Rega patrons: benefits and cost of membership
Rega patronage is no insurance – reimbursement is not guaranteed in an emergency. What are the benefits of Rega patronage? Comparis explains.
29.07.2024
iStock/Michael Derrer Fuchs
1. Will Rega pay the cost of my rescue?
A Rega call-out costs thousands of francs. As a patron, however, you are protected from these costs – or are you? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not Rega that pays for rescue costs in the first instance, but rather basic insurance or accident insurance.
In most cases, your health or accident insurance covers all or some of the costs. The criteria for covering costs are the same as those for sending out an ambulance.
Rega may only pay for non-covered costs. It may pay its patrons’ remaining costs. However, there is no legal entitlement to this. This is stated in the conditions of patronage.
Supplemental insurance for air rescue
With outpatient insurance, you can close insurance gaps with regard to air rescue. Compare options using the insurance comparison tool by selecting “Search, rescue and transport”.
2. Do I have any advantages as a Rega patron?
Rega is a non-profit foundation and receives no subsidies from the public sector. The Rega patronage contribution is a type of voluntary support for maintaining air rescue in Switzerland and abroad. Patrons tend to contribute because they believe this is a worthy cause.
As a patron, you can also hope to have any costs that are not otherwise covered paid for in an emergency. Rega pays out around 11 million francs per year to those affected.
Good to know
In practice, Rega pays in particular for operations that it organizes itself. From a financial point of view, it may therefore be worthwhile for patrons to call the Rega emergency number (1414). From abroad, patrons can call +41 333 333 333.
Important: if in doubt, always call the official emergency number (144).
3. How much is the Rega patron fee?
The annual costs vary as follows:
| Adults | CHF 40 |
|---|---|
| Children and young people | Free of charge |
Source: Rega.ch
4. How do I become a Rega member?
You can become a Rega patron directly on the Rega website.
Keep in mind: Rega patronage is not an actual membership. By doing so, you are supporting Rega – and can deduct your donor contribution from your taxable income in most cantons.
5. What alternatives are there to Rega?
In addition to Rega, helicopter companies such as Air Glaciers (rescue number: 1415, link not available in English) and Air Zermatt carry out rescue flights – with a focus on Valais and French-speaking Switzerland. Both companies offer rescue cards and, at their discretion, cover costs not paid by insurance.
In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the AAA Alpine Air Ambulance (in German only) also carries out air rescue. Their partner SOS 144 (not available in English) offers a special insurance card for coverage gaps in case of rescue and recovery operations in Switzerland and abroad. If necessary, the insurance will cover the costs of rescue – regardless of the organization and the means of rescue (ambulance or rescue helicopter).
This article was first published on 12.10.2018
