Visit to the doctor, blood test, day hospitalization, imaging exams… As we get older, medical appointments increase. Getting there can be a real headache for seniors who don’t always have someone to accompany them. Fortunately, there are transport solutions which can be, under certain conditions, covered by Health Insurance.
The different transport solutions for the elderly
The ideal is to be able to go to the doctor or to medical appointments with a loved one. The latter can also assist the patient and be present during the appointment. When this is not possible, the elderly person can use the services of medical transport. There are two types. The VSL (light medical vehicle), which can transport up to 3 people in a seated position, and the ambulance vehicle which can only support one person in a lying position. Finally, it is also possible to use a licensed taxi. While the VSL only provides medical transport, the approved taxi can alternate with traditional individual journeys.
A medical prescription is essential
Whatever mode of transport you choose, it is absolutely essential to have a doctor’s prescription. Without this order and the establishment of this transport voucher, it is impossible to benefit from a reimbursement. Support is also possible if the patient has a summons (from the Health Insurance medical service, an expert doctor, an equipment supplier, etc.).
In his prescription, the doctor must specify a certain number of elements: the mode of transport best suited to the state of health and the level of autonomy of the patient by complying with the Transport Prescription Reference (PDF), the location and date of the appointment.
In certain specific cases, this requirement must be accompanied by a request for prior agreement: long-distance transport of more than 150 km one way, mass transport, at least 4 transports of more than 50 km one way, over a period of two month, for the same treatment, transport by plane or scheduled boat, accompaniment of a person requiring the assistance of a third party.
Good to know. It is not always possible to predict that you will need a transport voucher. In the event of an emergency, it is possible to obtain after-the-fact treatment, subject to a prescription issued by the healthcare facility’s doctor.
Medical transport for an elderly person: what reimbursement?
Transport costs covered by Health Insurance are reimbursed at 55%. If you have paid your transport costs to the driver, you must then send to your health insurance fund the medical transport prescription and the invoice issued by the approved taxi company or by the medical transporter (VSL or ambulance).
100% coverage is possible in certain special cases and concerns transport linked to treatments or examinations for patients recognized as suffering from an exempt long-term condition, transport when the patient’s condition is hospitalized in a healthcare establishment. requires his transfer to another establishment for treatment better suited to his condition, etc. The complete list is available on the Health Insurance website.
Sources:
Public service
National information portal for elderly people and their loved ones