MASA News / When to use your MASA Assist membership benefit

When to use your MASA Assist membership benefit

Being a MASA Assist member means more than just peace of mind — it means having a dedicated partner to help manage the unexpected. When medical emergencies strike, you can focus on your care and recovery while we help alleviate the stress of costly emergency transport and complex logistics.

Published on Aug 21, 2025

Article by MASA Assist

There are several situations where activating your MASA Assist membership benefit can provide essential protection. Here are some common scenarios we’ve encountered internally recently and how MASA Assist has been able to help, subject to the terms and conditions of our membership:

Scenario #1:

A MASA Assist member required emergency air transportation to a hospital on another island. They activated their Emergency Air Transportation benefit and MASA Assist coordinated the air ambulance transfer. Once the member was cleared to return home, MASA also arranged the repatriation transfer and protected the member from the cost of return flights for both them and their companion, who had accompanied them on the air ambulance.

Our member’s caregiver says: “I was very satisfied also very impressed by the level of service [for my aunt]. They even called back to check up on her and provided us with a service I didn’t know we were even eligible for. We were so impressed we also signed up both me and my husband and am encouraging my daughters to do the same.”

Scenario #2:

When their child needed an island-to-island transfer for medical care, a family used their MASA Assist Commercial Transportation benefit for vital support. MASA Assist covered the cost of round-trip airfare for both the child and an accompanying parent—eliminating a significant financial burden for the family.

Our member says: “I believe MASA is a necessity in the event of an emergency. Having MASA gives you peace of mind when there is a medical emergency, and you need immediate assistance to get to another location which can provide the medical attention needed. MASA came through and funded tickets for my son and I to travel for his urgent medical care. Their timing was crucial and efficient, and we are very grateful. Thank you, MASA!”

Scenario #3:

A MASA Assist member was transported by emergency air ambulance to a nearby hospital. Once the member was cleared to return home, MASA Assist arranged repatriation and protected the member and their companion from the cost of return flights. Their MASA Assist protection also extended to up to $500 of their out-of-pocket travel expenses.

Our member says: “Great, caring staff. Immediate response. MASA [was] so considerate and helpful during a tough time for my family. We were already burdened with our daughter being hospitalized in ICU and they did their best to assist and rectify our concern. We are grateful.”

Scenario #4:

A family required medical treatment for their child that wasn’t available on their home island. Their medical provider determined that the child needed to be seen by a medical facility in Miami, Florida. As members of MASA Assist, the family utilized their Return Transportation benefit and were protected from the cost of roundtrip airfare to the off-island medical facility for both their child and one accompanying parent.

Our member says: “I was very humbled by the way I was handled. The fact that my daughter did not require air ambulance, however MASA still assisted with our flight to and from Miami. I am truly grateful.”

We’re there when you need us

Understanding how and when to access your MASA Assist membership benefit is key to making sure you are maximizing your protection. Depending upon your plan and the circumstances of your emergency, there are several opportunities for you to access your benefit:

  • After you’ve been stabilized or admitted
    Once you’ve received initial treatment and/or your condition has stabilized, it’s the perfect time to let your care team know you’re a MASA Assist member. Sharing your benefits early helps ensure smoother coordination between your providers and our team.

    The easiest way to do this? Use the MASA app on your phone (Google/iOS). It gives you quick access to your membership card and essential plan details, making it easy to pass along the information to hospital staff.

  • When you need to access off-island care or are ready to transfer closer to home*
    If your physician determines you need to need off-island care or you’re medically ready to transfer to a hospital nearer to your home, MASA Assist can help coordinate the necessary non-emergency transportation. Whether it’s an air ambulance, commercial flight, or ground ambulance, we work directly with your medical team to arrange a safe and efficient move that fits within your care and recovery plan.

  • For special return arrangements
    Depending on your specific plan, you might also be eligible for additional services such as return transport for your children, vehicle, or even pets. These options can be a major relief if you’re far from home and trying to juggle multiple concerns during your recovery.

Reliable protection, designed for your life

At MASA Assist, we understand the unique challenge of accessing emergency care in the Caribbean. Our medical transport protection means you can reach the care you need, even if it’s an air ambulance ride away. Just let your providers know about your MASA Assist membership as soon as you’re stable and keep your app handy so you can easily access your plan details. When in doubt, give us a call — we’re here to help.

*Subject to your membership plan

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