I have completed 12 Safaris and none in SA. First of September I am going to Vic Falls area of Zimbabwe with a friend. I have always purchased Global Rescue and thankfully never had to use it. I searched on here for some comments but could not come up with anything recent, so asking for some feedback. Also, to point out, that I am finding it near impossible to contact RipCord. They say at 11 AM EST their offices are closed. Would appreciate any recent experiences or feedback.

We’ve used both, thankfully needed neither, I’ve not heard of positive experiences with either company but have found Travel Guard to be a better option (for us) and have first hand positive experience with them.

Thanks Karl but it does not look like it does medical emergency evac. Seems it is more focused on trip interruption and medical care. Am i reading it correctly.

Research Geo Blue, an international subsidiary of BC/BS. They cover both medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

Gracey travel recommends insurance by The Arch Rome Right. They offer travel insurance which i never buy but they also have a medical policy. Has anyone on here ever used that policy. I don't hear the best on Global Rescue and Rip Cord doesn't even answer but there are services in that part of the world to get you to a Major Hospital.

BTT, haven't gotten either positive or negative feedback on this question. Anyone?

There have been some positive and negative reports on both these companies.

I had Global Rescue until it expired early this year, and did not renew it.

Because I found my own medical insurance covers me worldwide!

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Had Global Rescue for an Asia hunt in 2019.
When we got to the hunting area

1. we were 11 hours drive from the capital city on the boarder to China
2. most of the time cloud cover was so thick that the Sat phone did not work
3. there was zero infrastructure where we were

I realised at the time that in the event of a serious evac situation, Global Rescue would not have been reachable or likely in a position to help in a quick response scenario.

Also had them for our first Zim DG hunt. With hindsight I think that one is better off in the capable hands of an experienced PH at the initial stage and worry about repatriation when things are stable. I think an on the ground PH with experience is going to make thinks happen quicker than an insurer thousands of miles away and with a back and forth on the phone!?

I guess what I am saying is, the benefit of the cover very much depends on where you are when you need it in terms of distance, comms and infrastructure.

We now have global emergency medical and repatriation cover via the German ADAC at EUR 80/- pa. I doubt that they could help in Kyrgyzstan, but I feel that they are pretty good on Europe, Africa and the USA based on reports and research.

My 2 cents.

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Wife is traveling to Zambia/South Luangwa Park for a walking safari with Robin Pope Safaris. We have travelled there previously and bought Global Rescue coverage. Trying to figure out the best option now for medical / emergency evac coverage. My wife's camp is very close to where the two women/tourist were killed by an elephant in July, so she is now very interested in getting good emergency coverage ( I will be sure to up the value of her life insurance )

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp86jkdn838o

Just got back and fortunately, can't give you a report.

I used Global Rescue my first five trips to Africa. When I was scheduling my sixth trip in 2022, Global Rescue wouldn’t cover me because I was 75. I end up getting Ripcord for about the same price as GR.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I used Global Rescue my first five trips to Africa. When I was scheduling my sixth trip in 2022, Global Rescue wouldn’t cover me because I was 75. I end up getting Ripcord for about the same price as GR.

I had GR for several years, then they started a silly thing once I got to 75.

Cancelled it.

Then found that my own insurance coveres me worldwide anyway!