication lines open with your insurance provider, the medical team, and the evacuation service. Stay informed about the evacuation timeline and any instructions provided by the medical team.

Note that Emergency Assistance Plus offers comprehensive evacuation coordination, ensuring a seamless process. In other words, you can skip all these steps and just call the number on your EA+ card and we’ll take everything.

Choosing the right evacuation service

There are several types of medical evacuation services available. Generally speaking, the attending healthcare professional will determine which service is best for your situation.

Air ambulance

This is a specially equipped aircraft designed for medical emergencies. It comes with a medical team and advanced life support equipment. Air ambulances are the quickest and most efficient way to transport critically ill patients.

Commercial flight with medical escort

For less critical conditions, a commercial flight with a medical escort may be a viable option. This involves a nurse or doctor accompanying the patient on a regular flight, providing necessary medical care during the journey.

Ground ambulance

If the patient needs to be transferred to a nearby location within the same island, a ground ambulance can be used. This is often the first step before an air evacuation.

Tips for a smooth evacuation process

Even though a medical evacuation can be a traumatic experience, it’s important to try and follow these tips to ensure the best outcome for you or your family:

• Stay calm: In an emergency, staying calm is crucial. Panic can hinder communication and decision-making.
• Follow instructions: Adhere to the advice and instructions given by medical professionals and the evacuation team.
• Communicate clearly: Provide accurate information about the patient’s condition and medical history to the insurance provider and medical team.
• Keep essentials handy: Always have essential items such as passports, insurance documents, and medications readily accessible.
• Stay connected: Ensure you have a means of communication, such as a fully charged phone, to stay in touch with the evacuation team and family members.

Costs and insurance coverage

The cost of international air ambulance flights can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more, which is significantly higher than domestic flights, partly due to additional costs like landing fees, handling fees, and international travel paperwork.

Comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage can also mitigate these costs. When purchasing travel insurance, ensure that it covers the specific regions you plan to visit and includes high coverage limits for medical evacuation.

Apart from travel insurance, some travel assistance memberships can help you with both the costs and logistics of medical evacuation.

Comprehensive travel assistance services, like those offered by EA+, provide 24/7 support through a dedicated emergency hotline. We arrange medical evacuations and transportation to appropriate facilities or home when needed.

Additionally, we offer medical and travel assistance, such as consultations, lost prescription replacement, and travel information, along with non-medical services like lost baggage assistance and emergency cash transfers.

This ensures travelers receive timely, effective help, enhancing their safety and peace of mind during their journeys.

Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and being prepared for a medical evacuation from the Caribbean can make all the difference in ensuring you receive timely and appropriate care. By understanding the process, having comprehensive travel insurance, and knowing the steps to take, you can navigate a medical emergency with confidence and peace of mind.

For comprehensive travel assistance and to ensure you are covered in case of a medical emergency, consider enrolling in a membership with Emergency Assistance Plus.

Here’s a story from the Jones family, and EA+ member who needed emergency surgery while on a cruise in the Caribbean:

“After his hospital release, EA+ arranged transportation home with a nurse escort all the way, including from the airport in San Diego about 50 miles to our home. They even brought our luggage into the house.” said Mrs. Jones.

Read the full story here.

Travel with confidence knowing Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) has you covered. Our comprehensive travel assistance program ensures you’re never alone in an emergency, providing 24/7 support for medical evacuations, transportation home, and other critical services, so you can focus on enjoying your journey.

Safe travels and stay prepared!