There are two types of helicopter air ambulance companies:

• Fee for Service: Typical of the way most medical services are obtained and paid for, the customer's insurance is billed only if a service is provided. The patient is responsible for the co-pay, deductible, or any portion of the bill not covered by insurance. In many cases, such as with Medicare, once the deductible has been met, there are no further charges to the patient.

• Membership Programs: You pay an annual fee whether or not the service is needed. Even with memberships, your insurance is still billed when services are provided and in some cases you may be responsible for any portion of the bill not covered by insurance. Some types of membership programs are simply marketing tools with the primary objective of obtaining new customers, or similar to the "extended warranties" that most consumer groups advise against purchasing.

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Questions you should ask (and you may want to get the answers in writing):

• If I need a medical helicopter, will my bill always be covered in full if I have a membership?

  • Your membership may have a deductible. A helicopter from your membership program may not be available, or may not have the necessary medical equipment your condition requires. Your physician may even recommend another air medical program with different medical protocols or skill levels. If you are unable to use the membership helicopter, then you probably won't get any benefit from your paid membership.