Choosing a Medical Assistance Provider for High-Risk Travel: 5 Things to Ask
As specialists operating in challenging environments around the world for over 25 years, we know that time spent in complex or conflict-affected areas comes with a high risk that requires ongoing and specialised duty of care. In complex environments, the last thing you want is to feel unsure about having access to emergency medical help.
This is where a medical assistance company like Assist360 steps in. As part of the Chelsea Group of companies, Assist360 delivers specialised medical assistance and crisis and emergency response. “We’ve helped tens of thousands of people, including humanitarian and development staff across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, get the medical assistance they need,” says Dr Francesca Harper, Senior Medical Doctor at Assist360.
Choosing the right medical assistance provider is crucial when travelling in volatile and hard-to-reach areas.
Instant and reliable medical care should be a given, whether you’re working on-the-ground in a conflict-affected region or embarking on an adventure. When evaluating an emergency assistance provider, here are five key questions to consider.
Assist360 ensures cost containment and transparent pricing by leveraging its strong provider network, offering better reimbursement rates, lower co-pays, and helping clients to save 25% to 35% per case.
Do they have a strong local network in the high-risk area?
While a general understanding of potential risks is important, the robust on-the-ground knowledge of local provider networks is indispensable in a medical emergency. A high-risk medical assistance provider is one that can tap into quality, vetted local medical resources. Access to these resources often means faster response times, better availability, more decision-making flexibility and lower costs.
In South Sudan, for example, Assist360 used local networks to medevac a client with life-threatening malaria from a rural outpost, saving $16,000 by organising a local air ambulance and medical escorts for quick stabilisation and transfer.
Do they have high-risk area experience?
A high-risk area requires a provider with plenty of experience. Experienced providers have solid and reliable networks with specialists who understand local contexts and can act quickly.
Assist360’s experience in high-risk areas means knowing which networks to tap into to navigate complex and risky situations, ensuring patients get the best possible care in the shortest time.
The right medical assistance provider will provide tools to keep you connected no matter where you are.
Are their medical assistance services comprehensive?
In high-risk areas, comprehensive medical support is vital. This should include emergency evacuation, telemedicine, and expert advice for quick decisions – whether the situation is life threatening or not. Consider a provider offering multilingual support, multi-channel communication, and access to multidisciplinary consultations for complex cases.
For added security and convenience, seek out a provider with an app that offers a panic function that connects the user to a response centre that is available 24/7/365. Assist360’s Global Response Centre is always available to assist in an emergency.
Will you get the highest-quality medical assistance?
Accessing quality medical care in high-risk areas can be challenging due to language barriers, cultural differences, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources – but having the right medical assistance provider supporting you through the process can change this.
“Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting or near impossible for an individual, which is where a trusted medical assistance company can streamline this process and ensure the best possible outcome when unforeseen scenarios invariably occur,” says Dr Harper.
A provider like Assist360 helps guide the medical process, from the moment a responder is called to discharge, to ensure the highest quality of medical care. They are with you every step of the way.
Do they offer clear and transparent pricing?
Before committing to a provider, ensure you have a clear understanding of how they handle costs, and that there are no hidden fees. Some medical assistance providers in high-risk areas may charge excessively for evacuations or approve unnecessary treatments due to weak local networks.
Assist360 ensures cost containment and transparent pricing by leveraging its strong provider network, offering better reimbursement rates, lower co-pays, and helping clients to save 25% to 35% per case.
For peace of mind
Asking these important questions will help you find the right medical assistance provider, which will give you one less thing to worry about in high-risk areas.
For peace of mind in challenging locations, contact Assist360 today.
