SUPERYACHT MEDICAL SUPPORT: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROVIDER
Superyachts represent the pinnacle of luxury and as such, suppliers are also expected to exceed expectations and deliver the highest quality of goods and services.
Medical is no exception to this and your crew and guests need to be assured that when help is needed you will get it – at MedAire we are available 24/7/365, whether it’s an emergency or routine medical situation.
Around the clock support is the minimum you should expect of a telemedical provider, but a robust infrastructure that ensures expert service delivery, comprises of so many more elements. Here are 5 key things yachts should be looking for in their telemedical provider:
1. DOES THE ORGANISATION HAVE PLANS IN PLACE TO ENSURE SEAMLESS SERVICE, EVEN DURING UNFORSEEN EVENTS AND SITUATIONS?
At MedAire, we ensure that in an emergency situation, you are speaking to a medical professional within 2 minutes and we’re prepared for any eventuality that could affect our operations, with business continuity plans that include alternative sites.
We have 35+ years of experience and a tried and tested service that clients rely on, supporting calls every day: in the skies, at sea and on land.
2. CAN THE PROVIDER PAY FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT OR ARRANGE AN AIR AMBULANCE EVACUATION ON YOUR BEHALF?
In a medical situation that requires prompt shoreside care, healthcare providers most often do not accept a crew member’s domestic health insurance and so evaluation and treatment can be delayed while funds are being sourced. MedAire has the ability to place a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) on the vessel’s behalf– multiple times if necessary.
We are also prepared for evacuation situations and regularly arrange air ambulances through a maintained network of credentialed aviation providers globally. An air ambulance can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each and in such a situation any delays regarding payment can be crucial to the patient outcome. Not only do we have the logistics experts in place to coordinate such evacuations, but we have the financial infrastructure to support it too.
MedAire also have Direct Billing Agreements in place, including superyacht specialist insurer CRS Yachts. This allows us to invoice the insurer directly (instead of the client) for any covered services, reducing administration and providing a fully integrated experience for the client.
3. DO THEY KNOW THE BEST SHORESIDE MEDICAL PROVIDERS TO REFER YOU TO?
When your vessel travels to new areas and crew or guests need to visit a shoreside doctor – how do you guarantee a high quality of medical care?
MedAire's dedicated Network Services team, painstakingly verify the quality of shoreside medical facilities, using one standardised, global criteria - so we know where and where not to refer your crew and guests to for medical care.
Find out more about our Medical & Security network here
4. ARE THEY COMPLIANT WITH STANDARDS FOR MEDICAL SUPPLY?
MedAire holds a WDA license, issued by the MHRA - the UK governing authority who look after safe trading practices of medication. Our license ensures safe, compliant distribution practices are followed by all of our teams and supply chain: whether that’s making sure medication is kept below a certain temperature when we send it to you, or swiftly communicating medication recalls.
In addition to medical compliance, we of course strive to exceed client expectations. If you are not 100% satisfied with the service received, our dedicated quality team investigate and follow up accordingly with you, ensuring that corrective action is taken.
5. ARE THEIR SYSTEMS SECURE?
When handling client information, especially considering the highly sensitive, confidential nature of the superyacht world, MedAire have systems in place to guarantee the safety and security of client data, including:
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Defined data privacy and data protection protocols
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Secure servers that hold client information (ISO Certification: Global ISO 9001:2008 certification: this certifies that we have superior Quality Management Processes in place, meet regulatory requirements, and continually work to ensure customer satisfaction.)
FIND OUT MORE
Through International SOS, MedAire has access to over 5,000 multidisciplinary medical professionals, comprising of nurses, medics and doctors, many of whom are specialised in wide ranging fields from mental health to diving medicine.
Our global reach is unparalleled and provides essential support to yachts all over the world, whenever they need it.
Contact us here, to find out how we can help your vessel.