Travel health insurance provides medical coverage to travelers when they go outside of their country of residence. It should not be confused with travel insurance, which covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other non-medical travel related expenses. When a medical emergency or accident occurs internationally, many health insurance companies will not cover or even reimburse their clients for their medical bills. While some insurance companies do offer rider policies for travel health insurance, it’s common for companies to exclude coverage once a person travels beyond their borders. Travel health insurance should be purchased before traveling to give you time to review and understand what the policy covers and how to use it. This important coverage will give travelers peace of mind and a support network in case of any unforeseen medical issues.
Common Types of Travel Health Insurance
Medical Travel Insurance – this insurance is like regular health insurance because it provides coverage for accidents, illnesses, and in some cases policies even cover dental emergencies. Many policies require that the insured pay out of pocket expenses for medical treatment and will reimburse once he or she is back in their home country. It’s important to keep receipts and get copies of medical records to bring home; these will be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement. Medical travel insurance also covers and coordinates emergency medical evacuations from out of the way areas and the fees for attending medical professionals. Other benefits may include accidental death and dismemberment insurance and help to find hospitals and medical professionals.
Medevac Travel Insurance – also known as evacuation insurance, this policy covers the costs associated with transporting the injured party from the site of the accident or illness to a medical facility. While medical travel insurance will cover some of the costs associated with ambulance or medevac costs, they will only pay a portion of the medical expenses. Depending on the location, transporting an injured person can have excessively high costs up to $100,000. For instance, someone may become hurt while hiking in the wilderness and need a team of medical and rescue professionals to evacuate them. Evacuation insurance policies may also partner with medical transportation companies to provide a network of services.
Travel Accident Insurance – the coverage provided with travel accident insurance is like a life insurance policy. It is referred to as accidental death and dismemberment insurance. If the insured is killed due to an accident while traveling abroad, the insured’s beneficiary would receive a benefits check. In the case of dismemberment such as losing a limb while abroad, the insured would receive a payment in accordance with their policy. Coverage generally extends to air travel, cruise ships, trains, and taxi cabs or even as a pedestrian. This policy adds an extra layer of benefits for those already holding life insurance policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I already have health insurance, so why do I need travel health insurance?
A: Most health insurance policies excludes or limits coverage for international travel. Check with your insurance agent to see what your policy covers.
Q: My credit card company covers me for medical expenses while traveling, don’t they?
A: Your credit card company may offer reimbursement for medical expenses while traveling, but they normally will only pay a maximum amount up to $1000.
Q: How soon should I buy a travel health insurance policy?
A: You should start looking for coverage when you schedule your trip. It’s important to give yourself time to familiarize yourself with the policy.
Q: What do I do if I need medical attention while I’m traveling out of the country?
A: Your insurance policy provider should give you instructions on who to call when you are sick or injured.
Q: What if I must cancel my trip?
A: If you no longer need travel health insurance, you may be entitled to a refund of premium. Contact your insurance provider to cancel the policy.
Getting travel health insurance is an important detail that should not be overlooked when traveling beyond your borders. Nobody wants to think about becoming ill or injured while on vacation, but if it does happen travel health insurance provides a safety net for policyholders when they need it most.
