Stephanie,

I guess I am probably one of the rare fortunate ones that was able to get my airfare paid for along with my brother and mom's airfare paid for when I went out for my surgeries.  I actually had to pay for it first and then was reimbursed for all my travel expenses and my mom and brother's expenses. 

I work for a rather good company, Northrop Grumman, that has excellent insurance.  Through a separate  company (National Health Services) that works directly with Blue Cross Blue Shield I was able to get the reimbursements.  The thing is that I would have never known this if it weren't for one of my bosses knowing a lot about the insurance end of things. 

My one suggestion to you and everyone else on this website that works for a fairly large company is to thoroughly research your benefits at your job and the insurance company that you have insurance with.  If you don't ask all the right questions with your benefits department, then you may miss out on these rarities.  It certainly never hurts to ask the questions. 

If you have any other questions regarding this, I can try and do some more research for you. 

Michelle

Have you checked with the airlines?  They may offer some free or reduced rates for medical necessity.

Jenny

I was unsuccessful when I contacted HMSA (Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate) here in Hawaii......  I even asked why since nobody here could provide me the medical attention I needed.......but no luck.