Who pays for ambulance transport in the event of a heart attack?

This is a paid post brought to you by SOS 144 AG

In Switzerland there are around 500,000 rescue operations every year. In an emergency, every second counts. Many emergency call centers therefore work according to the next-best principle. This means they deploy the closest and most appropriate means of rescue. However, an emergency transport by ambulance or rescue helicopter can be expensive for the person concerned. Many of those affected are surprised at how much they have to pay themselves – despite health insurance.

50 percent at the expense of the patient

“When it comes to the question of who pays in an emergency, you first have to differentiate between whether an ambulance is being transported because of an illness or an accident,” says Florian Obrist, Head of Insurance at the SOS 144 rescue card. “In Switzerland, basic health insurance covers only 50 percent of the costs of an ambulance, regardless of whether an ambulance or a rescue helicopter was used.” The remaining 50 percent is borne by the patient.

Accident insurance is a little different. “Anyone who is employed and works more than eight hours a week is on the safe side,” says Obrist. Then the accident insurance covers the entire costs. “There are exceptions for children, students or pensioners who do not have accident insurance under the UVG. The same regulation with 50 percent applies there in the event of illness and accident.”

SOS 144 rescue card

The SOS 144 rescue card covers costs that are not covered by basic insurance. As a rule, it is the remaining 50 percent in a rescue operation in Switzerland. Abroad, however, it can also be a higher proportion. With this insurance you are optimally protected at home and abroad and do not have to worry about rescue costs in an emergency. Whether Rega, Air Zermatt, Alpine Air Ambulance or even ambulances: No matter which air rescue team or which ambulance comes to the rescue, the SOS 144 rescue card covers any insurance gaps. And that from as little as 60 francs per year for an individual and 90 francs for a whole family. Information is available at www.sos144.ch or on 031 914 41 44.

Coverage gaps in the event of a heart attack, cerebral hemorrhage or stroke

The biggest gaps in coverage exist in the event of a sudden illness that necessitates ambulance transport. For example, we are talking about a heart attack, a cerebral hemorrhage or a stroke. “As mentioned, basic insurance only pays 50 percent, and only up to an annual maximum of 500 francs for ambulance transport and 5,000 francs for rescue from a life-threatening situation in the event of illness,” explains Obrist. «In the consultation, we experience every day that a lot of people don’t really know about it. But of course I also understand that people do not like to deal with this topic, especially since it is very complex. »

Analyzes have shown that an ambulance costs between 900 and 2100 francs, depending on the canton. According to these calculations, the average cost of using a rescue helicopter in Switzerland is CHF 3,500. “One shouldn’t forget that when a helicopter is deployed, the ambulance is often called out at the same time if the situation is still unclear,” says Obrist. “This can certainly result in costs of several thousand francs, which you may have to shell out from your own wallet.”

How is it abroad?

Anyone who is dependent on rescue or recovery from a life-threatening situation abroad has to dig deep into their own pockets. That’s enough if you go shopping in Germany or if something unforeseen happens during your skiing holiday in Austria. Likewise, repatriation from abroad with an ambulance jet or an ambulance is not anchored in the basic insurance.

A repatriation by ambulance jet within Europe can cost up to 20,000 francs and one from overseas, such as from Thailand, up to 200,000 francs. This is also not covered by basic health insurance. For employees who work more than eight hours a week, the accident insurance sum is also limited to CHF 29,640.

Former ski racer Beat Feuz is fully behind the rescue card

Ochsner Sport / Adrian Bretscher

“As a ski racer, it was part of pushing the limits and taking risks. This has been my passion for the last 16 years in the Ski World Cup. That’s why – and all the more since I’m the father of two wonderful daughters – applies to me: prevention instead of aftercare, for example with the SOS 144 rescue card. Whether going on excursions with my family, on an e-bike tour or playing tennis with friends, with the SOS 144 rescue card I have global all-round protection for all eventualities.»

Ochsner Sport / Adrian Bretscher

Play it safe

It is therefore a mistake to believe that health insurance or accident insurance always fully covers the costs of rescue and recovery. However, the SOS 144 rescue card covers all costs incurred through rescue or rescue operations that are not covered by health or accident insurance. Whether Rega, Air Zermatt, Alpine Air Ambulance or even ambulances: No matter which air rescue team or which ambulance comes to the rescue, the SOS 144 rescue card covers any insurance gaps. Likewise, repatriation from abroad can be insured with the rescue card.

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This post was created by the Ringier Brand Studio on behalf of a client. The content is journalistically prepared and meets Ringier’s quality requirements.

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