5 Best Emergency Air Ambulance Helicopter Services Covered by Medical Aid

 

For South Africans seeking comprehensive health coverage, selecting a medical aid that includes these crucial services is paramount. This guide aims to highlight the top five medical aids that offer emergency air ambulance and helicopter coverage, helping you make an informed choice for your health and peace of mind. In this guide you will learn:

 

• ✅ When do you need air ambulance helicopter services?
• ✅ The 5 best emergency air ambulance helicopter services covered by medical aid
• ✅ Frequently asked questions

 

 

From severe trauma cases to critical medical emergencies, the right medical aid can mean you or your loved ones receive the best possible care, no matter where you are. In such critical moments, having access to rapid medical transportation can make all the difference. Emergency air ambulance and helicopter services provide this essential lifeline, ensuring patients receive swift, high-quality medical care when every second counts.

 

 

When do you need air ambulance helicopter services?

 

Air ambulance helicopter services play a vital role in emergency medical care, providing rapid transportation for patients in critical conditions. These services are designed to offer immediate medical intervention and swift transit to medical facilities, often making the difference between life and death.

 

Medical aids that cover air ambulance services ensure that members have access to these vital resources during emergencies.

 

Scenarios Requiring Air Ambulance Helicopter Services

 

• ✅ Trauma and Accident Cases: Air ambulance helicopters are often deployed in cases of severe trauma or accidents, such as car crashes, industrial accidents, or natural disasters. In these scenarios, time is of the essence, and the ability to quickly transport patients to specialized trauma centers can significantly improve their chances of survival and recovery.

 

• ✅ Remote and Hard-to-Reach Areas: For individuals living in remote or rural areas, access to advanced medical care can be limited. Air ambulance helicopters provide a lifeline by transporting patients from these locations to well-equipped hospitals. This service is particularly vital in areas where ground transportation is not feasible due to geographical challenges or poor road conditions.

 

• ✅ Medical Emergencies: Certain medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, or severe allergic reactions, require immediate and advanced medical intervention. Air ambulance helicopters are equipped with life-saving medical equipment and staffed by highly trained medical personnel who can provide critical care en route to the hospital. This rapid response can stabilize the patient and prevent further deterioration of their condition.

 

• ✅ Inter-Hospital Transfers: Patients requiring specialized treatments or surgeries not available at their current facility may need to be transferred to another hospital. Air ambulance helicopters facilitate these inter-hospital transfers, ensuring that patients receive the necessary medical care without delay. This is particularly important for critically ill patients who cannot be transported by conventional means.

 

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⚠️ READ more about the best medical aids with private ambulance service.

 

 

5 Best emergency air ambulance helicopter services covered by medical aid

 

Below, we explore the best cover for emergency air services offered by leading medical aid schemes in South Africa.

 

Discovery Health

 

 

Offering a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets, Discovery Health ensures that members have access to top-notch medical care. One of the critical aspects of their coverage is emergency services, which include a range of support mechanisms to assist members during medical emergencies.

 

 

📌 Emergency Services Cover

 

Discovery Health’s emergency services are designed to provide immediate assistance in critical situations. This includes a 24/7 emergency hotline, access to paramedics, and coverage for transportation to medical facilities.

 

The goal is to ensure that members receive timely and appropriate care when they need it most. Their emergency services extend to various scenarios, including accidents, sudden illnesses, and other life-threatening conditions.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Services

 

One of the standout features of Discovery Health’s emergency services is their comprehensive air ambulance cover. This service is particularly crucial in situations where rapid transportation is essential to saving lives or improving health outcomes.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Helicopter Services

 

Discovery Health provides air ambulance helicopter services through a network of accredited providers. These services are available for members who require immediate medical attention that cannot be provided on the ground.

 

The helicopters are equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by highly trained medical professionals, ensuring that critical care begins as soon as the patient is onboard.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the Discovery Health medical aid plans?

 

💰 Discovery Health provides a variety of medical aid plans with monthly costs ranging from R1,102 to R10,303.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Discovery Health medical aid plan Benefits?

 

Discovery Health Medical Aid members may encounter different waiting times upon signing up or upgrading to a more comprehensive plan.

 

✔️ General waiting period: 90 days
Every new member must adhere to this specific time period, during which they are not eligible for any benefits save for emergency hospital admissions that are allowed by the plan.

 

✔️ Condition-specific waiting period: 12 months
This applies to any preexisting medical issues. During this period, individuals with these diseases will be ineligible to file treatment claims for them.

 

✔️ Maternity benefits waiting period: 12 months
Every newly enrolled member is required to adhere to this waiting period, which applies to all benefits associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

 

✔️ Emergency services waiting period: 3 months
Except for authorized emergency hospital admissions, there is a period of time that must be waited before collecting compensation for emergency medical transportation.

 

✔️ Accidental injuries: 12 months
The waiting period guarantees that only persons who have continuous coverage are eligible for these protections, which also extend to medical expenses incurred due to accidents or injuries.

 

✔️ Conditions for previous membership
If a member has had uninterrupted coverage under a South African medical system for more than ninety days, the waiting periods may be shortened or totally waived.
When members upgrade to a more comprehensive plan, whatever waiting times they have already fulfilled under their previous plan will be considered.

 

✔️ Consequences for individuals who join late
Members who are 35 years of age or older and have not been enrolled in a recognized medical plan or have stopped obtaining coverage for longer than three months after April 2001 may be subject to late-joiner penalties. These fines are not applicable to Medical Savings Accounts and are included as a percentage of the member’s risk benefit payment.

 

 

How to Claim for Discovery Health Medical Aid Benefits

 

Claiming benefits from Discovery Health Medical Aid is a straightforward process. The necessary course of action is as follows:

 

• ☑️ Ensure the healthcare provider’s affiliation with the Discovery Health network to ensure comprehensive coverage and minimize any expenses that need to be paid directly by the patient.
• ☑️ Acquire the all-inclusive invoice from your healthcare provider
• ☑️ Utilize either the email or web interface to lodge your claim.
• ☑️ The “Claims” section of the Discovery Health website and app enables you to monitor the status of your claim. This will provide you with updates on the status of your claim, including if additional information is needed or if it has been received and processed.
• ☑️ If the claim is approved, payment processing will be conducted for Discovery Health. You have the option to either make payments directly to the healthcare provider or receive reimbursement, depending on your plan.

 

 

Discovery Health Medical Aid Contact Details

1 Discovery Pl

Sandhurst

Sandton

2196

 

 

Bonitas

 

 

 

Known for its comprehensive coverage and member-centric approach, Bonitas ensures access to high-quality medical services. A key feature of Bonitas is its emergency services cover, provided through the Bonitas SOS program, managed by Europ Assistance. This program is designed to deliver immediate and effective emergency medical assistance, ensuring members receive the necessary care during critical times.

 

📌 Air Ambulance Services

 

One of the critical components of Bonitas SOS is the provision of air ambulance services. This service is essential for situations where ground transportation may not be feasible or timely enough to address the medical emergency effectively.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Helicopter Services

 

Bonitas’ air ambulance helicopter services, facilitated by Europ Assistance, provide rapid and advanced medical intervention for members in critical conditions. These helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by highly trained medical professionals capable of delivering intensive care during transit.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the Bonitas medical aid plans?

 

💰 The cost of Bonitas Medical Aid Scheme medical aid plans varies depending on the plan chosen, ranging from R1,430 to R8,854.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Bonitas medical aid plan Benefits?

 

The Bonitas Medical Aid Scheme has multiple waiting periods, which are outlined below:

 

✔️ 1. General Waiting Period
Duration: three months
Only Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) can be claimed at this time. This is intended for individuals who are new to health insurance and have not previously been covered.

 

✔️ 2. Condition-specific waiting period
Duration: one year
During this period, pre-existing conditions are included under the coverage. It is not feasible to assert statements on these circumstances inside the initial year of membership. This is crucial in the event that a member enrols from a different plan and there was a lapse in coverage or comparable circumstances were not addressed.

 

✔️ 3. Penalties for individuals who join late
The time range for this varies depending on the individual’s age and the duration of time they have been without health insurance after reaching the age of 35.
The penalty is determined by calculating a percentage increase in the member’s monthly contributions.

 

 

How to Claim for Bonitas Medical Aid Benefits

 

Initiating a claim with the Bonitas Medical Aid Scheme necessitates following a straightforward process. Here are the steps to submit your claim and ensure a smooth processing experience:

 

• ☑️ Ensure that your healthcare provider has issued you a comprehensive invoice. The bill should include:
  The ICD-10 diagnosis code for the healthcare provider’s practice number.
  A comprehensive elucidation of the rendered services, encompassing specific dates.
  Total outstanding balance

 

• ☑️ You have the option to obtain a claim form by either visiting a Bonitas office or downloading it from the Bonitas website.

 

• ☑️ Ensure the provision of precise and reliable data in all required forms, including membership number and personal details.

 

 

Submit your claim

 

• ☑️ To monitor the status of your claim, you may either reach out to Bonitas customer care or utilize the Bonitas member site.

 

• ☑️ Bonitas will handle payment processing if the claim is accepted. Payments to the healthcare provider may be made directly or reimbursed to you, depending on the agreement.

 

 

⚠️ A Guide to the complaints procedure of Bonitas

 

Bonitas Medical Aid Contact Details

 

34 Melrose Blvd

Birnam

Johannesburg

2196

 

When contacting Bonitas Medical Fund, you would typically need to provide several pieces of information to verify your identity and to help them assist you effectively. Here’s a list of the common types of information you might need to provide:

 

• ✅ Membership Number: This is your unique identifier with Bonitas and is crucial for accessing your records.
• ✅ ID Number: Your South African ID number or passport number if you’re a foreign national.
• ✅ Full Name: Your first name and surname as registered with Bonitas.
• ✅ Email Address: For correspondence and to receive updates or information electronically.
• ✅ Contact Number: A phone number where you can be reached for further discussion or clarification.
• ✅ Date of Birth: To verify your identity and ensure that your personal information matches the records.
• ✅ Physical Address: Sometimes required for verification or for specific services like the delivery of chronic medication.

 

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Read more in our in-depth article about the various contact details of various departments.

 

 

Momentum Health

 

 

With a focus on providing personalized healthcare solutions, Momentum Health offers a variety of options to suit the unique needs of its members. A key component of their offerings is the emergency services cover, which ensures that members have access to immediate medical assistance in critical situations.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Services

 

One of the standout features of Momentum Health’s emergency services is the inclusion of air ambulance cover. This service is vital for ensuring that members receive rapid and effective medical intervention during critical emergencies, particularly when ground transportation is insufficient.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Helicopter Services

 

Air ambulance services are typically utilized in severe trauma cases, such as serious accidents or injuries, where immediate access to specialized medical care can be life-saving. They are also essential in medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, or other critical conditions that require urgent medical intervention.

 

For members in remote or hard-to-reach locations, air ambulance helicopters ensure that they receive prompt medical attention, overcoming geographical barriers.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the Momentum medical aid plans?

 

💰 Monthly premiums for principal members of Momentum Health’s medical aid plans range from R541 to R13,573.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Momentum medical aid plan Benefits?

 

In order to enrol in Momentum Health Medical Aid, you may be required to undergo a waiting period:

 

✔️ General Waiting Period: Three months is the time frame
With the exception of PMBs, all benefits are subject to this waiting period. Unless there is an immediate medical emergency, members are not eligible to submit claims for medical services during this period.

 

✔️ Condition-specific waiting period: one year
Prior medical conditions hold the same significance. Members are not eligible to file claims for treatment related to certain specific conditions during the first year of membership. Ensuring the scheme’s sustainability, this avoids sudden, expensive claims.

 

✔️ Late joiner penalties
The length of time a member is covered depends on their age when they enlist and how many years they go without health insurance after they reach the age of 35.
The higher risk of enrolling at a later age without continuous coverage before increases the member’s monthly contribution as a penalty.

 

 

How to Claim for Momentum Health Medical Aid Benefits

 

Momentum Health Medical Aid claims are easy to make. Here are the steps you need to take:

 

 

• ☑️ Request a detailed invoice from your doctor. This legislation should include:
  The doctor’s office phone number
  The diagnosis’s ICD-10 code
  Comprehensive description of the offered services
  Provisional dates
  Amount owing

 

• ☑️ The claim form is available for pickup at any Momentum Health location or online.

 

• ☑️ Please ensure that all fields, including membership number and personal information, are filled out accurately.

 

• ☑️ File Your Claim

 

• ☑️ Visit the “Claims” section of the Momentum app or the Momentum Health member portal to track the status of your claim. Find out if additional information is needed, if your claim has been received and handled, or how it is progressing.

 

• ☑️ Upon claim approval, Momentum Health will manage the processing of payment. You may be repaid or the money may go straight to the doctor, depending on the terms of your agreement.

 

 

Momentum Health Medical Aid Contact Details

19 West St

Houghton Estate

Johannesburg

2198

 

 

Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans

 

Momentum Medical Scheme has  a Momentum Multiply Rewards Program and also the following medical aid plans:

 

• ✅ Momentum Summit
• ✅ Momentum Ingwe
• ✅ Momentum Incentive
• ✅ Momentum Extender
• ✅ Momentum Evolve
• ✅ Momentum Custom

 

 

Fedhealth

 

 

Fedhealth places a strong emphasis on delivering quality healthcare services, including extensive emergency medical assistance. Their emergency services are managed in collaboration with Europ Assistance, ensuring that members receive prompt and professional care during critical situations.

 

 

📌 Emergency Services Cover

 

Fedhealth’s emergency services are encompassed within their Emergency Medical Benefit, which offers a range of crucial services to ensure members get the necessary assistance during emergencies.

 

These services include a 24-hour emergency hotline, telephonic medical advice, and coordinated emergency transport. Members can access these services by calling the dedicated emergency number, which provides immediate access to qualified nurses and emergency medical personnel.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Services

 

A significant aspect of Fedhealth’s emergency services is the inclusion of air ambulance cover, providing critical support for members in life-threatening situations.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Helicopter Services

 

The inclusion of air ambulance services in Fedhealth’s emergency cover ensures that members receive swift and high-quality medical assistance during emergencies.

 

This coverage improves members’ chances of survival and recovery in critical situations, providing reassurance that advanced medical help is readily available. By using the expertise and resources of Europ Assistance, Fedhealth delivers a reliable and effective emergency response, demonstrating their commitment to the health and well-being of their members.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the Fedhealth medical aid plans?

 

💰 Fedhealth offers a variety of medical aid plans with monthly prices starting at R965 and going up to R14883.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Fedhealth medical aid plan benefits?

 

The following are some of the waiting periods that new members of Fedhealth medical aid plans may encounter:

 

• ✔️ General Waiting Period: All claims, with the exception of those pertaining to Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), are ineligible for processing during the regular three-month waiting period. During this time, members are required to keep paying their monthly dues.

 

• ✔️ Waiting Time Based on Condition: Any pre-existing conditions are subject to this extra waiting period, which might run up to 12 months. Medical assistance will not pay for certain illnesses’ treatments during this time.

 

 

How to Claim for Fedhealth Medical Aid Benefits

 

In order to file a claim with the Fedhealth medical aid scheme, you can follow these steps these steps:

 

• ☑️ Access the Fedhealth Family Room by logging in.
• ☑️ Choose “Submit Claim” from the “Quick Action” menu that appears.
• ☑️ Submit your claim information and any supporting papers by bringing them up on your smartphone.
• ☑️ Press the “Submit Claim” button.

 

 

The WhatsApp service is another option:

 

• ☑️ Add 060 070 2479 to your contact list.
• ☑️ Follow the on-screen instructions after typing “hello” to begin the chat.

 

 

In addition, the Fedhealth Member App is available via:

 

• ☑️You can get the app from the respective app stores of Google Play, Apple, or Huawei.
• ☑️ You can check the progress of your claims when you register.
• ☑️ Use the app to submit claims immediately.

 

 

You can also send claims to [email protected], (011) 671 3842 by fax, or Private Bag X3045, Randburg, 2125 by regular mail.

 

 

Fedhealth Medical Aid Contact Details

14 Mispel Road

Bellville

7530

 

 

Medihelp

 

 

Medihelp is a well-established medical aid provider in South Africa, known for offering a variety of plans designed to cater to the diverse healthcare needs of its members. One of the critical aspects of their coverage is the emergency services, which include a range of benefits to assist members during urgent medical situations.

 

📌 Air Ambulance Services

 

A significant component of Medihelp’s emergency services is the air ambulance cover, which ensures that members receive rapid and effective medical intervention during critical emergencies.

 

 

📌 Air Ambulance Helicopter Services

 

Medihelp provides comprehensive air ambulance helicopter services through its partnership with Netcare 911. These services are crucial for ensuring that members receive swift medical attention, particularly in scenarios where ground transportation may not be sufficient or timely enough.

 

They are also essential for medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, or other life-threatening conditions, where urgent medical intervention is necessary.

 

Medihelp’s emergency air services, including air ambulance helicopter cover, are vital components of their comprehensive healthcare offerings. These services ensure that members receive immediate and superior medical care during emergencies, significantly enhancing their overall healthcare experience and outcomes.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the Medihelp medical aid plans?

 

💰 The Medihelp plans start from R2 022 for the principal member, depending on the plan you choose.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Medihelp medical aid plan benefits?

 

• ✔️ General Waiting Period: A 3-month general waiting period applies to all new members. During this period, no benefits are paid except for prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs).

 

• ✔️ Condition-Specific Waiting Period: A 12-month condition-specific waiting period applies for any pre-existing conditions. During this period, no benefits are paid for the specified conditions.

 

• ✔️ Waiting Period for Late Joiners: Additional waiting periods may apply for late joiners, based on the age and the previous medical aid coverage history.

 

• ✔️ Pregnancy Waiting Period: Pregnancy and childbirth-related services may have specific waiting periods, often up to 12 months, depending on the plan and prior medical aid history. Click to find out more about Medihelp maternity benefits.

 

 

How to Claim for Medihelp Medical Aid Benefits

 

• ☑️ Obtain all relevant documentation, including medical reports, invoices, and receipts from the healthcare provider.

 

• ☑️ Ensure that the documents contain your membership number, details of the patient, hospital, and doctor, as well as diagnostic and procedure codes.

 

• ☑️ Submit the claim via the Medihelp website, the Medihelp Member App, or email to [email protected].

 

• ☑️ Monitor the status of your claim through the Medihelp Member App or by contacting customer service at 086 0100 678.

 

• ☑️ Follow up with Medihelp customer service if additional information or clarification is required.

 

• ☑️ Check your bank account for the reimbursement of approved claims or review the statement of account for any deductions or co-payments.

 

 

Medihelp Medical Aid Contact Details

189 Clark St

Brooklyn

Pretoria

0181

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an emergency air ambulance service?

An emergency air ambulance service provides rapid medical transportation by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft for critically ill or injured patients, ensuring they receive immediate and advanced medical care.

 

How do I know if my medical aid plan covers air ambulance services?

Check your medical aid scheme’s benefits summary or policy document. Look for sections detailing emergency services or contact customer service to confirm the specific coverage details for air ambulance services.

 

In what situations would I need to use an air ambulance?

Air ambulance services are typically used in severe trauma cases, such as major accidents, heart attacks, strokes, or when a patient is located in a remote area where ground transportation is not feasible or timely.

 

Are there any waiting periods for accessing air ambulance services?

Waiting periods for emergency air ambulance services may vary depending on the medical aid scheme. It’s important to review your plan’s terms and conditions or speak with a representative to understand any applicable waiting periods.

 

How do I request an air ambulance in an emergency?

In an emergency, contact your medical aid’s designated emergency hotline. Provide your membership details, the nature of the emergency, and the location. The emergency service provider will assess the situation and dispatch an air ambulance if necessary.