During an emergency, swift action can make all the difference between recovery and potentially dire consequences. Yet, many people hesitate or delay seeking emergency care, due to costs, lack of resources, or because they underestimate the urgency of their symptoms. This delay, however brief it may seem, can pose significant risks to one’s health and well-being.
The cost of delayed care
Concerns about cost are one of the biggest roadblocks to accessing emergency care. According to recent research, out-of-pocket healthcare costs in Latin America and the Caribbean average about 24 percent of total healthcare costs, compared with 10 percent in the United States. In that region, 62 percent of people say they deferred medical care, primarily because of accessibility and affordability issues.
Contrary to common belief, delaying emergency care and attempting to avoid having to pay an air ambulance bill does not necessarily save money. Complications that arise from untreated emergencies often require more extensive treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation, which can significantly inflate medical bills.
Get the care you need, when you need it. With your MASA Assist coverage, you never have to choose between getting the care you need and avoiding the unexpected cost of an air ambulance — you’re always protected from emergency medical transport costs. Just send us the ambulance bill when it arrives, and we’ll apply your MASA coverage to the remaining balance, including your co-pays and deductibles.
Related article: How MASA Assist air ambulance coverage works
Overcoming resource constraints
Island life comes with many upsides, but lack of access to major hospitals and critical care is a major concern. With access so limited, it’s vital that emergency care isn’t postponed. Delayed emergency care on an island amplifies existing challenges related to medical resources, transportation, and communication. These factors can collectively increase the risks associated with medical emergencies. Whether you need emergency air or ground transportation, MASA Assist will work to get you safely moved to a facility capable of the care you need, and you’ll never have to worry about out-of-pocket transport costs.
Avoid untreated symptoms and keep care effective
One of the most immediate dangers of delaying emergency care is the potential worsening of symptoms. That’s why it’s important to seek care at the first sign of a medical issue. Depending upon the severity of your symptoms, you can call your local emergency service, visit an emergency room, or go to an urgent care facility for help. Whatever you do, don’t wait to address your symptoms. Conditions that initially appear manageable can rapidly escalate without proper medical intervention. For instance, what might begin as mild chest pain could signify a heart attack, which untreated can lead to severe cardiac damage or even death.
Certain medical conditions, when not promptly addressed, can progress to more severe complications. For example, a urinary tract infection (UTI) that spreads to the kidneys due to delayed treatment can result in kidney damage or bloodstream infections. Similarly, delaying treatment for stroke symptoms can increase the likelihood of permanent brain damage or disability.
In some cases, the effectiveness of treatments can diminish the longer care is delayed. This is particularly true for conditions like stroke, where certain interventions are time sensitive. Globally, one in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime and 7 million people die from stroke annually. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says “The key to stroke treatment and recovery is getting to the hospital quickly. Stroke patients who are taken to the hospital in an ambulance may get diagnosed and treated more quickly than people who do not arrive in an ambulance. This is because emergency treatment starts on the way to the hospital. The emergency workers may take you to a specialized stroke center to ensure that you receive the quickest possible diagnosis and treatment.”
Delaying emergency care in such situations can limit the range of treatment options available and reduce the likelihood of a full recovery.
Related article: Urgent care vs emergency care
Swift care is essential
Promptness in seeking emergency care is not just advisable but crucial for safeguarding health. To help you better prioritize your health, learn to recognize the urgency of symptoms and act swiftly to significantly improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of complications.
As a MASA Assist member, you can count on your coverage to protect you from unexpected emergency medical transport costs, Visit the member portal to review the benefits available to you and how to use them.
Whether it’s recognizing symptoms swiftly — or lessening financial concerns — timely intervention can make all the difference in preserving your health. By understanding and respecting the urgency of medical symptoms, you can empower yourself to make informed decisions that could ultimately save your life.