Compassionate Visits and Travel Insurance: Protection in Times of Real Need

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Policyholder: I don’t see the need for this “Compassionate benefit.” It seems unnecessary to me.

Insurer: I understand, Sir. But honestly, it’s one of the benefits that doesn't seem important until a medical emergency strikes. Let me explain to you. 

Life is full of uncertainties, and emergencies don't wait for the right time. When medical emergencies strike and your life is at risk, affording a last-minute trip for your immediate family member shouldn’t add to your stress. Understanding how overwhelming emergencies can be, several travel insurance policies offer a remarkable feature of compassionate visits, which is key to providing peace of mind when facing an unexpected medical crisis. It ensures you can be with your loved ones without worrying about unplanned travel costs.

This blog highlights how compassionate visits covered by travel insurance can support stressful situations while travelling abroad.

What is a Compassionate Visit?

Compassionate visits under international travel insurance policies reimburse for direct economy class flight tickets if an insured member is hospitalised in a foreign land.

This is more than a policy feature for you; it delivers a familiar presence, emotional stability, and reassurance when needed. A compassionate visit acknowledges that emotional care is as vital as medical care and helps you recover with greater peace of mind.

What is Covered Under the Compassionate Visit Claim?

Compassionate visit reimburses eligible travel costs incurred by your immediate family member, typically for a round-trip economy-class ticket from their home country to the place of your hospitalisation by using the most direct route. With this benefit, you don’t have to face a medical emergency alone. It offers the presence of your immediate family member to support you emotionally when your travel insurance takes care of the bills.

Typically, you can avail of a compassionate benefit if your doctor prescribes the need for an immediate family member during your hospitalisation.

How does Compassionate Travel Cover Work?

When selecting a policy, a compassionate benefit is typically not a significant consideration for the policyholder. Yet, in times of medical emergency, the value of compassionate benefits becomes immense when they help you reunite with one of your immediate family members. However, things can get complicated if you’re unsure how to proceed. Therefore, familiarity with the procedure is vital for a better crisis response. 

Step 1: Medical Emergency occurs

In a medical emergency, the compassionate visit benefit activates if the attending doctor certifies that you are in a life-threatening condition. The certificate must clearly state the minimum duration of 5 days of hospitalisation. 

Step 2: Notification to the travel insurance provider

Once your doctor prescribes the presence of an immediate adult member, you or your family from back home must inform your insurer immediately. You must provide essential details like the policyholder's name, policy number, nature of medical emergency, and the hospital’s contact information to the insurance company. 

Step 3: Travel of an immediate family member to the overseas hospital

In this step, the immediate family member must first travel to the place of hospitalisation. He or she can qualify for reimbursement for the cost of an economy-class air ticket by the most direct route. The travel insurance will reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by the immediate family member once the policyholder returns to the country of residence and claims the compassionate benefits from the insurer.

Step 4: Assessment and Approval

Once the travel insurance company receives the claim, it begins assessing the situation to determine the eligibility for compassionate visit benefits. During this step, the travel insurance company:

• Determines the level of a medical emergency, ensuring it aligns with the coverage guidelines. 
• Validates the document's accuracy and originality, including medical records, physician recommendations, diagnostic tests, etc. 
• Verify whether the immediate family member has travelled with an economy class air ticket or its equivalent by the most direct route from the country of residence to the place of hospitalisation or vice versa. They will also confirm the immediate family member's return to the country of residence, no later than the policyholder’s return. 

If all conditions are met for a compassionate visit, the insurance company approves the reimbursement for the claim of a compassionate visit. Remember, the approach to offering compassionate coverage differs from one travel insurance company to another. 

Case Study: When Compassionate Visit Coverage Stepped into Rescue

Background:

Rajat, an IT professional from Hyderabad, was on an international trip to France when he suddenly endured a life-threatening accident on his way to Bordeaux and was admitted to the hospital.

Challenge:

Rajat’s wife, who lived in Hyderabad, needed to travel urgently to France to be with him to provide emotional support and critical decision-making during his hospitalisation. However, unexpected overseas travel costs created financial stress for the family.

Solution:

Fortunately, Rajat had opted for comprehensive international travel insurance, which included the benefit of compassionate visits. Upon notifying the travel insurance company and submitting the required medical certificate from the doctor, the insurance provider approved the reimbursement of his wife’s two-way airfare. 

Outcome: 

Rajat’s wife was able to fly immediately to France and supported him throughout his treatment and recovery. Thanks to the compassionate coverage, his wife was relieved from the pressure of last-minute travel expenses, which allowed her to prioritise Rajat’s health. 

How Does Care Explore Help in a Compassionate Visit?

Compassionate travel benefits are often the least anticipated part of international travel insurance, yet they become crucial in distress. Bearing this in mind, Care Explore by Care Health Insurance offers assistance during critical health events, ensuring that no one faces life-threatening situations alone. We at Care Health Insurance reimburse reasonable expenses for economy-class airfare incurred by your immediate family member. This thoughtful feature protects your finances and provides emotional care, transforming difficult times into moments of support.

Conclusion

During a medical emergency, a compassionate visit increases the importance of your travel insurance from mere financial aid to a pillar of emotional support. This further ensures your loved ones can stand by your side when you are facing life's most complex challenges.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus and policy documents carefully.