I bought a policy with a $100,000 evacuation limit. I thought that was a fortune. Then I needed a jet from Sydney to Los Angeles. The quote was $210,000. My insurance paid the first $100k. I had to come up with $110,000 cash or stay in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Inflation in Aviation: In 2026, fuel prices and pilot shortages have driven air ambulance costs up 40%. A $100k cap (standard for years) is now dangerously low for long-haul.
- Regional vs. Global:
- $50k is fine for Mexico -> USA.
- $100k is fine for Europe -> USA.
- $250k+ is mandatory for Asia/Australia/Africa -> USA.
- The “Unlimited” Standard: Top-tier policies (Medjet, Seven Corners, some Chase cards) offer “Unlimited” or $1M caps. This is what you need for trans-pacific travel.
- Co-Insurance Risk: If you hit the cap, you are a “self-pay” patient for the remainder. The jet won’t take off until the gap is covered.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Legacy Limits.”
Insurance companies keep the $100k limit because it looks high on paper. But they know that a fully staffed ICU jet from Bangkok to New York burns $180k in operational costs.
- The Crisis: You are “underinsured” for the one thing you bought the insurance for.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Air Ambulance Broker: “Sydney to LA is a two-stop flight (Fiji/Hawaii). Crew change required. Cost is approx $220,000.”
- World Nomads (Standard): $300,000 limit. (Safe).
- SafetyWing: $100,000 limit (lifetime max on some older plans, $250k on newer). Check your version.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: $100,000 limit. Risky.
Comparison Table: Evacuation Cost vs. Limits
| Route | Estimated Cost (2026) | $100k Policy | $500k Policy |
| Cabo -> LA | $30,000 | Covered | Covered |
| London -> NY | $90,000 | Covered (Barely) | Covered |
| Bali -> NY | $200,000 | You pay $100k | Covered |
| Cape Town -> DC | $180,000 | You pay $80k | Covered |
[IMAGE: Bar chart showing ‘Average Cost’ exceeding the ‘$100k Cap’ for Asia/Africa routes]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Limit: Open the app. Look for “Medical Evacuation Limit.”
- Upgrade for Asia: If you are going to Asia or Africa, do not travel with less than $250k coverage.
- Buy a Supplement: If your card only covers $100k, buy a Medjet membership (Unlimited) to stack on top.
- Realize the “Nearest” Rule: With low caps, they will definitely fly you to a closer/cheaper hospital (e.g., Singapore) rather than home, to stay under the $100k budget.
FAQ
Does the limit include medical bills?
No. Evac limit is usually separate from the Medical Expense limit. Check if they are combined (bad) or separate (good).
What if I run out of money?
You stay in the local hospital.
Is it cheaper to fly commercial?
Yes. If you can wait to be stable, a commercial stretcher is ~$40k. The $100k cap covers that easily.