100+ Member Experiences

old couple

Wally & Lorna Bentt

from Canada

group 1262

Member Has Motorcycle Accident in AZ; RV and Bike Returned to Canada

We were in Kearney, AZ, when I stopped my motorcycle abruptly, it fell over and landed on my left thigh. I ended up with a huge hematoma and was admitted to the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. As it turned out, I required three surgeries and 8 days of total bed rest.

“Meanwhile, the Novel Corona Virus was hitting the world, causing total chaos. We contacted SkyMed to see if they could get us air evacuated to Edmonton, Alberta. Their staff tried everything to get this done, but we couldn’t go from a hospital in Canada without the COVID test, and the US wouldn’t test us without respiratory problems.

We were finally able to get wheelchair-assisted service on a commercial airline, but our vehicle and a trailer with the motorcycle were still in Arizona. Once more, SkyMed went to bat for us, but because of the virus, it would have been at least a month and a half or more before they could get a driver to bring the vehicles back. We finally found a couple of “saints” who would fly to Phoenix from Edmonton and drive our vehicles home… And SkyMed picked up the tab for all their expenses!

How did you find out about SkyMed and why did you choose our company?  We were in Texas when we found out about SkyMed: we went to one of their pizza presentations about four or five years ago and signed up for a membership. One of the things we liked about SkyMed was that we don’t have coverage for ambulance calls up here in Alberta, and they would cover that if we needed it. We were also spending a lot of time in South Texas back then.

What would you tell your friends about your experience with SkyMed?  Having SkyMed is very worthwhile, especially if you’re Canadian because you want to be able to get back home if you needed to. Our Canadian medical system is basically free—well, we pay taxes for it—but if we have a situation where we need to be hospitalized here, then that’s the answer. I’ve recommended SkyMed several times.

We want to thank the staff at SkyMed, especially Mr. Jim Edwards, for all their efforts under the trying circumstances of the Corona Virus pandemic.

REMEMBER:  Even in the face of extraordinary circumstances—such as the Coronavirus pandemic—you can trust SkyMed to do the right thing. When one door closes, another one opens: while Member Services could not secure a driver due to the health crisis, they worked with the Bentt’s arrangements and made sure all expenses were paid. By keeping Member Services in the loop, the couple saved themselves the stress of an additional bill.

Wally & Lorna Bentt, SkyMed Champions

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Global Emergency Travel Services

24/7/365 world-wide response network for members travelling worldwide. Multilingual operations center that includes emergency medical evacuation to the closet appropriate facility, medical escort commercial flights, repatriation of mortal remains, return of dependent children and travel assistance services. Included in all ULTIMATE Memberships.
Services from ‘Home or Away’ within 100 miles

Home or Away Services 100 miles from home

SkyMed will pay the cost of ground ambulance services to transport Member to the closest appropriate hospital. This service requires no pre-approval and is limited to two ground services in any twelve (12) months. Included in all ULTIMATE Memberships.
SkyMed Plus

SkyMed Plus

SkyMed Plus provides commercial ticketing for Members return to the origin of the air evacuation. SkyMed Plus also includes pet return, 24 hour-a-day multi-lingual help line, translation services, emergency messaging, insurance verification, travel locator service and more to enhance our SkyMed TAKES YOU HOME membership services. Included in all ULTIMATE Memberships.

Primary Driver Disability

Primary Driver Disability

The Primary Driver Disability Option (PDDO) increases the protection of our traditional vehicle return service. SkyMed’s PDDO will reimburse up to $2,000 for either bonded drivers or friend/ family member to return stranded vehicles. Included in all ULTIMATE Memberships.
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Organ Recipient Transportation

When it is more feasible to bring the member recipient to the donor organ, SkyMed will provide air transportation for the recipient and one family member. (A nine month restriction applies to new member eligibility in Organ Transport and this service.) Individuals on transplant recipient lists at the time of application are ineligible for SkyMed Membership.
Organ Transport

Organ Transport

Should a member require a kidney, heart, lung, liver, or pancreas transplant, SkyMed will transport the donor organ to them. Individuals on transplant recipient lists at the time of application are ineligible for SkyMed Membership.
Incidental Expense Allowance

Incidental Expense Allowence

SkyMed will pay up to $200 for incidental expenses associated with a member’s medical flight. These could include lodging, transportation, meals.
Patient on wheel chair and Doctors

Return Transportation After Recovery

After a member has been hospitalized with a SERIOUS OR CRITICAL ILLNESS OR INJURY SkyMed will transport the member via commercial flight to his/her residence after recovery. The member has sixty (60) days from the hospital release date to implement this service.
Companion Transportation

Companion Transportation

SkyMed will arrange for a member’s spouse/companion to accompany them in flight on a private air ambulance (space permitting). Or, SkyMed will pay for a commercial flight.
Physical Remains Return

Physical Remains Return

If a Member expires at home or away, SkyMed will pay ‘Airway Bill’ transport costs to move Member remains and provide round trip transportation for Member’s spouse or companion to accompany. In the event ground transportation of remains is required SkyMed will reimburse up to $500.
Minor Children - Grandchildren Return

Minor Children / Grandchildren Return

If because of a critical illness or injury, a member’s minor children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren are left stranded, SkyMed will pay for a regularly scheduled airline flight and transportation for one adult escort if required. Grand and greatgrandchildren under the age of 18 are eligible for all member services when travelling with grandparents.
Transportation for Recuperation Nearer Home

Transportation for Recuperation Nearer Home

After a member has been hospitalized with a SERIOUS OR CRITICAL ILLNESS OR INJURY SkyMed will transport the member to a rehab facility near the members transport preference .
Visitor Transportation

Visitor Transportation

If a member is hospitalized with a serious illness or injury, SkyMed will pay for a round trip commercial air ticket for a family member or companion to visit. This service will be provided AS SOON AS our Member is hospitalized.
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Helicopter Transport

SkyMed will cover the cost of all medically necessary helicopter transports or hospital-to hospital transports. Medically necessary helicopter transports because of an accident or serious illness require no pre-approval from SkyMed. Included in all ULTIMATE Memberships.
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Vehicle RV, Auto, Motorcycle and Vessel Return

SkyMed will pay professional drivers for over-land, safe return of operable vehicles (autos, RVs, tow vehicles, trucks) that have been left unattended because of a member’s serious illness or injury. For vessel return SkyMed will provide up to $500 per day for a maximum of 10 days to return a vessel to its home marina. For motorcycle return SkyMed will professionally crate and transport both road worthy and damaged vehicles to your home or a repair shop near your home.
Patient on wheel chair

Commercial Carrier Medical Escort Flights

If a member’s condition does not require a private air ambulance, yet the member is not able or permitted to travel alone by commercial carrier, SkyMed will arrange, and pay for medical escort
Ground Ambulance Service

Ground Ambulance Service

SkyMed will pay the cost of ground ambulance services to transport Member to the closest appropriate hospital. This service requires no pre-approval and is limited to two ground services in any twelve (12) months. Included in all ULTIMATE Memberships.
SkyMed Services

Hospital-to-Hospital Emergency Air Transport

By Choice of the Member means EVEN if you can be treated in the emergency facility you are in, SkyMed will Take You Home if you choose. SkyMed will arrange and pay for medically equipped air ambulance transportation by fixed-wing aircraft, to the hospital nearest your US or Canadian home when a serious illness or injury occurs. Ground ambulance to and from each hospital is included