After I was airlifted from Bali to Singapore for surgery, I realized my backpack—with my laptop, hard drives, and clothes—was still in the hotel room in Ubud. My evacuation service said, “We move people, not luggage.” It cost me $800 and three weeks of stress to get my stuff back.
Key Takeaways
- You Leave Everything Behind: When the air ambulance comes, you go on a stretcher with maybe your phone and passport. Your luggage stays behind.
- No “Luggage Forwarding” Benefit: Standard medical evacuation does not cover the cost of packing and shipping your belongings home.
- “Return of Traveling Companion”: If you have a travel companion, insurance often pays for them to fly home. They can bring your bags. If you are solo, you are stuck.
- Concierge Services: Premium memberships (like Amex Platinum or specific Medjet tiers) may offer coordination help, but you still pay the FedEx bill.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Emergency Priority.”
The jet is an ICU. There is no cargo space for a 50lb suitcase. The medical team refuses to handle non-essential items due to biohazard and space protocols.
- The Crisis: Your lease ends, the hotel wants the room back, and your stuff is 2,000 miles away.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- SafetyWing: “We do not organize the shipping of personal effects left behind.”
- Seven Corners: “If a traveling companion is flown home, they can take the luggage. If solo, it is not a covered expense.”
- DHL / FedEx: To pack and ship a suitcase from Indonesia to the US? Quote: $650 + Customs Fees.
Comparison Table: Belongings Handling
| Feature | Standard Evac Insurance | Premium Membership (Medjet) | Solo Traveler Reality |
| Luggage on Jet | NO (Passport only) | NO | NO |
| Shipping Cost | You Pay | You Pay | You Pay |
| Coordination | DIY | Assistance Team helps | DIY |
[IMAGE: Photo of a suitcase left in a hotel room with a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- ** designate a “Proxy”:** If you travel solo, make friends with the hotel manager or a local expat. You need someone on the ground to pack your bag.
- Grab the “Go Bag” Only: When the ambulance comes, force them to take your “Tech Pouch” (Phone, Laptop, Charger, Hard Drive). Refuse to leave without it. They usually allow one small tote.
- Leave the Clothes: It is cheaper to buy new clothes than to ship dirty laundry internationally.
- Unlock Your Devices: Ensure your phone/laptop are unlocked or you have the passwords written down so family can access medical records if you are unconscious.
FAQ
Will the consulate handle my bags?
No. They are not a shipping service.
Does baggage insurance cover this?
No. Baggage insurance covers theft or airline loss. It does not cover “abandonment due to medical emergency.”
Can I trust the hotel?
Big chains (Marriott/Hilton)? Yes. Hostels? No.