How Much Does a Garmin inReach SOS Cost in 2024?

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Recently a popular hiking KZbinr got charged $60,000 for using the SOS on their Garmin inReach. Others who hit SOS were charged $0. Why is there such a discrepancy? And what can you do to avoid an expensive bill if you hit SOS on your Garmin inReach, SPOT, or Motorola Defy?
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[@michaelfrymus]

I live in Banff National Park, in Canada. And by paying for the parks passes, this helps fund the emergency rescues. So, pressing SOS will not cost you anything, no matter what the emergency is. So, yeah, I guess it depends where it happens and other random details

[@Greghikes1]

Do you know if it's also free for an Australian in banff? Doing the GDT soon so just curious...

[@michaelfrymus]

@@Greghikes1 it's for everyone. That's why you pay for a parks pass when you go to a national park. These are to fund the park. Doesn't matter who it is. You're using the park, and if something happens here, you're taken care of.

[@Greghikes1]

@@michaelfrymus great thanks !

[@thealpineexperience]

@@Greghikes1As long as you pay your park entrance fee (park pass for the duration of your trip) and reserve a campsite for the duration of your trip!

[@123brendan100]

@Greghikes1 it's free for anyone as long as you aren't beeing reckless but that almost impossible to prove

[@mcmick6294]

I've hobbled my way for miles back to civilization with broken bones many times and and still my biggest fear is trusting corporate insurance.

[@123brendan100]

As a Canadian with free health care that's shit. And private health care ill take private any day of the week

[@JoeyB0b]

@123brendan100 Are you high? Canadian health care isn't free. You think Canadian medical professionals work for free or something? You pay for Canadian health care through your taxes. In other words, assuming you contribute to society you pay when you pay your taxes.

[@iPeeOnBabies]

@@123brendan100 Are you willing to pay up to 30% of your salary for healthcare alone, that isn't even including the taxes you pay for all the other societal amenities you actively enjoy. Regular Einstein you are, eh? Do your math homework I assigned to you and respond back to me champ.

[@123brendan100]

@iPeeOnBabies i pay for private health care already... I pay 35% in income taxes I have 45% taken off all tohether... sorry but health care for a single young male that dosn't smoke isint 30% sport

[@iPeeOnBabies]

@@123brendan100 you're going to get older, and it's going to get more expensive. Genius statement brother. Fortunately for you, I also enjoy private heathcare because I hate paying for people like you. I don't believe in special education for the mentally disabled

[@mcmick6294]

Its your insurance companies primary job to prove that any and all actions by the insured fall under the term 'negligence".

[@overbuiltlimited]

Worked as a Ranger in a very busy area for many years. I always found it amazing how many people would go off into the wilderness completely unprepaired and then call SAR to get helo'ed. No water, no food, no jacket, no light. I used to love telling them with that they would be required to pay for the cost of the rescue. The look on their faces was priceless. I would have gotten in trouble if my supervisor found out, but I was pissed. I have buddies that lost their lives working SAR. Most of these people have no idea how dangerous those technical rescues are.

[@twwtb]

i had a motorcycle accident in 2005 on the eastern edge of Arizona. I didn't even have a cell phone then. A passer-by drove me to a clinic where I got an initial evaluation and was air-lifted to Tucson for surgery to deal with internal bleeding. Under those circumstances, it was all about insurance coverage and deductibles. The helicopter ride, while very entertaining (I am glad I was awake and alert for it) , was pretty expensive. I think I paid about 10 to 20% of the total. Just trying to illustrate how things can vary depending on individual circumstances.

[@jaoarsntYdlahwfp]

how much was that 10~20% of total? Just curious

[@twwtb]

@@jaoarsntYdlahwfp It was long time ago, but I think I had to pay about at least 1k, maybe 1500. Seemed like a lot at the time. Wife and I both had insurance which helped.

[@jaoarsntYdlahwfp]

@@twwtb Oh wow, that's way less than I thought. Thanks for letting me know!

[@mtadams2009]

I like that line” hopefully they will pay it” good luck with that. Years ago a good friend of mine, a snow ranger and some random people we recruited helped to carry out a severely injured backcountry skier. It took us hours and no we did not send him a bill. I get it that air travel is expensive but generally anything healthcare related in the U.S. is insanely overpriced.

[@ericp4573]

A guy I know got his finger cut off in an accident then was airlifted to a public hospital ($20,999) where he had to wait 8 hours in the lobby and subsequently lost his finger and ended up owing $20,999

[@nanook6620]

Either my understanding on triage severity is poor or they had a lot of people dying that day.

[@MichiganHiker]

Excellent information. I have written and done videos about the necessity of having a satellite communication device. It is a necessity if you are anywhere that you could be outside of cell service, which are most of the places I go and I'm sure you go. Like you said at the end, never hesitate to get help. It's better to argue with your insurance company about how much the bill is then for your family to make funeral arrangements.

[@DeliciOats]

Excellent info! Thanks for doing this! And a great idea to put the "not sponsored" tag on videos with critical info like this, so that people won't accuse you of having ulterior motives in making the video. Very well and concisely done.

[@ricardojorge5886]

Can't imagine being in a life threatening situation and thinking about whether or not my family could handle the financial burden of my rescue. Thanks a lot for the info. Super useful as I'm planning some hikes in the US this summer and insurance seems to be a must.

[@FlyWithMe_666]

The problem with the Garmin SAR insurance is that it excludes response to pure medical conditions to my knowledge - i.e. the exact situation that may cause those crazy charges from private ambulance helicopters and hospitals. I think this is what happened to the youtuber you’re referring to. The last status was that the insurance still hadn’t paid months after her claim was filed. Maybe wise to have a pre-set message on my inReach “SOS - send rescue services that are free of charge or covered by SAR insurance. Otherwise, disregard my message.” 😅

[@Hikingguy]

I think SAR insurance and Overwatch x Rescue do cover costs associated with a pure medical extraction, but I think the $60k in the Dixie video were a combination of air ambulance and hospital bills. I heard that Garmin is paying but there was a hiccup because she just got married and there was a mismatch on the last name. For me, I get the insurance and just don't sweat hitting the button if I have to.

[@rkatrails]

​@@HikingguyI do remember Dixie talking about the hiccup due to her new last name after getting married. I do hope she eventually does an update video to inform us of how it all turned out, after everything was said and done.

[@hagakuru]

@@Hikingguy Are you sure about Garmin picking up the tab for that? Because Dixie has said absolutely nothing about that, or even updated anyone about the status. Which, leads me to believe that it hasn't been paid as of yet??

[@Hikingguy]

@@hagakuru FYI - hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/nols-wilderness-first-aid-class-review-rei/

[@SavageVoyageur]

I bought the extra SAR insurance through Garmin. It covers that cost only to get you out of the situation.

[@DutchGamingPieces]

And then you have the Netherlands, where the air ambulance (Traumahelicopter) always comes with a doctor (or even a trauma doctor) and is completely free of charge. They sometimes even fly out prematurely for big car accidents when it MIGHT be required. The first helicopters were sponsored by our privatised car assistance club (ANWB), that is why our air ambulances are called the: "ANWB Medical Air Assistance". For a side-note, this is just a team that can transport you quickly, and has specialised care. Something different that happens often when the air ambulance is deployed, is that they help with the care and then the doctor goes with the patient in the ROAD ambulance and then get transported to the hospital on road.

[@Hikingguy]

Dank U wel and good know.

[@sIosha]

Insane that this is a concern in this country. Tons of people go without care because they're worried about cost.

[@rkatrails]

Super! Thank you so much for researching all of this, a somewhat fuzzy area that needs much clarification.

[@momoniji6439]

5:02 What it mean by Terrorisms? If I hit the SOS button on my garmin if there is a terrorist attack they will dispatch FBI HRT at no extra cost?

[@panhandlejake6200]

Excellent overview. An additional precaution: anyone who will be on extended trips away from help should take a Wilderness First Aid course. It can give people some better judgement on when to call for help and more importantly, provide immediate care until help arrives. As mentioned in this clip, more and more people are going into the backcountry - and with the advent of more widespread emergency call coverage, many will think that carrying their cell phone is all of the preparation they need.

[@ogadlogadl490]

I REALLY am enjoying your content! Excellent information and concise every time! New sub.

[@downhillupside]

Probably not a surprise (similar to my fellow Canadian in Banff) SAR services are completely free, no matter what, here in Western BC (probably the case for all of BC). SAR services don't want people to be worried about cost and feel hesitant to call. Negligence, etc, isn't considered. And realistically, it's pretty rare.

[@UncleJoeHikes]

It may be anecdotal but more examples seem to point toward you being charged than not so. A hiker in the Whites, I believe, needed rescue for an ankle injury. Local authorities did everything they could to make her appear negligent so they could force her to pay and it worked. Despite multiple SARs people emphatically saying she "did everything right." I think more frequent rescues are colliding with the idea that "someone needs to pay for this" and that is being focused at the one being rescued. While this is understandable to an extent, my view is if that person dies you're going out the to get them for free. I like the idea of paying for a permit that covers your rescue in an area. My fear is that when needed it won't be seen as enough.

[@mtadams2009]

My friend and I helped carry a backcountry skier out in the Whites, he broke his leg. It took us hours to get him out and we were all just happy to help, hell it could have been us. It’s pretty sad this is what is happening. Take care

[@Ericwalshe]

Terrible that these days people would reconsider calling for rescue when they truely need it fearing that the cannot afford it.

[@user-sw8nr8wr6t]

It's a good thing. Don't take dumb risks if you can't handle the consequences.

[@Ericwalshe]

@@user-sw8nr8wr6t what do you deem a dumb risk...?

[@dgw6448]

Haha what a classic red team response ^ sounds like a problem you'd have in a shit hole country 😂

[@MrTuts4life]

@@user-sw8nr8wr6tthe land of the free… Unless you can’t afford a $60,000 Ambulance ride, in that case you better not walk any dangerous trails!

[@jenyates3033]

Here in the UK, any rescue will cost you between £0 and £0

[@ThePriceIsRising]

It did cost you. Taxes pay for your healthcare. Your government says its “free”. Nothing is for free, especially when a government says so.

[@nua1234]

@@ThePriceIsRising Mountain rescue in UK, is voluntary. With the exception of the RAF team, where it is seen as good training for rescuing downed airmen/airwomen. Rescue helicopters is one of RAF. UK Coast Guard, and in some cases the Irish Coast Guard, none of these charge the person who is rescued.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@ThePriceIsRising Technically correct but misleading. All your rescue and medical bills are covered whether you contribute or not. So if you are retired, unemployed, a student / scholar, homeless, not earning enough, unable to work, on benefits, etc and don't pay National Insurance (approximately the same as your social security), then your rescue and medical bills are still covered in full.

[@D_Turn]

Thanks for the follow up from your previous video! Great information and the breakdown of the various scenarios answered my questions posted on the previous video!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Always know before you go! Another excellent and informative video! Thanks for all you do!🌻

[@nrg4285]

Dude how did you make such an informative video at just 6-7 minutes on KZbin in 2024? Most people would go on and on and on and make it take 15-30 minutes. Subscribed.

[@cannack]

in Canada SAR is free coast - coast, but you might get stuck with the ambulance fees depending on the province, air ambulance in BC is (or at least was couple years ago) north of 3k/hr. standard ambulance fees for non-residents are crazy too. But if the RCAF picks you up they`ll take you right to the hospital pad, those expenses are dealt with the DND budget for SAR, so taxes mainly pay for that, even if you are a complete foreigner with a broken hip on ship 400km off the coast, they`ll make an effort to get you, no matter the weather, with the only fee you have being the hospital (if a non-resident), and ambulance service if applicable. Parks Canada, at least on paper retains mechanisms to charge people for rescues, but this is seldom used, I've never seen it done. I worked for a ski hill and CSP`s national mandate is also a no-charge approach, at least on resorts with mostly volunteer patrols, private patrols are a different story but most don't either. That being said its worth to donate (even just a little bit) to these groups especially if they save you, all of our equipment is purchased with donations, and much of this advanced gear is really, really damn expensive.

[@allanj4576]

This needs to change, too many people with no business being in the back country in Canada are using search and rescue as a get out of jail free card. This happens almost daily in British Columbia my home province. The latest was six on atv’s went out and got stuck then called SAR, ridiculous.

[@cannack]

@@allanj4576 which is true but we also cannot have people dying out there, And guy`s like I would still be sent out to pull a dead body from the snow, and that is never fun. it encourages people (and leaders of groups/guides) to wait calling a rescue until its far too late, even if it was a valid reason. Which gets people killed. they would need to investigate every little thing before slapping a 50k bill on someone's head Perhaps a set rescue price, or greatly reduced cost if you file a permit/do everything right kind of thing. For example Parks Canada, in my last permit I got in the summer for a long distance hike that was last done In 2011 on a completely different route. It`s clearly stated that not submitting a permit & following the agreed plan with the park`s ranger may result in ALL charges related to a rescue, and or recovery be levied against the party leader. They were prudent in ensuring I had maps, rain gear, food, water, a compass, gps, decent boots, bear mace, the whole nine yards. Had me describe each day with waypoints listed, times & ETA on arrival back. Basically a forced mission plan, which is a very good thing.

[@ken91773]

It's more about government vs private. Governments do rescues, private air ambulances are for profit and don't general do "rescues" like hoisting and extractions. "Rescues" usually involve removing the patient from a position of immediate danger. On the other hand, a medical or trauma response is not necessarily a rescue. Private ambulances do transports and provide basic and advanced life support usually after government paramedics and/or SAR teams have already responded. If you have a car accident, the government fire department responds and you don't get charged for that. But they might call in a private air ambulance to take you to the hospital and they're out to make a profit so you get charged. In a rescue, you might even be hoisted out by a government helicopter but only far enough to an LZ to be switched to a private air ambulance to take you to the hospital. Government=free. Private air ambulance=$.

[@PatrickRatman]

"don't be afraid to call for help because you're worried about how much it costs" yeah sure cause living with an unpayable medical bill that the company associated with that bill will ruthlessly ruin you over and send to collections is so much better than just croaking in the wilderness.

[@Hikingguy]

yea it's impossible to make money but easy to recover from death

[@PatrickRatman]

@@Hikingguy i don't need to recover from death cause i'll be dead, but if i get injured i can't make money while in the hospital.

[@joshmoran9424]

5:33 is so creepy with the face being blurred lmfao looks like a shot out of a horror movie

[@lukebrady3728]

This video just confirms why I like living in Australia.

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

How so? Not sure what you mean.

[@lukebrady3728]

@@PaulSchortemeyer any rescue and basic health care is free.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@lukebrady3728 and hundreds of thousands of Natives are totally ignored. And the Land of Oz is still predominately an undeveloped Country still ruled by "The Ruling Class".

[@DegenGaming]

And if you didn't then what? You'd move? Sure.

[@codingvio7383]

In the US, the term "Ambulance" can be used as a threat.

[@jimthompson717]

I'm Canadian. healthcare is free for Canadians. If you are not Canadian, the rescue is free, but hospital and ambulance costs are not.

[@jontropico1387]

For what it's worth, blurring faces is not an effective way to protect someone's identity. Especially not nowadays. Whilst not aesthetically pleasing, a black bar/square is going to actually do a lot more. (Don't know if the footage is yours since there is a lot compiled here.)

[@saragruber1019]

Homemade wanderlust was (at least initially) denied coverage from the Garmin insurance for her sos call because they claimed to only cover accidents and not health emergencies.

[@richardgeorge3115]

Very helpful. In Colorado, it is useful to have a fishing license (even if you don’t fish) and/or a COSARs card

[@gregoryselner7261]

I’m enjoying the videos that you make. How would it work if you are with a group of hikers and one of them needs to be rescued and you use your emergency sos for another person?

[@rkatrails]

I've had the same question. What if you come upon a stranger on-trail who's seriously injured or ill, or someone in your own party, but they don't have a device, so you use your own. If the victim doesn't pay up, will the bill collectors then come after you? Good question.

[@Hikingguy]

It's called Good Samaritan and they would be liable for the charges, so they would need insurance themselves. It's like calling 911 for someone else, you just make the call, you're not liable for their bills.

[@Hikingguy]

It's like calling 911 for someone so I don't think you're liable for their situation.

[@cliffspicer6555]

I think what makes this even more complicated is when you use a one-way device like a Spot Gen 4 that does not allow two way communication so they can not determine the severity of your needs. What generally happens in this case since they won't know until they get there what they should or should not send to help you? Great video.

[@azclaimjumper]

I have an ACR ResQLink. No messaging capabilities. When I & others "Register our device with NOAA, we are required to fill out a document that includes pertinent information for the SAR team to see about you, included a cell phone & the phone numbers of others who should be able to tell 'em something about you & where you've gone hiking. Cell phone number are then called in hopes of talking to you directly. Keep in mind, out in the boonies, cell service may not be available. ACR ResQLink PLB's do only one thing better than any other device, it sends a strong 5W signal to a government satellite that includes my co ords, that signal goes directly to government SAR in Florida who then gets in touch with a local SAR department & provides them with the contents of the "Registration" form. No middleman, No 3rd party. This is the unit that are in all Coast Guard Life boats. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.

[@cliffspicer6555]

@@azclaimjumper I do have an emergency contact number for someone spot asked for but not that sure what good they’ll do except to come and identify the body since I am off grid with 0 cell coverage. I don’t think spot asked for any medical questions before but as I said if I hit the SOS button they have no idea if it’s life threatening. You will see soon full satellite packages for text and calls through an iPhone since the satellite antennas are built into the new ones and if you put a very solid case I will use it for two way and the spot as a backup.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@cliffspicer6555 I only have an el cheapo 4G flip phone - no so-called "Smart" phone. I should mention, I always have my Garmin 62STC with me & turned on from the moment I leave my vehicle until I return. My GPS cookie crumb trail lets me know where I am in relation to where I'm supposed to be. I always have a way to turn around & follow my track back to my vehicle. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.

[@Hikingguy]

From what I know they look at the details you put in about yourself (in the SPOT dashboard or NOAA beacon registration) and base it on that.

[@cliffspicer6555]

@@Hikingguy I just looked at the spot dashboard for myself and it only asks for primary and secondary emergency contacts which is only useful after they get me and need maybe something clarified but no help to know what may be wrong. It’s better than nothing and I appreciate finding out about that insurance which I just added to my spot account

[@richardgeorge3115]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

RICHARD!!!! MASSIVE THANK YOU!!!!

[@robertfindley921]

Great video. It answered a lot of questions I had after seeing the Homemade Wanderlust video. But how can you not think about cost? This is the United States after all. Dixie had insurance and _still_ had to fight them for months to get them to pay.

[@c97f]

Please consider a rescue call a last resort. Too many hikers around here cal SAR because they're tired of don't have a flashlight.

[@Alexander12547]

Charged to go to the hospital that's wild

[@TheJensss]

Your video is a great demonstration on how bad the US healthcare system is. In many other countries the government would have covered the rescue cost and the medical bill

[@andreipopa7005]

At 2:54 there is a helicopter from my country(romania). It is astonishing to think that in my shithole ex sovietblock country this kind of services are covered in your medical insurance which is 10% out of your income. If you do not have any job or social securit income, it is 30 usd per month.

[@dgw6448]

There are no rescue costs for those requiring backcountry rescue in Canada. The main reasons are that authorities don't want people in need of rescue hesitating due to costs , or requesting help from friends / family instead. I guess taking care of each other in emergencies is too socialist for the land of the free.

[@birdiem123]

@@dgw6448 is this documented somewhere in writing, and could you kindly share the link, pls? Thx!

[@wanderlustandsparkle4395]

If it was something preventable that the person knew was preventable and dis it anyways that why they would usually charge you. One guy in Hawai'i called SAR because he wanted them to carry his 80lb backpack down a hiking trail. They told him they weren't a baggage delivery service.

[@dirtywooky6557]

My dad sustained some serious injuries while hunting in British Columbia. He used the Garmin SOS button and it was not prompting a response. He reached out to my brother who is a doctor and volunteer search and rescue team member. He was able to get the flight lined up to get home out of there. Garmin called 3 whole days later to start helping get a flight arranged. My dad was treated at a hospital and had a flight back home before Garmin ever even reached out. Garmin SOS was entirely pointless.

[@Hikingguy]

What exactly happened when he hit the SOS button? He couldn't get a connection?

[@dirtywooky6557]

@@Hikingguyi for get the exact message he got as this was 4 years ago but it certainly wasn’t an lack of connection because he was able to send messages to me and my brother.

[@Hikingguy]

@@dirtywooky6557 interesting thank you for sharing - I hadn't heard of Garmin turning down a rescue request before

[@FlewTheCoop]

That appears to be PHI. I don’t want you or any affiliates or patients to have any negative repercussions. I am passing this information along as a fan and an information security professional. 0:24

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for that. It's an existing media clip from ABC but I added a blur anyway.

[@4est_Trekker]

Thanks for this. Great info and reminders!

[@mezmerya5130]

The main point of garmin is that you can COMMUNICATE and get out bad situations with smart arrangements, not by calling the cavalry InReach is not about sos.

[@PsyMongSki]

I still cant get over how batshit crazy American insurance is. The fact that even 1 person jas ever been charged for anything that saved thier life when they had no choice but to accept the help is backwards.

[@tuskiomisham]

Very informative! thank you

[@elliottwiley2450]

There seem to be many air rescues in laguna/crystal cove area. Usually air recues there are made by the sherrif and/or OCFA. I'm curious to know what their cost would be.

[@Hikingguy]

I believe those are free until you step into a private ambulance

[@hykr5323]

Great topic and info as always. Now that I have an iPhone 15 ( as well as Inreach 1 ) I will consider insurance like Ripcord, AAC as Garmin insurance won't be much help if I am in medical trouble and end up using my phone for SOS.

[@kelkellys674]

I usually purchase a policy from Ripcord, they provide insurance for backcountry rescue.

[@memathews]

Thanks for attempting to unravel the Gordian knot of SOS rescue services and insurance coverage. As usual in the U.S., it's a patchwork geographic system with much of it based on volunteer services and an overlay of purchased services. This is a newly expanding service that will eventually consolidate, but what you present is pretty clear that we should all be okay with minimal added service packages from satellite communications and private air/ground ambulance coverage. Everyone should remember it's better to be a rescue than a recovery and that some preparation is always better than no preparation.

[@DoctorBruKhar]

Search and rescue says: "Don't think, buy now!"

[@tomdchi12]

Within the healthcare industry air ambulance has been called “the dash for cash.”

[@davidplotkin5173]

I agree that Overwatch is the best program, far and away better than Garman's Search and Rescue program. However, their limitation to 3 devices - not 4, now that Defy is dead - is a real issue. I don't want any of those 3 devices, so I'm forced to get the Garmin and their inferior product. if you disagree about the 3 remaining Overwatch-eligible devices, please refer me to your video where you analyze them vs the Messenger or InReach 2. Thanks a lot Cris, you've helped me so much!

[@WhoamI20233]

The air guard pj team rescues a lot of stranded people in Alaska . I wonder how much they are charged or by who?

[@nua1234]

It is good training for rescuing downed aircraft crew.

[@MrTuts4life]

This video is wild, everything is based on insurance over there! I can’t imagine worrying about the cost if I needed a med evac after an injury whilst skiing in the alps, I know my travel insurance covers that, which I get for nothing through my bank every year. And then through the rest of mainland Europe, any rescue is generally cost free, but even if not, as long as you pay medical taxes in your own country, you receive free medical care, the foreign country just invoices your own country for the cost. And in the worst case, medical bills are very cheap anyway, so if you came over here from a country like the US, a few nights in hospital and surgery would only cost a few hundred Euros/USD

[@litespeed7715]

Got the insurance through Spot. Needed a helicopter ride. Insurance denied. These extra plans are junk. Might have saved life and limb using the device but the insurance was a scam.

[@Hikingguy]

Just curious, when did you use it? I know SPOT had a different provider before 2021 and switched to Overwatch x Rescue because of problems.

[@litespeed7715]

@@Hikingguy It was in 2017, so it was the previous providers. Good to know! My lawyer looked into the contract with the rescue insurance and told me that it was worthless. Also that it would cost more to make them pay out than what the contract would award. Lawyers and helicopter rides are expensive. I encourage everyone to read the fine print and search out users who have been through the entire process. Maybe you could talk to a few? It's all good, I survived and have since triple crowned.

[@plorks445]

Very good video. Been wondering about this after watching "that" youtuber video you mention. I have the iPhone15 for the SOS feature. I wonder if they will offer some kind of backcountry insurance plan eventually. My main fear is getting bit by a rattle snake where walking or driving wouldn't be much of an option after that.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea it will be interesting to see what Apple starts offering with the SOS service. Hoping that they'll have some type of insurance as well.

[@hykr5323]

I have a question about the Garmin insurance. Do you have to use your personal Garmin for the insurance to cover the cost? What if I am in a group and something happens to me and someone uses their Garmin for SOS, would my Garmin rescue insurance still cover me?

[@azclaimjumper]

Good Question. Replies like yours is the reason I read 'em. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.

[@Hikingguy]

The person who gets rescued is liable for the costs and would need the insurance. The person who hits the button (or calls 911) is not liable.

[@hykr5323]

my understanding is you must use your personal Garmin for the insurance to cover the expenses. Am I wrong? @@Hikingguy

[@Hikingguy]

@@hykr5323 I'm not sure what the deal is if you have multiple Garmin's in the group and someone else calls for you. If you have a plan and Garmin I'd guess you're covered, even if someone else hit SOS, but I would email them and confirm. Here's what they say: Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance plans offer financial reimbursement for qualified search and rescue related expenses incurred during the rescue of the individual covered by the plan. SAR insurance coverage requires the use of a Garmin Response™ supported device with an active subscription to report an emergency that warrants search and rescue to Garmin Response™. Reimbursement coverage is based on the selected SAR plan. For a complete list of supported devices, visit www.iercc.com/supported-devices/.

[@taliks21]

Hey just FYI blur is non destructive and can be reversed!! If you wish to properly censor information you need to block it off completely!!

[@chaosncheckt9356]

I seemed to remember last year a hiker had to initiate an SOS on her Garmin. Having the Garmin and subscription should have covered any medical evacuation. However, I believe she is still fighting with Garmin and I think it came down to, she hiked with a known medical condition and since this was a known condition, Garmin basically said their coverage doesn't apply. The coverage is for emergency medical help and evacuation for injuries that occur while hiking and not conditions the subscriber had before the hike. I may be butchering this but I think you get the gist of what I'm saying. I need to find her channel and see what the outcome was. If I'm totally off base, I apologize.

[@DegenGaming]

I don't see a problem with that. Shouldn't be taking risks like that if you have known health issues. Know your limits or suffer the consequences.

[@MrViki60]

​@DegenGaming "I defend soulless corporations on the internet for free" -you

[@quadrolizer]

Hopefully non of you ever needs to be rescued, take care of yourselves out hiking. Thanks for the video!

[@behindenemylines9033]

I've had the SAR 100 for a year or so...peace of mind.

[@tuqe]

God damn is it stressful to be an American, I can’t imagine having to do this kind of math while experiencing the worst time of my life

[@shawnqi1215]

Great video, very nice and clearly explained

[@justin20051]

I believe the youtuber that was referenced was charged because he had a panic attack while hiking. Thats why he was charged for the rescue. Dude deserved to be charged for wasting resources while being able bodied.

[@CecilH-md2gk]

I know in ms airlift for medical with insurance it's $0.00 without it $50,000

[@azclaimjumper]

Excellent, Timely, Informative. I wish you'd emphasized the importance of a PLB's SIGNAL STRENGTH. My ACR ResQLink puts out a strong 5WATT signal to a GOVERNMENT owned satellite system that will penetrate tree canopies & thick cloud cover. Other products like the SPOT puts out a weak .4/10 of 1 watt signal to a PRIVATELY owned satellite system that won't penetrate tree canopies or thick cloud cover. I want & have the SAME SATELLITE SYSTEM, PLB, & MILITARY PERSONNEL, available when I need to be rescued as the Military uses to rescue service men all over the world. Long time subscriber here. "Liked" & Saved. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.

[@jimf671]

Your PLB also has additional features to help find you that commercial beacons do not have such as a strobe light and a 121.5MHz signal for SAR aircraft direction finding. COSPAS/SARSAT satellites (now including dozens of MEO satellites carrying SAR secondary payloads) cover the entire globe although response times may vary in complex terrain at very high latitude. Garmin uses the Iridium constellation and that also has good global coverage. Several other solutions struggle in complex terrain at higher latitudes, including any solution that uses a low tilted orbit constellation.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@jimf671 All TRUE.I actually bought my PLB at the same time I purchased my Garmin 6STC GPS. I always have BOTH when head for the boonies.

[@ch3mo883]

So a PLB would be a better choice if no one wants to pay a bill after?

[@Hikingguy]

PLB would be the same deal. The backcountry portion would be free but private ambulance or medical care would be something your insurance would have to cover.

[@ch3mo883]

@@Hikingguy great to know for that info

[@jimf671]

This is definitely more about the territory that you are in rather than the device that you are using. A PLB alert goes through government agencies rather than private companies but those operating out on the ground are unlikely to be different. However, there is different device functionality with a PLB, particularly that it only does one thing and that is raising a full emergency alert and signalling where you are. It can do that ably at any time during the seven year battery life without regular charging or maintenance. A PLB also provides additional features to help rescuers find you, like a strobe light and a 121.5MHz signal for SAR aircraft direction finding. Commercial beacons do not have these features but do allow you to do routine messaging and thus perhaps instigate an appropriately lower level of response.

[@JohnPaulPenna]

Excellent information, thank you! My understanding is the specific response, (aircraft, ground team etc.) is not determined by the IERCC, but by the responding organization. A responding organization in the US could be a Sheriff’s department, state Game and Fish, etc. Is this correct? Thanks again!

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, it's usually a combo of both though - for example, the IERCC (now Garmin Response) will contact the responsible party based on your situation and location, then the responsible party (sheriff, etc) will decide how to handle. If you have Overwatch x Rescue, they stay involved in the rescue and advocate on your behalf. For example, sometimes the responsible party can't or won't deal with the situation, so Overwatch will call other parties. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH62ZJyMbdSne68

[@outdoorcinema7]

Great and informative video. In my Country, Croatia, rescue is free for now. It doesn't matter if it's on the foot or with helicopter.

[@lh3540]

I carry my Garmin trail running, but sort of consider it service to society. I'm always expecting to find a tourist with altitude sickness or dumb teenagers falling while bouldering.

[@Hikingguy]

I've only used mine to help others so far

[@Swimdeep]

Important, relevant and informative video-thank you. While SAR services may be stretched with the advent of 5G 911, the need for BACKCOUNTRY EDUCATION becomes more crucial than ever. The exploration of the natural world takes knowledge and training. I hope the infrastructure for outdoor instruction is in the mix. 🌿

[@Hikingguy]

Agree 100% - I wish Recreation.gov made folks watch a short video about whatever they're permit they're getting and take a little quiz like the CA campfire permit works ( www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/ ). Just some basic awareness is a great first step to keeping everyone safe.

[@Swimdeep]

@@Hikingguy I concur.

[@panhandlejake6200]

Repeating an earlier post - anyone heading into the backcountry away from help should seriously consider taking a Wilderness First Aid Course. It can give people a little better judgement about when to call for help -- and to be able to provide some immediate care until help arrives.

[@DerpEye]

Fortunately i live in a civilized country, so i don't have to worry about medical expenses, since it's taken out of my taxes. However, alpine rescue can and will be billed, if you are negligent. Usually, people venturing into the mountains on their own, need to have some kind of sports association insurance, just in case. There are constant cases of newbies venturing into the mountains, without equipment, without training, and in bad weather. In suche cases the helicopter expense will be billed by the alpine rescue organization. A helicopter can cost about 100euro/minute.

[@cseckler]

Very interesting video! Where can I get more information about being able to call 911 from my phone in the near future? Does this mean the Garmin InReach Mini 2 which I’m considering buying will be obsolete?

[@Hikingguy]

T-Mobile said their sat 911 will happen 2024 in the USA. Others no date yet. The phone will never be a proper outdoor instrument so there's probably always a use case for the inReach devices.

[@cseckler]

@@Hikingguy ok thanks for the info and reply. I joined your patreon cause your content is such high quality and so relevant to myself as a Los Angeles hiker. Keep up the great work!

[@Hikingguy]

@@cseckler thank you! and stay tuned for more helpful guides to come...

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@Fliim]

Better than dying I guess. I never put much thought into the costs of a rescue like this… I have however dealt with dive insurance. It’s more for when you die rather than to help you not die but I believe some packages cover decompression chambers. If anyone actually read that, dive insurance will cover the cost of getting your body back assuming it can be recovered to your family especially if you’re diving out of country. Some resorts require you to have insurance before you dive but from my experience not many haha.

[@scottcochrane638]

Paying for your health cover in the richest country on earth,omg

[@calguyful]

Have you ever had to use the SOS feature for you or anyone else while on a hike? If so did you end up paying anything?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes called for others and didn't pay

[@Greghikes1]

Don't suppose you know what it's like in Canada? Particularly for an overseas person? (Australia) cheers!

[@evanbarnes9984]

You know what would solve this entire problem in one fell swoop? Single payer health care. Part of living in a real society should be the agreement that when we get sick or need other medical care, we take care of each other, rather than building a system that bankrupts someone because they tripped and broke an ankle or got cancer.

[@fofijeha]

Can someone message focuspoint overwatch & rescue from a garmin device instead using garmin sos if o&r is more advantageous to the situation assuming they have both coverages?

[@Hikingguy]

Unfortunately not but I heard that Overwatch is available on Garmin in Australia - www.focuspointintl.com/trending/focuspoint-international-in-the-news/trackme-nz-partners-with-focuspoint-international/

[@irvvalenzuen3135]

How much is your life worth

[@finlaytootill1819]

Imagine having free health care

[@AwtaMadik]

All the missing 411 people paid 0 dollars out of pocket

[@rlowle1228]

Just what I need. More god dam insurance.

[@marisacherry]

Hmmm this is interesting and helpful...Anyone know if it's mandatory to go with a rescue insurance plan from whatever device/provider we have? Ex. Garmin SOS plan, Motorola SOS plan...or could we sub out for AAC rescue insurance (which I already have) and just use our device to call for the hypothetical rescue? Thanks for the great video as always.

[@Hikingguy]

Insurance is not mandatory. I think you can use AAC with a sat device.

[@marisacherry]

@@Hikingguy thanks sm for your response!

[@adventureseeker9800]

Everyone who follows that particular hikers KZbin channel knows who she is. I heard about her $59,000+ medevac expense and thought YIKES! She did say though that she did have $50,000 coverage through Garmin but was/is still waiting for them to pay last I heard. Hopefully it's been covered by now! I would definitely carry a policy that covers $100,000 or higher though for sure.

[@kniter]

Im a bit out of the loop, what youtuber as we talking about?

[@kevinmoorejr.9418]

Cliff notes?

[@tanguydoesstuff]

can you post a link to purchase overwatch x rescue plans?

[@Hikingguy]

overwatchxrescue.com but you have to get it through a device like SPOT or Motorola Defy

[@justrione]

So that others may live

[@Xcm-yg1vv]

Yall live in a dystopia holy shit

[@blondeguy08]

The fact that you have to make a video on this should be a flag at how stupid our healthcare/insurance system is.

[@stephensteele2844]

I would die before spending 60. Gs

[@MagicJohnston777]

I am shocked that some foolish hikers take huge risks going off trail to explore "virgin terrain". Paths are there for a reason, mainly to ensure your safety. My brother who is an avid rock climber told me of an incident, where they were climbing with their ropes and mountain gear, and to their horror, encountered a hiking group, shuffling along sideways along a narrow ledge only as wide as their hiking shoes, with a sheer drop off into certain death to their backs. They asked for directions if they knew if the ledge they were on which rounded a corner of the mountain led to the summit. My brother and his climbing partner said, no, this ledge is not a path for hiking, it is absolute suicide to continue, and it only gets narrower, and ends in a precipice around the corner, and that they should immediately turn back if they do not want to fall to their deaths.😱

[@mncnAirsoft]

60 k for 2 to 300 bucks of avgas lol that is an impressive racket!

[@cesteves6882]

I am sorry but have to interject there is no way that someone goes to the ER life threatening or not and it is free. I have had both instances where you at least have to pay the deductible. I would rather ask someone in the insurance field whether or not something would be free as the ones you are asking are not responsible for the financial portion more the rescuing portion. Not going to ask a race car driver how to fix an engine or a basketball player how to build a basketball court

[@Hikingguy]

Don't think you're getting it. A backcountry rescue is usually free unless done by a private air ambulance. Paying your hospital bills is on you and your insurance.