While traveling exposes you to new sights and cultures, it can also bring challenges and difficulties when it comes to your health and well-being. If you dream of traveling abroad, it may be helpful to consider the potential expenses associated with getting seriously injured or ill while in a foreign country.
Travel medical insurance can help offset those costs so you don’t have to worry about blowing your budget due to an unexpected medical emergency. This is how health insurance works to travel abroad:
what is travel medical insurance?
Travel medical insurance helps cover the cost of many emergency medical treatments while traveling. If you are traveling and have an unexpected illness, medical condition or injury that is covered by your travel medical insurance, you will normally be reimbursed up to the limits of the plan. Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to buying travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance cover. travel medical coverage is only valid while traveling.
the benefits of travel medical insurance
Investing in a travel medical insurance policy offers a number of benefits. here are some:
- Peace Of Mind: Medical emergencies can occur without warning. can give you some peace of mind knowing that your vacation budget won’t be decimated by the cost of unexpected injuries and illnesses.
- no need to delay care: With travel medical insurance, you can focus on getting the care or treatment you need right away, rather than delaying treatment until you’ve returned home .
- foreign language help: Unless you are fluent in the country’s official language, communicating with medical staff about your condition can be challenging. Your travel medical insurance provider can help facilitate emergency services so you can have these conversations effectively.
- broken bones
- heart attacks
- strokes
- emergency dental procedures
- medical evacuations
- emergency transportation
- emergency repatriation
Without travel medical insurance, you will be responsible for these unexpected expenses on your own. At best, that could put a dent in your vacation budget, and at worst, it could put you deep in debt or put your health at risk.
How is travel medical insurance different from my health insurance?
Travel medical insurance is different from your medical insurance because travel medical insurance is a supplemental policy that helps protect you while you travel. it is only valid for the duration of your trip and is intended to supplement your health insurance when you are out of network.
If you experience a medical emergency while traveling, your health insurance policy may not cover the cost of treatment and services you receive. Even if you travel within the United States, your policy may not provide out-of-network coverage.
Travel medical insurance can help fill in the gaps while also providing additional coverage to help keep you safe and healthy on your trip.
Do I need travel insurance if I have health insurance?
A common misconception about travel medical insurance is that it is not necessary if you have any type of medical insurance.
Remember, many health insurance policies are only valid in-network and within the United States. If you travel to a foreign country, or even if you travel within the United States but outside of your provider’s network, another health system may not accept your insurance.
what does travel medical insurance cover?
Travel medical insurance covers many emergencies, but is not intended to be used for preventative treatment or regular medical care. It is used to cover emergencies such as:
Anything that constitutes a medical emergency and requires you to seek treatment while traveling should generally be covered by a comprehensive travel medical insurance policy. If you go to a doctor for a routine checkup, you’ll need to pay out of pocket or file a claim with your health insurance provider.
Who needs travel medical insurance?
Buying medical insurance to travel abroad is an easy way to save money in an emergency, and anyone can benefit from coverage.
If you are traveling to a country where your health insurance provider does not provide coverage, it is imperative to purchase travel medical insurance. If your insurance provider will cover health care costs in the country you’re traveling to, purchasing coverage can still help you lower your expenses and reduce potential out-of-network costs for any emergencies that may arise.
This is also the case if you are traveling on a cruise ship. You’ll usually be able to get medical care on board the ship, and you should be able to use your health insurance to cover those costs. but if your injuries require transportation to a medical facility on land, a travel medical insurance policy may be helpful.
You can also research the country you plan to visit to see if you’ll need travel medical insurance. Some countries including Aruba, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United Arab Emirates may require you to show proof of travel medical insurance before entering their country1.
how much does travel medical insurance cost?
When you’re covering the cost of a vacation, the thought of paying for health insurance while traveling internationally can seem like an unnecessary expense. Fortunately, travel medical insurance is often very affordable.
policies average between $40 and $80. Keep in mind that higher coverage limits and longer coverage terms generally increase the cost of the policy.
how to choose travel medical insurance
Purchasing a quality travel medical insurance plan is a great way to help protect yourself from unexpected medical costs while traveling abroad. Find an insurance provider that offers the types of coverage and coverage limits you need, so you can focus on the enjoyable experiences of your trip.
Travel protection is offered by our trusted partner, Travel Insured International*, a leading provider of travel insurance offering protection, products and services for domestic and international travel. learn more about travel insurance.
sources:1https://www.frommers.com/tips/entry-requirements-customs/some-countries-require-proof-of -health-insurance-now-how-to-get-it
