MEDICAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION | |
EVACUATION INFORMATION | |
Cruisers to the islands are unfortunately not immune to serious medical emergencies that may require treatment beyond the ministrations of the local out island government clinics. With that in mind, it is wise to secure medical air evacuation insurance before you come to the Bahamas. The other alternative is to hire a charter flight or air ambulance on the spot, a much more costly option. Check your personal health insurance (and your credit card issuer) to see what coverage is offered, if any. Some companies include air evacuation in their policies. Most policies also cover return of the remains in the event of death. Though the following is not an exhaustive list, here are some contacts that you can consider. Some are insurance companies that arrange emergency flights; others are air ambulance services that you can call in an emergency. As you think about your possible needs, make a plan before you depart for the Bahamas or at least have the available services at your fingertips. CAUTION: Some policies will evacuate you only in “imminent death” circumstances or only from a hospital with a doctor's request. Check out the clauses beforehand. Rates are based on distance and level of care. Do your research before you leave home. You may want to call some of these companies to see what they offer and what they cost. This is a fluid, ever-changing business and these companies come and go. | |
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Advance Air Ambulance Miami 800-633-3590/305-232-7700, www.flyambu.com Air Ambulance Net Miami 800-827-0745/305-868-5378, www.airambulance.net Air Ambulance Professionals Ft. Lauderdale Exec 954-491-0555, www.airambulanceprof.com Medical Air Services Association 800-423-3226 or Nassau 242-326-6272/242-393-5048, www.medairservices.com Divers Alert Network (DAN) 919-684-4326 both membership and insurance (no dive certificate necessary) Life Flight 305-663-6859 to Miami Children's Hospital (pediatric only) National Air Ambulance Ft. Lauderdale 800-327-3710/954-359-9900, www.nationaljets.com U.S. Air Ambulance Sarasota, Florida 800-948-1215/941-536-2000, www.usairambulance.net
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