SkyMed vs MASA

If you are 60 or older, you can get a senior card from the USVI government that gives the same 5%. Free.

And the 5% off is really more like 2% off your final bill after all the things that "don't count" such as "bulk items," "sale items" or god knows what else.

Sean

Liquor, lol. The discount didn't help much on my Labor Day party trip 😉

Also, it has to be over $25 and no prescription items either.

So does anyone have any comparison to make...Skymed vs MASA...i.e. details of their coverages?

SkyMed has been in the territory about l yr after the other one. Invited here by Seafarers Union to better serve their members because they didn't like just one Company being here. Less expensive even on Puerto Rico plan, which appears to be same rate but SkyMed says if it is burns or trauma or no beds in Puerto Rico private hospital they do take members to Miami at no extra cost. Other one will charge extra for that leg on their Basic plan. On Florida plan they add $96 to the same basic, other one adds $120. On a CIty of Choice plan they ask you to pick a City not a hospital. How can anyone pick a hospital right now when they won't know what their illness or injury is till that time, at least SkyMed gets you to your City and then helps you get to the right hospital. Even on commercial claims if a doctor gives them a letter saying they have to go elsewhere for some kind of test or procedure that can't be done in the USVI SkyMed can make appointments or member can, in Puerto Rico for a specialists etc. Member can go there and back same day but on other plan they say you have to be overnight for them to pay for that airfare round trip.
5% versus what you get, i.e. not off of liquor, not off of bulk etc. versus the great customer service.
Most importantly SkyMed was voted Best of VI by the Daily News readers survey for 2010 because of their great service.
For more info call tollfree 1-866-349-2398 (M-F 9-4:30 pm)

Comparison:
Voted Best in the USVI by the Daily News readers survey for 2010. That's because of their great service.
On Basic Plan to Puerto Rico, SkyMed says burns or trauma or no beds at a Private hospital, members are transported to Miami at NO extra cost. On the other one's Basic plan you would be charged extra for that leg.
On Florida Plan SkyMed adds only $96 to same basic $120 single/ $240 family; other one adds $120
On City of Choice SkyMed lets you choose your City, not a hospital. Hospital is chosen at the time; How can anyone choose a hospital right now till you know your condition at the time of injury or illness.
Commercial claims. If a doctor gives Skymed member a letter saying a certain test or procedure has to be done elsewhere, then they can make appointment, or member can, in Puerto Rico at a specialist. You can go there and back same day and airfare would be paid. With the other they say you have to be hospitalized over night for them to pay.
Many members in the USVI enjoy the peace of mind service with SkyMed.
For more info call 1-866-349-2398 (tollfree St Croix M-F 9-4:30 pm)

if you are an owner or employee of SkyMed, it's a good idea to say so upfront.

And the "Best in the VI" survey is a Daily News advertising scam. At one time, you could rely on the responses, but no longer...

Neither, really. Here's the buzz. Neither of them will get you off island by airlift unless you have a condition or an injury that is determined to be untreatable on island by a standard plan.
Hospitals will not accept you for transfer unless you have major medical insurance. No exceptions unless you can wire them six figures for a major trauma.
MASA and SKYmed are not responsible for your transfer if you cannot get an accepting hospital.
Major medical insurance pays anywhere from 80% upwards of your medical transport and will be your primary. Masa or skymed will pick up the copay which is 20% or less.

Therefore, you really need major medical which will always cover medically necessary transfers. This includes head trauma, major burns, tiny premie babies etc.

The only real value to having MASA or SKy whatever is that IF you have to be transferred for medically necessary reasons, then you buy a more expensive upgraded plan to travel to the hospital in the state of your choice versus the closest one which will usually be Miami or Puerto Rico. If you have no insurance you will go to an unaccredited hospital in Puerto Rico.
And never ever ever go to Centro Medico Hospital of Disease and Death in Puerto Rico.

PS Air ambulance has tiny perks, like covering return flights for family members traveling with you.

Dr Love I always thought it was obvious that these companies provide supplemental insurance. Insurance is always a bit of a gamble because you don't know if you're going to get sick, but I don't want to pay 20% when I can pay a couple hundred bucks a year.

Drlove:

Your statement is not entirely correct......

"Major medical insurance pays anywhere from 80% upwards of your medical transport and will be your primary. Masa or skymed will pick up the copay which is 20% or less."

Copied fromThe MASA web site:

MASA Assist ensures:
Value, Convenience and Peace of Mind
•One low annual fee covers all costs for flights and services.
•All transportation needs met with the speed of an air ambulance.
•All costs for flights and services, including vehicle return, are covered by the membership fee.
•NO deductibles.
•NO claim forms.
•NO age limits.
•NO health questions.
•NO dollar limits on air transport costs.
•Even pre-existing medical conditions are covered after only 90 days.

F.I.