WASHINGTON, DC - There's an epidemic of travel fever sweeping across the globe. In 1998, 178.5 million people ventured out on business trips and vacations. And analysts predict that international trips worldwide will exceed one billion by 2010. With everyone spending more time away from home, MedjetAssist offers travelers peace of mind in times of medical crisis.

According to the Outdoor Network, more than 400,000 Americans will need emergency medical assistance while traveling abroad this year. Many will find that their regular medical insurance or platinum card plans won't cover emergency evacuation in all cases. MedjetAssist members requiring hospitalization are guaranteed transport to the hospital of their choice, anytime they are more than 150 miles away from home, either in the U.S. or abroad.

"A strong economy, low air fares, and increased business travel are spurring this swell in the travel industry," says Roy Berger, President of MedjetAssist. "In turn, this creates a greater need to prepare for crisis situations when away from the comforts of home. We can't always prepare for emergencies when traveling, however, MedjetAssist offers peace of mind and a ticket home for those who need it."

MedjetAssist is a worldwide air medical evacuation and emergency consultation service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This valuable service is the only medical evacuation program that will transport members regardless of medical necessity. The only stipulation is the patient must require hospitalization before and after the transport. The annual membership for an individual is $205 or $325 for a family.

"Considering that air medical transports costs from Europe to the United States average more than $40,000; Middle East and South American transports range from $60,000-$85,000, and Pacific Rim transports often cost more than $100,000, taking steps for medical emergency transports with our low annual membership fee is a wise fiscal decision, as well as one that presents travelers healthcare options," stated Berger.

Featuring state-of-the-art aircraft, MedjetAssist members are transported in medically configured planes. Each aircraft is essentially an intensive care unit that has the ability to travel 525 miles per hour at altitudes of 45,000 feet. Fully stocked for any medical situation, the planes are complete with standard medical equipment, including an oxygen supply, air compressors, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, dual suction pumps for surgery.

The "flying ICU" is staffed by physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists with expertise in advanced cardiac and trauma life support, emergency and critical care medicine, as well as pediatric and neonatal care. In addition, team members are specially trained in altitude physiology, as well as international air medical transports. Many of the nurses have flown more than 100 medical evacuation missions.

"I was completely thrilled with the service I received from MedjetAssist. I can't stop talking about the great care I received," says Norein Gettys, MedjetAssist Member and recent transport patient. "I've been busy spreading the good word, and I'm sure I'll be busy passing out membership brochures." In October 2000, she was transported from Hawaii to Cincinnati after she shattered her knee in an ATV accident. Her membership enabled her to have the needed orthopedic surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in her hometown, near her family and friends.

The North Pole, the Bahamas, Russia, New Guinea, Brazil, South Africa… MedjetAssist has responded to emergency evacuation calls from all over the globe. A worldwide affiliate network of medically dedicated aircraft enables the Birmingham- based service to respond to transports in an expeditious manner. Domestic calls can be launched within 90 minutes, while international missions can be launched anywhere from two-four hours to the next day.

According to Berger, "We want our members to have the luxury of knowing that no matter where they are in the world, they will be able to see the doctor of their choice, simply by making a phone call. It really is that simple."

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