Emergency Services

4/14/2010 10:10:50 AM

I was consulted by numerous people on this subject over the past few weeks.

What constitute an Emergency Services? 

Reference - Assets – Motorised Vehicles

Road side assistance – in case of breakdown, emergency, accident - comprehensive option would include care hire, overnight accommodation, cover linked to a person and not just a defined vehicle and also defines the role of Towing services.

Providers:  Organisations such as AA, Short term insurance companies, Financial Institutions such as Bank and/or Financiers and/or Auto Dealers (new cars).

Key:  Carry and display service providers’ details clearly

Important:

1.   Understand clearly who and what is insured where and when.

2.   Understand your benefits

3.   Check for unnecessary duplicate cover i.e. member of AA, cover via Financier/Auto dealer on new car, cover on Short Term Insurance, cover via Bank – Private Client, etc .

Reference - Self – Personal Medical Support

24/7 Medical support – in case of medical emergency (SOS) – natural (illness) or unnatural (accident) and could include ambulance services (evacuation by road or air) - in South Africa or abroad, access to Trauma Units (irrespective option), immediate care without limits, access to best (most appropriate) medical care, family support systems (counselling), managed care (recovery), etc.

Providers:  Medical Schemes, Insurers – Hospital Plans, Travel Agencies – Travel Insurance

Key:  Carry and display Membership number and contact details clearly

Important:

1.   Understand clearly who and what is insured where and when.

2.   Understand your benefits and review benefits regularly – emphasis on Hospital Plans that normally has prescribed conditions and limits (never really comprehensive enough)

3.   Check for unnecessary duplicate cover i.e. Travel  Insurance (term related) and Hospital Plans (tiered depending on premiums)

Recommendation:  Take time off regularly and review your assured and insured benefits and if uncertain follow it through till each family member understands clearly what you are paying for and why!  

Note:  For the purpose of this article only focussed on payable services.