What counts as a covered event for medical evacuation?

With TID travel insurance, medical evacuation or repatriation is considered when your condition is significant enough that it can’t be safely treated where you are, or you need specialised care elsewhere.

When medical evacuation may be covered

You may be covered if:

• You become seriously ill or injured during your trip
• A qualified medical practitioner (appointed by TID) recommends evacuation or repatriation
• TID agrees that moving you is medically necessary and reasonable

This could include situations such as:

• Being injured in a remote area and needing transport (such as a helicopter) to the nearest hospital
• Falling ill in a destination with limited medical facilities, requiring transfer to a better equipped location
• A medical decision that it’s safer or more appropriate to return you to Australia for treatment.

If evacuation is approved, TID can help cover reasonable transport and accommodation costs to move you safely. This could include returning you to Australia with medical support, arranging for a companion to travel with you, or flying you home independently if required.

In very serious cases, travel insurance cover may also extend to repatriation of remains if a traveller passes away during the trip.

Important conditions to be aware of

Not all situations qualify as a covered event. For evacuation to be approved:

• It must be medically necessary
• You must obtain approval from TID before arrangements are made
• The evacuation must follow the advice of the appointed medical professional

Without prior approval, costs related to evacuation or repatriation are unlikely to be reimbursed.

What is not considered a covered event

Medical evacuation won’t be covered if:

• The evacuation is not medically required
• You arrange evacuation without TID’s consent
• You had an existing medical condition before you travelled and wasn’t disclosed or cleared for travel
• You’re seeking transport for convenience rather than medical need

It’s also important to know:

• Medical costs within Australia are not covered under this benefit
• Cover is limited to the cost of returning you to Australia, not continuing your trip. Any medical-related travel arrangements once you’ve arrived in Australia will need to come out of your own pocket.
• Additional travel upgrades (e.g. business class) are only covered if medically recommended and approved

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If something goes wrong, your first step should always be to contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, who can guide you through the process and arrange the support you need.

This is a brief summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.