What is Compassionate Travel in Health Insurance?
Understanding Compassionate Travel in Health Insurance
Compassionate travel is a feature that is offered by some health insurance providers. It pays for the traveling cost of a family member or a close relative while they are hospitalized in some other place far from their residence or usual address.
This advantage focuses on giving the policyholder the maximum degree of emotional care and attention at the time of their treatment and rehabilitation. It is especially beneficial in case of grave illnesses, serious surgeries, or a lengthy stay in a hospital.
What Does Compassionate Travel Cover?
Compassionate travel can be categorized into the following benefits:
1.Traveling Costs: Traveling fares, whether plane tickets, train tickets, or any other means of travel, to visit the covered person by a family member or caregiver.
2.Accommodation Costs: Some insurers cover the accommodation cost of the family member who comes to visit the insured in the hospital.
3.Return Travel: This also includes their journey back home, given that the insured is discharged.
4.Emergency Travel: In case the insured dies offsite, a compassionate travel cover might provide coverage to the family to reach the destination for further arrangements.
Eligibility for Compassionate Travel Cover
The terms and conditions of an insurer determine which cases are entitled to compassionate travel benefits. It is usually categorized into the following criteria:
1.Distance: The hospital must be placed at least a considerable distance of more than 100 or 200 kilometers from their usual residence.
2.Medical: The hospitalization should be primarily due to major surgery, acute illness, etc.
3.Pre-approval: In some cases, the insurer requires pre-approval for compassionate travel benefits.
How Does a Compassionate Travel Cover Work?
1.Hospitalization of the Insured: The patient is hospitalized far away from his or her home.
2.Claim Submission: A claim is made for compassionate travel, with evidence of hospitalization and travel plans.
3.Reimbursement or Direct Coverage: The insurance company reimburses these travel and lodging expenses or directly provides the travel and accommodation plans.
Why is Compassionate Travel Important?
1.Emotional Support
A family member by the patient's side in a medical emergency gives emotional strength, which speeds up recovery.
2.Practical Help
Family members can also help with the hospital formalities, coordinate with doctors, and monitor the treatment of the insured.
3.Financial Support
Generally, medical emergencies are costly, and covering travel costs will reduce the expenses of the insured’s family.
Who Should Consider Compassionate Travel Cover?
Health insurance plans with compassionate travel cover can be useful for the following:
1.Those who frequently travel for work or any other reason may require compassionate travel cover to support the family during emergencies.
2.This feature is helpful for those individuals who live far away from their homes or abroad.
3.International students can opt for this cover to help ensure that their families can visit them when there are health crises.
Thus, choosing health insurance plans that come with compassionate travel cover can be highly beneficial in many ways. Star Health understands this and thus provides this feature in select health insurance policies.
So, even in case you get into a medical emergency when traveling, we ensure that your family members can be there by your side when you need them the most.
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