My brother was in an induced coma in a Lima ICU after a severe bacterial infection. I called his travel insurance provider to arrange a flight for his wife to be by his side. They checked the fine print and said, “We only cover a ‘Compassionate Visit’ if the hospitalization exceeds 7 days. Call us back next week.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Compassionate Visit” Benefit: Most travel insurance policies include a benefit to fly one family member to the patient, but strict triggers apply.
- The “Hospitalization Timer”: You usually must be hospitalized for 3 to 7 consecutive days (depending on the policy) before they will pay for the flight. If you die on day 2, they don’t pay.
- Cap on Expenses: The benefit is often capped at $1,500 for the flight and $150/day for the hotel. In 2026 inflation, this barely covers a last-minute economy ticket.
- Approval First: Do NOT just book the flight. You must get written authorization from the insurer, or they will deny the reimbursement.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Waiting Period.”
Insurers treat “Bedside Visits” as a luxury, not a necessity. They want to avoid paying for a relative to fly out for a broken ankle. So, they set a hurdle: the patient must be in “Critical Condition” and hospitalized for a minimum number of days (usually 5 or 7).
- The Crisis: The most critical time is the first 48 hours. This is exactly when the insurance refuses to pay.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- SafetyWing: “Emergency Reunion” benefit triggers after 7 days of hospitalization or if there is an imminent threat of death. Cap: $1,500.
- World Nomads (Explorer): Triggers after 3 days of hospitalization. Covers economy round-trip airfare + reasonable accommodation. This is much better than the 7-day standard.
- Seven Corners: Some plans trigger immediately if the patient is in the ICU. This is the “Pro” move for travelers who want family near.
Comparison Table: Compassionate Visit Triggers
| Feature | SafetyWing | World Nomads (Explorer) | Seven Corners (Liaison) |
| Trigger Days | 7 Days | 3 Days | Varies (often immediate ICU) |
| Flight Cap | ~$1,500 | Economy Ticket Cost | $5,000+ |
| Daily Stipend | ~$150/day | Reasonable Expenses | $200/day |
| Who Can Fly? | Relative/Friend | Relative | Relative |
[IMAGE: Infographic showing a timeline: Day 1 (Accident) -> Day 3 (World Nomads Pays) -> Day 7 (SafetyWing Pays)]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the “Emergency Reunion” Clause: Look for this specific term in your PDF. Note the “Days Hospitalized” requirement.
- Ask for “Imminent Death” Waiver: If the doctor says the patient might not make it 7 days, get a letter stating “Imminent Threat to Life.” This often bypasses the waiting period.
- Book Flexible Flights: If you can’t wait for approval, buy a fully refundable ticket. If insurance later approves it, great. If not, you aren’t stuck with a non-refundable loss if plans change.
- Keep Hotel Receipts: They will verify that the visitor actually stayed near the hospital.
FAQ
Will they pay for my food?
Usually, there is a daily per diem (
100) for meals and hotel.
Can I bring my kids?
No. The benefit is strictly for one person.
What if I’m already traveling with them?
This benefit is for bringing someone from home. It doesn’t pay for the person already there (though Trip Interruption might pay their hotel).