Hi all,
I need advice on travel insurance to East Africa. I bought the Ultimate Protection Plan by CSA Travel Protection but am now wondering if I need to supplement or cancel it for another. I had a physician friend tell me to get the kind that brings you back to the USA for medical attention if you need it and not just the local hospital. I called CSA and they cover $75,000 in medical for the nearest hospital, I'm assuming Nairobi. They can't seem to answer if they'd get me to Europe or the USA if I were really very sick. It's something like $150,000 to charter a jet to get home, so the $75,000 would leave me with a hefty expense that I can't pay. Does anyone know of other or more comprehensive insurance companies or have thoughts on this? I have these visions of being stuck in East Africa with meningitis or something awful.

check medjet or flying doctors. you can search topics here or google.

MedJet is the company that would get you back to the States. But, you'd also need Flying Doctor's coverage should illness or accident happen while you are out in the bush. Then once in Nairobi, your insurer (CSA) or Medjet, in consultation with the attending physician determine whether you need to be returned home or care can be given in Nairobi.

With few exceptions, if a catastrophe, you'd have to be stabilized, not even MedJet will fly you anywhere. From the few people I've known who have had, say a heart attack, once stablized their insurer flew them home. Often even sending someone from the States to accompany the patient, and permitted a partner, spouse, travel companion to accompany on the same plane.

MedJet, does, however, have a fully equipment hospital plane for their service. Their per trip charge is reasonable, which you can take out in conjunction with a policy from CSA covering cancellation/interruption, flight/baggage delays, baggage loss, medical/dental. Medjet doesn't cover other than evacuation.

If you travel regularly, even within 50/miles from home, the annual premium for Medjet is also reasonable at about $300/family and something to consider.

The decision is yours.

Sandi,
Does CSA send me home since the doctor agreed it was appropriate? Or, were you saying I contact MY insurance carrier here in the USA regarding abroad travel? Hopefully, I'll never need to know but now there's this Rift Valley Fever going on. I want to cover my bases. Thanks for the Medjet tip!

lenlu -

CSA is your insurer. If you find yourself in need of medical care at a hospital you have to contact CSA immediately. They will, in consultation with the attending physician, determine whether you need to be evacuated or can be treated locally.

Believe me, if it's Rift Valley Fever, they may not want you bringing it back to the States.
Does West Nile Virus sound familiar? This arrived on a flight from somewhere!!!

Thanks Sandi, they're going to quarantine me in some hut for a year!