Last Sunday I found myself in a very scary situation while hiking and was forced to call 447 to get myself evacuated by helicopter right before sunset. Fortunately I wasn't hurt, and the rescue was relatively quick. My question is, how much does search and rescue cost in Switzerland?... how does that work? And what kind of insurance will cover it?
Please save yourself the obvious "I should have" comments, since I've heard them all by now.
Can I call them up just for a free helicopter ride (I've never had one) holding my knee and going "ow ow ow" just to say "all better now!" once I'm back down?
I think if you don't have insurance and you pay the Rega fee they don't charge you, is it enough to pay the fee afterwards though?
To avoid these potential problems, I joined the Austrian Alpine Club - UK section ( http://www.aacuk.org.uk/ ) which includes rescue insurance pretty much worldwide. More details are on the website, for example: http://www.aacuk.org.uk/benefits.aspx .
My understanding is that it's free (if it was a Rega helicopter), and the annual fee is actually a donation. If that is the case, consider donating pretty sharpish! It helps everyone.
I'm afraid to say if you don't already posess such a cover then nothing standard you have in place will. Rega as people state do have such a policy as do we as Zurich, tho ours is a little different...
Its a little moot however as if you dont already have one of ese or similar you will not be able to get one and back date it, you cant insure a burning house and all that. The cost of your trip home will be eyewatering ...sorry
Thanks for the tip.. I already went to the REGA site and paid my 30 bucks.... I don't think it will be useful this time since the incident happened 2 days ago, but I will find out.. anyway, lessons learned, and I'll prepare myself for the financial blow
You can pay 30 francs a year for the rega rescue helicopter, if you don't have this at the time you have your accident then you will get a bill for a rescue helicopter, it may come out from the local hospital or be assigned by the ambulance police or fire brigade at the scene, simarly if you need an ambulance and it isn't an accident then you will pay as well and that will cost you around 800 francs hope this helps.
It is only free if you are a 'donor' - H loves his REGA card as it says 'Gonner'- he says it brings him good luck For 30 CHF a year, or 70 for a family, just not worth being without.