Costs in the event of an accident or illness
Who actually pays for rescue transport?
A heart attack, brain hemorrhage or stroke can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, it’s a mistake to think that every insurance company covers rescue and recovery in full.
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Around 500,000 rescue operations are carried out in Switzerland every year. In an emergency, every second counts. Many emergency call centers therefore work on the next-best principle. This means they deploy the closest and most appropriate means of relief. However, an emergency transport by ambulance or rescue helicopter can be costly for the affected person. Many of those affected are surprised at how much they have to pay for themselves, despite having health insurance.
50 percent at the patient’s expense
“When it comes to who pays in an emergency, one must first distinguish whether an ambulance is being transported due to illness or an accident,” says Florian Obrist, head of insurance at the SOS 144 rescue card. Basic health insurance only covers 50 percent of the costs for an ambulance, regardless of whether an ambulance or a rescue helicopter was used.” The remaining 50% is paid by the patient.
Accident insurance is a little different. “Anyone who is employed and works more than eight hours a week is safe,” says Obrist. Then the accident insurance covers the entire cost. «There are exceptions for children, students or pensioners who do not have accident insurance under the UVG. The same regulation with 50 percent applies there in the event of illness and accident.
SOS 144 rescue card
The SOS 144 rescue card covers costs that are not covered by basic insurance. As a rule, it is the remaining 50 percent in a rescue operation in Switzerland. Abroad, however, it can be even a higher percentage. These costs are covered regardless of the salvage company. With this insurance you are optimally protected at home and abroad and do not have to worry about rescue costs in the event of an emergency. Information is available at www.sos144.ch or telephone 031 914 41 44.
The SOS 144 rescue card covers costs that are not covered by basic insurance. As a rule, it is the remaining 50 percent in a rescue operation in Switzerland. Abroad, however, it can be even a higher percentage. These costs are covered regardless of the salvage company. With this insurance you are optimally protected at home and abroad and do not have to worry about rescue costs in the event of an emergency. Information is available at www.sos144.ch or telephone 031 914 41 44.
Coverage gaps in the event of a heart attack, cerebral haemorrhage or stroke
The biggest gaps in coverage exist in the event of sudden illness requiring transport by ambulance. For example, we are talking about a heart attack, brain hemorrhage or stroke. “As mentioned, basic insurance only pays 50 percent and only up to a maximum of 500 francs per year for ambulance transport and 5,000 francs for rescue from a life-threatening situation in case of illness,” explains Obrist. “In consultation, we experience every day that many people don’t really know. But of course I also understand that people don’t like to talk about this topic, mainly because it’s so complex.”
Analyzes have shown that an ambulance costs between 900 and 2100 francs, depending on the canton. According to these calculations, the average cost of operating a rescue helicopter in Switzerland is 3,500 francs. “It shouldn’t be forgotten that when a helicopter is deployed, an ambulance is often called as well if the situation is still unclear,” says Obrist. “This can certainly lead to costs of several thousand francs, which you may have to shell out from your wallet.”
Play it safe
It is therefore a mistake to think that every insurance company covers rescue and recovery in full. the SOS 144 rescue card however, it covers all costs incurred for salvage or salvage operations not covered by health or accident insurance. Whether Rega, Alpine Air Ambulance or Air Zermatt: No matter which air rescue team or ambulance comes to the rescue, the SOS 144 rescue card covers any insurance gaps.
Presented by a partner
This post was dated Study of the Ringier brand created on behalf of a client. The content is journalistically prepared and meets Ringier’s quality requirements.
Contact: Email and Brand Studio
This post was dated Study of the Ringier brand created on behalf of a client. The content is journalistically prepared and meets Ringier’s quality requirements.
Contact: Email and Brand Studio
