Swift action in paradise: a medical evacuation from a Thai island

The incident began when the APRIL Assistance team received an urgent notification from a local hospital on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand, regarding its member – a 66-year-old French man presenting symptoms of severe vascular disease. The condition potentially impacted on arterial flow to the member’s kidneys and lower limbs, requiring immediate specialised care unavailable in local medical facilities.

Rapid response and assessment

Recognising the severity of the situation, APRIL Assistance quickly mobilised its resources to assess the case. Its in-house medical team determined that an urgent transfer to Bangkok, the nearest hospital of medical excellence, was crucial for the member’s treatment and optimal recovery.

Overcoming policy challenges

The case presented unique challenges, including policy considerations due to the full medical underwriting nature of the coverage and implications for pre-existing conditions. A potential exclusion could not be assessed in time during the evacuation arrangement. To address this, APRIL Assistance provided an indemnity form to be signed by the family, allowing the member to be transported to the nearest hospital in Bangkok to ensure his safety. Despite these complexities, APRIL’s experienced assistance team navigated the situation while maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders.

Efficient coordination and medical transfer

Within 24 hours of the initial notification from the hospital in Koh Samui, APRIL Assistance completed the medical assessment and confirmed the member’s emergency. They arranged for treatment at a hospital within APRIL’s extensive medical network in Bangkok, and the air medical transfer began the next day, with the member safely arriving shortly after departure.

“Our priority was to ensure the member received the specialised vascular surgery needed while managing the administrative and logistics aspects efficiently,” said Dr Aldoni Latumahina, Head of Assistance, APRIL International.

To ensure the process flowed smoothly, APRIL Assistance established communication between the hospital in Bangkok and the member’s family in France, provided real-time updates, coordinated with medical teams, managed logistical arrangements, and handled all administrative requirements.

To ensure the process flowed smoothly, APRIL Assistance established communication between the hospital in Bangkok and the member’s family in France

“This case exemplifies our commitment to providing prompt medical assistance regardless of location or complexity,” commented Romain Di Meglio, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, APRIL International. “Our experienced assistance and medical network team ensure that our members receive the highest level of healthcare within reasonable costs, even in challenging circumstances.”