Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation
We help you travel with confidence, wherever you go.
What Is Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation?
While hiking in a remote region of Peru, a traveler began experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath. The local clinic lacked the equipment needed to diagnose and treat her condition. Her AXA travel protection plan included emergency medical evacuation, which meant we could arrange transportation to a hospital in Lima equipped to provide the appropriate care.
After she was stabilized, we coordinated her return home to continue recovery with her personal physician. The travel insurance plan’s repatriation benefit helped cover the logistics and cost of her medical transport. She told us she hadn’t expected to use this part of her plan but was thankful it was there when it mattered most.
~ Ernest, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
What Qualifies as a Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation?
This benefit may apply when an unexpected illness or injury occurs during your trip and requires medical evacuation or treatment. Coverage must meet the conditions outlined in your travel insurance plan and be authorized by the travel assistance provider.
Examples of qualifying situations include:
A medical emergency requiring treatment at a hospital during your trip
A physician recommending transport to a facility with appropriate care
A medically necessary return home for continued treatment
Extended medical care abroad when immediate return is not possible
Repatriation of remains if a covered traveler passes away while abroad
All services must be medically necessary and pre-approved, subject to plan terms and benefit limits.
How AXA Covers Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation?
All AXA Travel Protection plans include Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage, with benefit limits that vary by plan.
What Does Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation Cover?
Medical Expense and Evacuation Repatriation coverage helps with eligible medical costs and transportation when a serious illness or injury occurs during your trip and local treatment is insufficient or unavailable.
Covered events vary by travel insurance plan but generally include:
Emergency Medical Treatment
Costs for hospital stays, physician services, diagnostics, and other medically necessary care during travel
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Transportation to the nearest adequate facility when local care cannot treat the condition
Medical Repatriation
Return home for continued care if medically necessary and approved by the plan’s assistance provider
Repatriation of Remains
Transportation of remains back to the traveler’s home country if death occurs during a covered trip
Hospital Companion & Minor Return
Travel arrangements for a companion or unattended minor child when hospitalization extends beyond seven days
Return of Minor Children
If you are hospitalized and traveling with minor children who are left unattended, the plan may arrange and cover their return home.
All services must be medically necessary and approved in advance, with coverage subject to plan limits and conditions.
Accidents, such as a broken bone or a severe burn
Illnesses, such as a heart attack, stroke, or appendicitis
Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
Common Exclusions in Medical Evacuation Coverage
Non-Medically Necessary Evacuations
Coverage generally includes reimbursement for essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and other basic needs purchased while waiting for delayed checked baggage, up to the travel insurance plan’s benefit limit.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
This benefit helps travelers continue their trip with less disruption by covering basic needs during a baggage delay, offering practical support until the checked luggage is returned by the transportation provider.
High-Risk Activities Without Upgrades
Injuries resulting from activities like mountaineering, scuba diving, or other high-risk sports may be excluded unless your plan includes appropriate optional upgrades.
Self-Harm and Substance Use
Coverage generally excludes incidents involving intentional self-harm or those resulting from the use of
alcohol or drugs.
How Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation Coverage Works
When a medical emergency occurs during your trip and evacuation or treatment is needed, AXA Travel Protection helps coordinate and cover approved services, subject to plan terms and conditions
1. We confirm the medical situation
If you experience a serious illness or injury while traveling, we work with a licensed physician to evaluate your condition. Medical evacuation must be deemed necessary and approved by the travel assistance provider.
2. We coordinate logistics
Our travel assistance team arranges the most appropriate mode of transportation to a nearby facility or back home, as needed. We also help facilitate communication between providers and your loved ones.
3. We support your medical care
If you require treatment abroad, we assist in connecting you with local medical providers and coordinating approved care, including hospital stays or rehabilitation, depending on the situation.
4. We review and process claims
Once treatment or transport is complete, we assess submitted claims based on the travel insurance plan’s coverage terms. Eligible expenses are reimbursed up to the plan’s benefit limit.
FAQs About Medical Expense & Evacuation Repatriation
What should I do during a medical emergency while traveling?
If you experience a serious illness or injury while traveling, call local emergency services immediately to receive urgent medical care. Once you are stable or able to do so safely, contact AXA's 24/7 emergency services at 855-327-1442. Our travel assistance team will guide you through the next steps, including assessing the situation, coordinating with local providers, and arranging evacuation or repatriation if required and covered under your plan.
What does medical evacuation cover under AXA Travel Protection?
Medical evacuation coverage helps arrange and pay for approved transportation to the nearest medical facility that is equipped to treat your condition when local care is unavailable or insufficient. The evacuation must be deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician and authorized in advance by AXA's travel assistance provider. Covered expenses may include ground or air transport, medical supervision, and necessary equipment, depending on your condition and the plan's terms.
How is the repatriation of remains handled?
In the unfortunate event that a covered traveler passes away during a trip, AXA Travel Protection may provide coverage for the repatriation of remains. This benefit helps arrange the return of the traveler's remains to their home country. AXA's travel assistance provider coordinates with local authorities and service providers to ensure all procedures, including transportation and documentation, comply with applicable laws and the plan's coverage guidelines.
Are minor children covered during an emergency evacuation?
Yes. If you are hospitalized for more than seven consecutive days following a covered medical emergency and are traveling with a minor child under the age of 18 who is left unattended, AXA can help arrange for the child's return to a nominated guardian. The plan may also include an attendant to accompany the child if needed. All arrangements must be authorized by AXA's travel assistance provider and follow the terms outlined in your plan documents.
What is the hospital companion benefit and how does it work?
If you are hospitalized during your trip for more than seven days due to a covered medical emergency, AXA may provide transportation for one companion of your choice to join you. This benefit offers support during an extended hospital stay away from home. The companion's emergency travel must be arranged and approved in advance through AXA's travel assistance provider and is subject to benefit limits and plan conditions.
Does the plan help if I need long-term care abroad?
Yes, if your medical condition prevents you from returning home right away, AXA's travel assistance team can help coordinate necessary long-term care. This may include continued hospitalization, rehabilitation, or follow-up treatment. The travel assistance provider works with local medical professionals and facilities to ensure you receive appropriate care and keeps your family updated about your condition and care options. Coverage is based on travel insurance plan terms and medical necessity.
Are evacuations covered for non-urgent health issues?
No. Evacuation coverage only applies when the condition is deemed medically necessary and urgent by a qualified physician. If you want to return home due to a minor illness, personal preference, or for non-emergency reasons, evacuation would not be covered. To qualify, the situation must require immediate care and meet the criteria set forth in your plan, with prior approval from the assistance provider.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions depends on your travel insurance plan and when it was purchased. Some AXA travel protection plans offer a waiver of the pre-existing condition exclusion if specific requirements are met, such as purchasing the plan within a designated period after your first trip payment and being medically fit to travel at that time. If eligible, certain medical emergencies related to your condition may be covered. Review your plan documents for full details.
What types of transportation are used for evacuation or repatriation?
The type of transport depends on the severity of your condition and medical recommendations. Options may include ground ambulances, air ambulances, or commercial flights with a medical escort. The travel assistance provider coordinates all logistics, selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective method to ensure safe, medically supervised transport to an adequate facility or your home country, based on the terms of your travel protection plan.
Are services available worldwide?
AXA's medical evacuation and repatriation services are supported globally in most destinations. However, availability depends on local infrastructure, medical capabilities, and regulations in the region you are visiting. AXA's travel assistance provider works to ensure support is available wherever possible, helping you reach the nearest suitable facility or coordinating transport back home if required and approved under the travel insurance plan.
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