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FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

  • Can I join after my trip has started?
    Yes, providing you are not in need of BCF services when you apply.
  • How do I access services?
    You will be provided with a unique membership number and a 24/7 alarm centre telephone number.
  • How much does it cost?
    Individual membership is currently £12 per month or £60 per annum. Lifetime membership is £600. Join through the BCF Travel Club: For details click here. For corporate membership click here.
  • Doesn’t my insurance cover me?
    Not usually, no.
  • Is BCF blood safe?
    All blood we provide is sourced from blood banks that are regulated to the highest international standards. Please see our Quality Assurance statement for more details.
  • Where is your blood sourced from?
    We source the blood from internationally recognised blood banks that are all fully regulated.
  • I live outside the UK, can I become a member?
    Yes, we welcome members from any country. Visit our membership page for more information.
  • How does it work?
    Once our alarm centre receives a call from a member who is in need of our services, a courier is despatched from the closest blood bank on the next available scheduled flight with the blood.
  • How long does it take?
    We are restricted to scheduled flights, so it will very much depend where the member is.
  • Which countries can you supply blood in an emergency?
    We can supply to any part of the world.
  • Can I join if I need blood?
    No, but providing the funding is available we will do everything we can to help to source and deliver blood. Please get in contact at info@bloodcare.org.uk if you need more information.
  • Doesn’t the blood go off in transit?
    Whenever we courier blood it is packaged to meet internationally approved standards and can remain within the temperature range of 2 - 8ºC for up to 36 hours.
  • Can you provide all blood groups?
    Yes.
  • Do you accept donations?
    As with all charitable organisations we are always grateful for donations, however large or small. To Donate click here
  • Is there an age limit?
    No.
  • Can individuals join for less than a month?
    Yes, but the minimum membership fee is £12. Click here for our membership options.
  • Is the blood safe in the country I'm travelling to?
    The standards of blood transfusion centres can change very quickly and we assess each country on the information we have at the time, so it is not possible to give information on all locations on this website. We source from internationally recognised blood banks which have the necessary facilities to screen and store blood to the highest possible standards.
  • Can you store my blood?
    No.
  • Do you need to know my blood group?
    No. We recommend all travellers carry documentary confirmation of their group with them if possible (such as a blood donor card) but if this is not possible then the treating doctor will group the patient before contacting us.
  • Can you arrange travel insurance?
    No.
  • Do you have any exclusions?
    Yes and these are listed under our terms & conditions.
  • How does the treating Doctor know I am a member?
    We recommend our members carry their membership details with their insurance documents; it is also a good idea if travelling in a group to let others know you are a member.
  • What happens if I'm unconscious?
    We recommend our members carry their membership details with their insurance documents; it is also a good idea if travelling in a group to let others know you are a member.
  • What if I need more blood?
    We always assess the potential need before the courier leaves but if further blood is required then we would arrange for an additional delivery.
  • I can't find my question
    If your question is not featured here, please email us on info@bloodcare.org.uk

About the
Foundation

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