Posted On : 02 February 2024
Some COVID-19 Regulations Regarding Medical Transport
In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the travel landscape has undergone significant transformations. As individuals venture back into air travel, the importance of understanding and adhering to safety protocols cannot be overstated. EmergencyJet, a renowned leader in medical evacuation and travel protection services, has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its members. In this blog, we delve into the comprehensive COVID-19 rules and regulations implemented by EmergencyJet, highlighting their commitment to providing secure and worry-free travel experiences. Find out if a particular country is covered If it has been designated as "Level 4," it falls under our scope of services. While our Rules & Regulations state that our services are limited to destinations labeled as Level 4 (do not travel), and sometimes Level 3 (reconsider travel) by the U.S. Department of State, we want to clarify that if a country is classified as Level 4 solely due to COVID-19 concerns, our membership benefits will still apply. However, if a country attains Level 4 status due to factors like extreme violence, crime, terrorism (e.g., Haiti), or is designated as a war zone (e.g., Syria, Afghanistan, or Iraq), membership benefits are restricted for such Level 4 countries. Given the dynamic nature of State Department Advisories, entry requirements, and evolving conditions, we recommend checking the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories website for the latest information on your specific destinations before your departure. For any other queries, feel free to reach out to our Membership Services team. Our transport/emergency line is available 24/7 to assist you. Suggested read: A Deep Dive into EmergencyJet's COVID-19 General Information Process and duration of transporting a COVID-19 patient We introduced COVID-19 transport in October 2020, at no extra cost to our members, and extended it to global coverage in July 2021. COVID-positive transports have been a routine part of EmergencyJet's services since then. The mechanism for a COVID-19 transport mirrors that of a regular transport: if you are hospitalized, we facilitate medical transfer to your chosen hospital back home. However, COVID-19 transports involve specialized isolation equipment, and the process may take additional time due to the completion of necessary paperwork through the CDC and securing a bed at the receiving facility. The transport of COVID-positive patients is a carefully regulated procedure, subject to stringent criteria set by governmental agencies and individual countries. Situations where local hospitals are at full capacity but the ER recommends admission A common query from our members revolves around the possibility of needing hospitalization when no inpatient beds are available locally. The answer is affirmative! If a member is hospitalized in the Emergency Department and requires continued inpatient care, but no inpatient beds are accessible at that facility, provided all other transport criteria are met, membership benefits will be extended to facilitate the necessary transport. Accompanying the member in the air ambulance All air ambulance transports adhere to weight limits and safety protocols. In the case of COVID-19 transports, which may involve specialized equipment, EmergencyJet endeavors to include a family member or traveling companion with the member. However, due to the added weight of isolation pods or other necessary equipment, EmergencyJet cannot guarantee the inclusion of additional passengers. The primary consideration is always the safety of the patient, crew, and aircraft. Returning a COVID-19-positive member who has not been hospitalized If you test positive for COVID-19 without requiring hospitalization, transport under your membership benefits is not applicable. Many travel insurance policies covering "trip interruption" may address extended hotel stays for quarantine and potential rebooking of return tickets. Based on call volume, a significant majority of our members express more concern about avoiding being stranded in a hospital away from home. While EmergencyJet does offer transport for individuals testing positive, this service is only available outside of the membership on a fee-for-service basis. Obtaining clearance for COVID-19 patient flights with the CDC has become increasingly challenging. The CDC has recently activated a dedicated COVID-19 desk, introducing additional paperwork filing and entry protocols for air ambulances transporting COVID-positive patients. Properly managing and transporting a COVID-positive patient is a serious matter, and EmergencyJet aligns with the protocols established, working closely with affiliates and the CDC to meet all entry requirements. It's essential to be cautious of any company claiming they can "circumvent the CDC," as the new CDC desk and filing process were implemented in response to such attempts by certain companies. Medical Evacuation Assurance In addition to providing information and support for pre-travel preparations, EmergencyJet distinguishes itself by offering medical evacuation services. This becomes particularly crucial in the context of the ongoing pandemic, where unexpected health emergencies can pose significant challenges. EmergencyJet's medical evacuation services ensure that members can be transported to their home country or a preferred medical facility in case of a medical emergency. This includes situations related to COVID-19, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind for travelers. Conclusion EmergencyJet's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its members is evident in its comprehensive COVID-19 rules and regulations. By addressing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, EmergencyJet goes beyond traditional travel protection services, providing a holistic approach to ensure secure and worry-free travel. As travelers navigate the uncertainties of the current travel climate, having a reliable partner like EmergencyJet becomes instrumental. From pre-travel preparations and health protocols to medical evacuation assurance, EmergencyJet stands as a beacon of support for those seeking to explore the world while prioritizing their health and safety. In an era where adaptability is key, EmergencyJet emerges as a steadfast ally, offering peace of mind and protection for its valued members.
Read More
