#21
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rdive - 4/20/2010 11:43 AM
This information may cause more confusion, but I would like for you all to think about this. Have you ever had the need to use this insurance and what was your experience?
I know this for a fact, when you buy any insurance in any country it does not mean that it will cover you in another country when on vacation. Example: Many people buy medical travel insurance and when they get sick and need medical care, they find out that local medical professionals will NOT accept their medical travel insurance. The travel agent or whomever sold you the policy will not tell you that it will be up to the discretion of the local providers if they accept it.
This is also based on the fact that insurance companies have either "stiffed" local medical professionals or it takes months to actually get paid and this has led to MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, CLINICS and HOSPITALS not accepting medical travel insurance.
In Aruba there is one hyperbaric chamber facility. DAN divers insurance ($70.00) is the only insurance that will cover your hyperbaric medical treatment in ARUBA, which is roughly USD 5,000 for one single treatment.
I know for a fact that if you arrive at the local hospital, you will have to pay even if you have DAN insurance. The chamber facility and hospital are seperate entities. Once eveluated at the hospital emergency room and based on indiactions you will be transported to the hyperbaric facility for treatment. Your bill for the emergency room can be anywhere between USD 280.00- 450.00 gave or take. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE HOSPITALIZATION!!!! (If needed, hospitalization can easily be USD 1,000 per night)
No other insurance will be accepted!!! I Have checked this personally.
There is another possibility in Aruba to get hyperbaric treatment coverage, but this is through private coverage in Aruba before you get there on vacation. For information you can send an email to: info [ at ] emcare-aruba.com
Regarding loss of equipment due to theft, in Aruba you will need to file a police report and with that you go back to your insurance company. Locally nobody can help you with that.
For airline luggage lost or damage, this you will need to check with the individual airlines.
I flew from Miami to Aruba a few months ago and two of my suit cases got ripped and cut. The airline offered to have them repaired but my travel insurance didn’t cover that.
This is pretty much the "norm" in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Other destinations you need to do some homework before your trip.
Please keep these things in mind.
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