Need To Fly Home For A Medical Emergency? 3 Options To Consider

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Need To Fly Home For A Medical Emergency? 3 Options To Consider

5 June 2017
 Categories: Finance & Money, Articles


If you've recently moved to another state and someone back home has just been diagnosed with a sudden terminal illness and given only days to live, you may be wondering how you can afford to go back home to be with your loved one. If the costs of relocating ate all the available funds you had and you do not have a credit card to use to book your flight, don't fret. There are several options to consider.

Compassion Fares

While airlines don't offer them in abundance like they used to, there are still several airlines that offer compassion fares or bereavement fares. These fares may be discounted in price, but airlines also often offer additional flexibility when booking last minute travel to and from your destination, which is essential when you aren't sure of exactly how much time you will need. Also, the flexibility in booking the return flight can help you avoid additional fees for rescheduling the return flight home, if necessary.

However, there are restrictions that do apply, particularly in regards to proving the imminent death or the event of death of your loved one which, unfortunately, can take time that you may not have. The airline may request that you provide a doctor's note to indicate imminent death or a death certificate to indicate death, either of which could be difficult to obtain from afar without the help of someone back home. 

Online Fundraising

You've likely seen many fundraisers online, particularly in your social media accounts. While an online fundraiser may allow your friends, family members, and concerned strangers give you the money you need to pay for your flight home, it's important to understand that the funds may not be available to you soon enough, especially if your loved one is in a dire health situation. According to the popular fundraising site Go Fund Me, it can take between five to seven business days for a withdraw from the fundraising efforts to clear an electronic bank transfer, which is time you may not have.

If, however, your loved one can hang on for a bit longer, a fundraiser may provide you with the funds you need. You can set up an account yourself and share it on your social media pages. Ask your friends and family back home to share the information with others who would like to help you see your loved one again so you can wish them a farewell. Be cautioned, however, that there's no way to determine if you will raise the funds you need to pay for the airfare.

Payday Loan

Alternatively or additionally, consider a payday loan. Payday loans from a place like Payday Express are easy to apply for, but they do have requirements that need to be met. You'll need proof of your local address, which can be a utility bill or a lease agreement from your landlord. You'll also need a government issued ID with your current address. If you haven't gotten your new driver's license yet, you'll definitely want to schedule that as soon as possible. You'll also need a bank statement and a personalized check from your bank account. And of course, you need to have proof of a steady income. If you haven't yet received your first paycheck from your new employer, a letter from your employer may suffice.

Upon approval for your payday loan, the funds will be available to you immediately. Depending on the lender, the funds may be issued to you directly as cash or deposited directly into your bank account. Sometimes, lenders provide the funds on a prepaid debit card, which may be beneficial for you if you have yet to receive a debit card from your new bank.