Global Rescue?
 

Has anyone actually contacted or used Global Rescue? If so, what do you think? I'm hoping there's some devil's advocates out there to pick holes in what looks on the surface like a great deal. Cynics, where are you?!

It's better than a great idea - they execute
 

Sorry, it's the real deal.

I've used them at least 4 times.

Are you looking at a year membership?
For shorter periods World Nomads are cheaper.

Genghis9021, have you had to claim anything post-accident?

Never. I've used them for medical and evacuation (mountain climbing, western China - Mustagata).

But I'm familiar with them via 2nd-hand sources I trust (know) and they were professional and effective.

For emergency evacuation . . . they have few if any rivals, in reality. I've used their temp services for periods as long as 3 months and as short as 30 days.

As I understand it they cover the cost of sending you back to your country of origim but not the medical expenses. This means if you break a leg, have a heart attack etc they will repatriate you but you pay the medical bill. If this is not the case and they do pay for medical bills then I am very interested.
I have spent quite a bit of time looking for good medical coverage and think World Nomads may be the answer but there are a lot of complaints abiut them finding wats to not pay.
Any help appreciated.

From what I understood when just speaking to someone, they cover transport to the hospital in whatever country you injure yourself as well as transport back to your home country hospital. Basically, care outside the hospital, but not within.

you asked for Devils....
 

I used them in 2010, I'm new to HU and this is my first post so take that for what it is. Basically they are a phone dispatch based in the USA run by retired military. If your hurt in Canada they call the Canadian rescue unit closest to your accident, then basically take credit for rescuing you.This is how it works in all country's where there is government provided rescue. If you where like me in a country with less infrastructure then they will try and get some locals to go and find you, if they have the contacts. In Tibet in 2010 they where with less then shit for me. I called and they had no contacts with the official Chinese bureaucracy, lucky I had friends in Kathmandu who helped me out. when I got home there bill was insane. After itemizing the rescue for them they eventually agreed that indeed I had not come close to my coverage limit and let go of the lean on the bank account. Creepy. I think that if you are in Nepal our Tibet you would benefit from a outfitter in Kathmandu as your "back up" Yes if you get back to a city they will find the cheapest advanced life support flight available back to your hospital. Still this may be the best outfit for many travelers but if your hanging it out you may want to do your own pre accident research for the areas you are in, in case they have not a clue how to help you, as happened to me. I'm a poor writer and this is a huge story that I would have a hard time sharing. I'm sure many have good things to say about them, as for me they where terrible from start to finish. Please don't hate me for telling my truth.

509rider. That's interesting, and sorry this happened. THANK YOU for your honesty. I am really looking for people who've used them, I'm doing a talk at Overland Expo - Overland Expo 2013 after this, so am looking for the nitty-gritty. I'll add this to my info.

What would you do next time? Find insurance/contacts on a country by country basis? That's a lot of work! In all honesty, I have never insured myself in over 30 years of travel, starting to think maybe I should before my luck runs out... knock on wood. :thumbup1:

lorraine,

I climb most years in Nepal and Tibet if I can... So yes I have a plan for those areas. I imagine that many people that use this site are looking for a solution for multiple country's over a long period making there needs different then mine ( Im like you and have never really had any travel insurance until the AAC started providing it). Knowing the area you are traveling in will certainly help you. In Nepal I have the phone # for several good Helicopter companies and I know which one I like best, I also know which hospital in country to use and where I would like to be med-evac to out of country. I you are like me and doing high risk adventures (climbing) then simply trusting in some glossy brochure is a fail that will catch up to you. I had never entertained using GR until they got taken on by the AAC ( American Alpine Club ). OK enough for now. Thanks for your interest.

Hmmm, that kind of philosophy really does promote the idea of slow travel too. Concentrate on a few countries, and get lots of contacts who can help you if all goes to shit. Good idea for me to pass along, thanks!

Global Rescue Scam
 

In December of 2013 I had an absolutely horrible experience with “Global Rescue.” While planning a trek to Everest Base Camp I thought it would be prudent to purchase what I thought was a premiere travel rescue insurance policy from what looked to be a reputable company. The plan cost $655 and I headed to Nepal believing that if something bad happened that “Global Rescue” would be by my side. I was wrong.

10 days into my Trek, after making it to the summit of 18,500 foot Kala Pathar, I began experiencing classic symptoms of AMS and HAPE. My guide called into the trekking service and they called for a helicopter air lift out of Gorak Shep. The helicopter arrived within 2 hours and after a quick refuel in Lukla flew me to Kathmandu airport where I was met by a waiting ambulance. The ambulance transported me to a hospital where I was admitted, diagnosed and treated for AMS and HAPE. While in the hospital a “Global Rescue” representative called me and asked the details of my illness. I was impressed and very happy that I had signed up for their service.

At least I was happy until 4 days later when “Global Rescue” refused to pay for any of any of my evacuation or hospital expenses. They very politely informed me that they were not a travel insurance company, they were a rescue company and that they would not pay for any of my expenses. Read the fine print, it says things like:
2.4a GR reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion (i) whether a Traveling Member’s condition is sufficiently serious to warrant transport services, and (ii) the mode of transport.
2.8 GR Obligation. GR shall only be obligated to pay for services which are provided and arranged for by GR and GR Contractors. The final selection and payment for any such services not arranged for or provided by GR shall be the sole responsibility of the Traveling Member. GR shall not be obligated to provide reimbursement for evacuation services arranged by any third party.
5. Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL GR, GR’S OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS, LEGAL COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANTS, GUARANTORS OR GR CONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER AS A RESULT OF ANY ACTION OR OMISSION BY GR OR ANY GR CONTACTOR, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DESCRIBED. MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT RECEIVING THE SERVICES DESCRIBED IN THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXTREMELY RISKY, AND AGREES TO HOLD GR HARMLESS FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGES. GR’S MAXIMUM LIABILITY FOR ANY TYPE OF DAMAGES OR LOSS SHALL BE LIMITED TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE.

Meanwhile, while the helicopter company and hospital were holding my passport until they received full payment for my evacuation and medical treatment, “Global Rescue” was no longer returning my calls. I paid the hospital and helicopter company with a credit card, got my passport back and booked an earlier flight home. After further research, I discovered that my standard Aetna policy would pay for 90% of the helicopter evacuation as an “ambulance” coverage. A $44.95 policy I booked with Travel Guard through Travelocity when I booked my flight paid for the remainder of my helicopter evacuation, my hospital expense and airline tickets for my early flight home. Further research revealed that others have had similar bad experiences with “Global Rescue” and after discussing the possibility of a class action lawsuit with them, they returned my $655 membership fee.

Needless to say, I was VERY IMPRESSED with Travel Guard and I In December of 2013 I had an absolutely horrible experience with “Global Rescue.” While planning a trek to Everest Base Camp I thought it would be prudent to purchase what I thought was a premiere travel rescue insurance policy from what looked to be a reputable company. The plan cost $655 and I headed to Nepal believing that if something bad happened that “Global Rescue” would be by my side. I was wrong.
10 days into my Trek, after making it to the summit of 18,500 foot Kala Pathar, I began experiencing classic symptoms of AMS and HAPE. My guide called into the trekking service and they called for a helicopter air lift out of Gorak Shep. The helicopter arrived within 2 hours and after a quick refuel in Lukla flew me to Kathmandu airport where I was met by a waiting ambulance. The ambulance transported me to a hospital where I was admitted, diagnosed and treated for AMS and HAPE. While in the hospital a “Global Rescue” representative called me and asked the details of my illness. I was impressed and very happy that I had signed up for their service.
At least I was happy until 4 days later when “Global Rescue” refused to pay for any of any of my evacuation or hospital expenses. They very politely informed me that they were not a travel insurance company, they were a rescue company and that they would not pay for any of my expenses. Read the fine print, it says things like:
2.4a GR reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion (i) whether a Traveling Member’s condition is sufficiently serious to warrant transport services, and (ii) the mode of transport.
2.8 GR Obligation. GR shall only be obligated to pay for services which are provided and arranged for by GR and GR Contractors. The final selection and payment for any such services not arranged for or provided by GR shall be the sole responsibility of the Traveling Member. GR shall not be obligated to provide reimbursement for evacuation services arranged by any third party.
5. Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL GR, GR’S OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS, LEGAL COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANTS, GUARANTORS OR GR CONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER AS A RESULT OF ANY ACTION OR OMISSION BY GR OR ANY GR CONTACTOR, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DESCRIBED. MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT RECEIVING THE SERVICES DESCRIBED IN THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXTREMELY RISKY, AND AGREES TO HOLD GR HARMLESS FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGES. GR’S MAXIMUM LIABILITY FOR ANY TYPE OF DAMAGES OR LOSS SHALL BE LIMITED TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE.
Meanwhile, while the helicopter company and hospital were holding my passport until they received full payment for my evacuation and medical treatment, “Global Rescue” was no longer returning my calls. I paid the hospital and helicopter company with a credit card, got my passport back and booked an earlier flight home. After further research, I discovered that my standard Aetna policy would pay for 90% of the helicopter evacuation as an “ambulance” coverage. A $44.95 policy I booked with Travel Guard through Travelocity when I booked my flight paid for the remainder of my helicopter evacuation, my hospital expense and airline tickets for my early flight home. Further research revealed that others have had similar bad experiences with “Global Rescue” and after discussing the possibility of a class action lawsuit with them, they returned my $655 membership fee.
Needless to say, I was VERY IMPRESSED with Travel Guard and I will NEVER use “Global Rescue” again.

While I appreciate the informative--yet varied--responses from the three travelers who have used GR, they are mostly anecdotal and I sure would appreciate links to trip reports detailing the circumstances.

Anyone?

Thanks!

:eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3:

In the UK this term and condition isn't worth the paper it's written on. A lawyer would laugh at this utterly ridiculous statement. It's patently obvious it's been invented by someone who knows nothing of the law.

I suppose some areas of the world might allow this kind of abuse???doh

The Uk's Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 is explicit in this respect - No party can ever indemnify itself against it's own negligence, this includes it's agents.

Same goes for all EU countries.

Any organisation which uses such limitations is clearly a company which should be avoided. BUYER BEWARE!

Anyone who suffers damages at the hands of this shower of sh1te would probably have good cause to sue them in a court of law. The dim wit who wrote those terms of trading needs to read up on basic contract law (torts).

Where is Global Rescue with a rebuttal?
 

I was seriously considering using Global Rescue for a long trip through the Americas.

Now that seems as if it would not be a good idea, especially when they expect to be held unaccountable for poor performance on their part.

Legal or illegal clauses(?), who wants the hassle of sueing your contractor for non performance in a foreign country. :thumbdown:

Maybe HU should consider removing their advertising from the site ?c?

Do you really think advertising $ would be refused?doh

Best go with these guys instead - World Nomads Travel Insurance - Explore Your Boundaries

NO ODD OR UNLAWFUL TERMS AND CONDITIONS HERE! :innocent::innocent:

World Nomads only insure you if you're 59 or under. Ageist b*s*a*d*. Ride safe, especially if you're old and grey.

Bill, we’re sorry to hear you’re still unhappy with our company despite our earlier explanation and the refund we provided to you.

Global Rescue did not receive any call until after you were rescued unfortunately. We are a worldwide rescue and evacuation service, not travel insurance. As such, we only provide services and cannot and do not pay claims. A good comparison is your local fire dept -- they will put out the fire at your house and you won’t get a bill, but if you call someone else to put out the fire and pay them to do it, the local fire dept. won’t reimburse you for your costs.

We'd be happy to discuss this further so you understand how the thousands of members whose lives we’ve helped save over the years have used our services.

Fair play to Global rescue for replying, perhaps there are more satisfied customers than dissatisfied ones, though no body wants to try the services out in a hurry.

I wonder what Simon Gandolphi does for cover?

Global Rescue response
 

EarthRoamer/Bill S.,

1. Your critical omission is that Global Rescue was not involved and had nothing to do with your evacuation. In fact, you didn’t contact us until after your evacuation was complete and we never had an opportunity to offer you our services.
2. We clearly state the services we provide. Nowhere is there any mention of paying of claims. To the contrary, our services are described here: https://www.globalrescue.com/benefits.cfm. In our FAQ, here: https://www.globalrescue.com/benefits.cfm?view=faq and in the legal language of our services agreement in capital letters: GR SHALL NOT BE OBLIGATED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO REIMBURSE A MEMBER OR PAY ANY THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER FOR ANY ASSOCIATED COSTS WHICH HAVE BEEN ARRANGED BY THE MEMBER OR ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBER BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
3. Because you were dissatisfied, we refunded you $655, the full amount of your membership. You also received apparently received reimbursement from an insurance policy you purchased, so you were not left “out of pocket.”
4. Evacuation fraud in the helicopter and tour operator industries is a significant problem in the Himalaya and it sounds like you may have been a victim. You and others may be interested in this article: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/helicopter-rescue-nepal.
5. We’ve rescued and evacuated some of the world’s most accomplished climbers and have performed thousands of times in the Himalaya. If you’re interested in reviewing how these and other missions were executed, some of them can be seen here: blog.globalrescue.com.

We don’t think your characterization of our company is fair or accurate and we would be happy to continue to discuss this with you directly. If not, we wish you the best.

Global Rescue

FWIW, Global Rescue were very clear that they were a rescue service, and not travel insurers, when I contacted them. While this may be an appropriate service for climbers etc, I felt that any bike accident bad enough to require evac was also going to come with hefty emergency medical needs and bills in the country where you crashed, so went with World Nomads, who offer both medical insurance and evac

As said though, GR were very clear about what services they did and did not provide

Unacceptable terms
 

I was looking into it and would have been little skeptical but your response convinced me not to go with you guys as you are trying to get away on technicality and not adhering to spirit of your promised service. I don't understand how can you expect from someone who has accident or has falls seriously ill to make sure you approve the rescue instead of taking fastest help the person can get. I would have understood that you would have some cap for transportation cost but flat out denial does not seem right.