Who is International Emergency Assistance? What is the difference between IEA and other "assistance companies" which have been the only option for the traveling public? Is IEA an Insurance Company? Is there a difference between IEA and a funeral home? What is the cost if a death away from home without an IEA Membership? Will my insurance company cover anything? What geographic area does International Emergency Assistance cover? Is there a waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions? What kind of proof will I receive once I join as a Lifetime Member? How can a Lifetime Membership be so inexpensive? What about claim forms, co-payments, and deductibles? How do I become an International Emergency Assistance member? Q. What is the “Individual Partnership”, and how can I sign up? Q. What is a Corporate Partnership? Q. Who is International Emergency Assistance? A. INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (IEA) is comprised of a group of dedicated professional caregivers who have developed a network of qualified service providers over the past 25 years. IEA is a well capitalized private company incorporated under the name Emergency Management Services. Our staff and board members are qualified professionals who have owned, managed, and financed numerous well respected companies throughout the United States and the international community. Representing over 75 years of combined business, financial and management experience, IEA offers its Members PEACE OF MIND through its 24-hour international contact center, which is comprised of caring, licensed professionals. IEA’s unrivaled staff, along with its unique service and performance guarantee, insures that in the event a Member is not fully satisfied with the service received from IEA, we will refund all service and membership fees. (back to top) Q. What is the difference between IEA and other "assistance companies" which have been the only option for the traveling public? A. There are few, if any “assistance companies” that are staffed 24-hours a day with the experience of IEA’s professional licensed personnel. With one phone call to our 24-hour operations center, IEA will facilitate all necessary final care arrangements for a “death away from home” emergency, anywhere in the world, any time of the day or night. There are no additional charges for this service because it is completely covered in your Membership fee. Other “assistance companies” may take care of medical, financial or airline travel related emergencies, however they generally do not have 24-hour licensed and experienced staff to facilitate all necessary arrangements. Taking care of a death while away from home is confusing and can be financially devastating. Other companies may refer you to the nearest funeral home for such arrangements, at which point you are on your own and not in control of the situation. It is not unusual for costs to exceed thousands of dollars. IEA facilitates all of the necessary arrangements on your behalf through our established network of qualified service providers. There is no further involvement necessary on your part and no extra cost to you or your loved ones. The peace of mind knowing that you will not be forced to deal with this can be worth more than any cost savings. IEA’s LICENSED AND EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS FOLLOW THROUGH AND TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING. THIS IS THE KEY DIFFERENCE. (back to top) Q. Is IEA an Insurance Company? A. No, an IEA Membership provides an immediate and valuable 24 hour call center service that will arrange, facilitate and guarantee to pay for all necessary services through one of IEA’s qualified providers if death should occur while traveling. There are no insurance premiums or deductibles to pay, simply a one-time Membership fee.(back to top) Q. Is there a difference between IEA and a funeral home? A. Yes, even though IEA is staffed 24 hours with qualified licensed care providers, it is not a funeral home. IEA is membership based with thousands of members who perceive the value of an added benefit to their complete pre-arranged instructions and estate planning. Simply put, IEA is a facilitator and guarantor of payment of services that may be needed in the event death occurs while traveling away from home. An IEA Membership provides peace of mind and totally protects you from additional or unnecessary expense.(back to top) Q. What is the cost if a death away from home without an IEA Membership? A. Every state and country has different laws for taking care of final arrangements. Costs vary widely and can easily exceed thousands of dollars. The emotional circumstances and “red tape” are confusing and distressing for the spouse or remaining family members. IEA’s licensed professional staff minimizes these concerns.(back to top) Q. Will my insurance company cover anything? A. Depending on the type of policy you might have, some insurance companies may reimburse you after the remains are returned home or the arrangements have been completed and paid for by you. However, your “up front” funeral costs could be exorbitant, thereby reducing the remaining amounts available to you from your policy. Also, most insurance companies do not have licensed care givers or qualified service providers available to handle your immediate needs in these circumstances 24-hours, 7 days a week.(back to top) Q. What geographic area does International Emergency Assistance cover? A. Literally anywhere in the world, 75 miles or more away from the member’s home address.(back to top) Q. Is there a waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions? A. No, this is what makes us unique among travel benefit providers.(back to top) Q. What kind of proof will I receive once I join as a Lifetime Member? A. IEA will send you a wallet size Membership card with our toll free 24-hour number that you carry with you at all times.(back to top) Q. How can a Lifetime Membership be so inexpensive? A. Over the last 25 years IEA’s staff has developed a large network of affiliates and service providers all over the world, committed to a discounted rate once IEA contacts them. Your IEA service and performance guarantee assures you that as long as you call us first, IEA will facilitate these services and there will be no added charges to you or your loved ones.(back to top) Q. What about claim forms, co-payments, and deductibles? A. There are none once the Lifetime Membership fee is paid.(back to top) Q. How do I become an International Emergency Assistance member? A. You may apply by calling IEA’s toll free phone number, or through this Web site by completing the simple Member application and returning it to IEA, along with your one time application fee. Payment may be made by credit card or check. For your protection, this web site has a secure sign up page. Click Here to Join (back to top) Q. What is the “Individual Partnership”, and how can I sign up? A. When you sign up as a Lifetime Member you can request to become an Individual Partner by completing a simple application form and sending it with your Membership fee. There is no charge to become an “Individual Partner”. Every person you refer thereafter who signs up becomes your personal referral. There is no limit to how many people you refer. To learn more about this program, please contact our office. Click Here to Join (back to top) Q. What is a Corporate Partnership? A. Many companies, travel clubs and fraternal organizations provide special benefits to their members. A Corporate Partnership Program allows these entities to offer IEA’s unique travel protection plan to their members and benefit their organization at the same time. To learn more about this program please contact our office and ask for the Corporate Development Director. (back to top)