Global Rescue Service
ANNOUNCING AN IMPORTANT CHANGE TO AAC RESCUE BENEFITS
Updated 11/16/2007
To improve one of our most valued benefits, effective December 1, 2007, the AAC is switching from its rescue insurance provider, Worldwide Outfitter and Guides, to a new rescue service, Global Rescue. Our goal is to provide a valuable service to our members while setting a standard for responsible and self-reliant adventure. The key highlights of this change follow; refer to the Schedule of Benefits for more detail.
TO ARRANGE FOR A RESCUE ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 1, 2007, CONTACT GLOBAL RESCUE’S HOTLINE AT +1 617 459 4200. TO ARRANGE RESCUE YOU DO NOT NEED TO PROVIDE ANY SORT OF MEMBERSHIP ID NUMBER AS GLOBAL RESCUE MAINTAINS AN UP-TO-DATE LISTING OF AAC MEMBERS. ALL YOU NEED IN ORDER TO BEGIN USING THIS SERVICE IS THIS PHONE NUMBER, SO PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF IT.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
1) There will no longer be a 6,000-meter limitation. You will be eligible for rescue services on a peak of any elevation.
2) As before, there is a $5,000 rescue expense benefit. This is no longer an insurance policy or reimbursement benefit (see points below for further explanation). Global Rescue also performs/coordinates rescues on a fee-for-service basis if the cost is in excess of $5,000. You will be able to upgrade to a more comprehensive plan at a 5% discount off Global Rescue's standard rates, found at www.globalrescue.com.
3) Global Rescue will coordinate and/or perform the rescue operation.
YOU MUST CALL OR EMAIL GLOBAL RESCUE TO ENGAGE THEIR SERVICES:
RESCUE HOTLINE: +1 617 459 4200;
EMAIL: OPERATIONS@GLOBALRESCUE.COM
THEY WILL PERFORM/COORDINATE THE RESCUE THROUGH THEIR GLOBAL NETWORK. They perform/coordinate rescues anywhere in the world, but understandably they cannot guarantee rescue in United States’ State Department “Travel Warning List” countries, war zones and/or in places where there's a high chance that the rescue team's lives are in imminent danger.
Questions? Consult the FAQ's
4) There will no longer be a need to make payment to the rescue provider and then await reimbursement from an insurance company. Because Global Rescue is coordinating/performing the rescue, they will secure payment in advance for any expenses incurred beyond $5,000. This means they may ask you or nearest of kin if you are willing to pay for the cost of rescue beyond $5,000. GLOBAL RESCUE IS NOT AN "INSURANCE PROVIDER"; THEY ARE A PROFESSIONAL EVACUATION SERVICE. IMPORTANT: TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE GLOBAL RESCUE SERVICE, AND THE $5,000 AAC MEMBER BENEFIT, YOU MUST CALL GLOBAL RESCUE TO INITIATE RESCUE.
5) Rescue eligibility is as follows for AAC members in good standing: (a) be certified by a legally licensed physician to need evacuation due to emergency injury or illness; or (b) be certified by a mountaineering ranger or the mountain rescue officer in charge to need evacuation to prevent serious imminent bodily harm, injury, or death; or (c) if the persons listed in (a) and (b) are not available, then be certified by Global Rescue personnel to need evacuation due to an illness or injury requiring hospitalization or to prevent serious imminent bodily harm, injury, or death. Rescues or evacuations for convenience shall not be provided on other than a “fee-for-service” basis. ELIGIBILITY FOR RESCUE BEGINS AND ENDS AT THE TRAILHEAD.
Questions? Consult the FAQ's or contact the AAC Membership Director Emily Kreis at ekreis@AmericanAlpineClub.org