I'm going to RSA in May of this year and always planned on buying Global Rescue insurance and never using it. About 3 weeks ago I was pheasant hunting and passed out in the field. It was determined that I had a seizure. I'm 57, no history of seizures but I'm a little worried about being in Africa and having another seizure. If I have a seizure will HR automatically fly me to the States or will they say it's a treatable illness I'm Joberg. I've read some of the language on GR's website and its unclear. Thanks

FWIW, I wouldn't worry about the quality of medical care in RSA. Their physicians and diagnostics are better than the USA average by a damn sight.

Second issue, unexplained seizures are always a cause for concern prior to major travel. I'm guessing you've had a full workup (MRI, EEG, etc) and all was clear? If not, get those things done prior to travel.

Global Rescue isn't going to fly you back to the USA for a single seizure from which you recover with no further sequelae, I'm sure. They're more of a catastrophic injury/illness carrier.

Doc, thanks. Yes, had 2 MRI's (with and W/O dye, EEG, etc, all clear. Never thought medical care I'm RSA would be better than the States. My concerns are paying for medical care in RSA and blood issues.

RSA docs are superbly well-trained. I'd be very leery about getting a blood transfusion there, yes... but from all I've heard it's not an issue there now. And for seizure admissions, you'd not be looking at a transfusion anywyas.

Glad your workup proved clear. Hopefully this was a once-and-done event, and you'll be seizure free for the rest of your life. That's the most common story, btw.

Doc, thanks again for the info, hopefully it is a one and done event, I was out of it for a couple of hours, luckily I was with someone, it was a Monday and I usually hunt by myself because my friends are working.

For your medical fee concerns go to insuremytrip.com. For little more than the cost of a nice steak dinner for two you can purchase a policy for your trip. On my last trip to Zim in 2012 the policy cost me around $100.00 for $200,000.00 of coverage for my specific dates.

I have always purchased Global Rescue, MARS and travelers health insurance, but thank God I've never had to use it. It's great peace of mind though.

Mike

Mike--thanks so much for the info, I will definitely purchase it.

1. If you read Global Rescue's stuff, you'll find you have to be admitted as an inpatient (not an observation patient) in order for them to fly you home. In my opinion, observation status is a scam by the insurance companies to help them get out of paying for needed hospitalizations.

2. Remember, the world's first heart transplant was done in South Africa. I think the quality of care may have been going down there but last I knew it was still pretty good.

3. As noted above, a first seizure is always worrisome. It can be as simple as a scar from an old head injury or something else. You might consider discussing with your doctor repeat imaging in 3 to 6 months even if you don't have another seizure during that time.

I wonder if TRICARE would cover me internationally?

TRICARE barely covers us Nationally

Global Rescue will transport you to the hospital of your choice, (presumably your home area hospital) if you need hospitalization or are unable to travel commercially due to a medical condition. I have carried it for twenty years and fortunately have never needed to use it. I have a friend that needed transport from Zimbabwe due to a back injury sustained in the bush. Was transported to Jo'burg for stabilization and a few days later Global Rescue delivered him home to Texas as he was not able to sit upright and fly commercially. Give Global Rescue a call to discuss. They are easy to talk to and will explain any and all details.

What health insurance did you use?

No chit !! But if you were a congressman, senator, Dept director, you'd have nary a worry.

I just looked back at my paperwork from 2012 Dennis and it was Travel Guard/Chartis. I was off on the cost I stated earlier as the policy did cost $171.00 for my 17 day travel period. It was their "Sportsmans Travel Protection Plan 008537 P1". It included $500,000.00 emergency medical insurance along with some other things like lost luggage, accidental death, etc.

Mike

OK, thanks

haha
no wait, you were serious?

I ran into Global Rescue employee in Dulles last trip . He had just arrived with a client and explained to me what he did, and it appears to me that they really do what they say they will do.

I've been a G R member for several years and so far... so good, have not needed them.

Came close twice, but survived with out them.

I just bought a family membership with Medjet. Not sure whose service is better but medjet had far less restrictions on when they would move you. That was what caused me to decide that way.

dennis--thanks, I'll have to check Medjet out for the next time, I could never get a straight answer from GR on when they would and would not come and get you. My friend who went to RSA with me also had GR and about a month after we returned from RSA he had another heart attack, he's OK (stent inserted) but I'm glad it didn't happened in RSA. I bought TravelGuard medical and dental insurance for I believe $289, my friend did not because it was around $500 because of his age for the 10 days we were out of country.

Probably not, but the VA will.

Global Rescue here. We’d like to respond to the earlier post from Sako76 and make very clear, in writing, what the triggers are for transport. For our Field Rescue service (ie. from the bush, outside of a civilized area) any serious medical emergency that occurs more than 100 miles from home and could result in permanent harm qualifies. If it isn’t clear how serious the injury or illness is, we ALWAYS err toward transport. Once the member has been stabilized at a hospital or clinic, it is then up to the member to decide whether they would like to be transported home to their choice of home country hospital. The trigger for continued transport home is hospitalization. For all serious significant operations, we deploy our own (not outsourced) medical teams of critical care paramedics, doctors and for security extractions, military special operations veterans.

We’d be happy to answer any questions you have at 617-459-4200 and it would be our pleasure to connect you with our dedicated hunting support team which has addressed the needs of thousands of hunters, outfitters and guides worldwide.

Rip Cord is another option.

http://www.ripcordtravelprotection.com/

For what it is worth,

Recently the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association (ZPHGA) selected Ripcord as its official rescue and evacuation provider.