Purchasing health insurance is a consideration for almost every traveler, especially those venturing outside of the U.S. Even those with the best out-of-area coverage at home will likely find they are not insured once they cross the border into another country.
People who promote the sale of travel health insurance claim buyers acquire more than just a product; they're also purchasing peace of mind.
Travel Health Insurance Basics
Another kind of insurance, trip cancellation, may cover costs caused by illnesses or accidents occurring prior to departure that prevent the trip. Before buying a travel medical policy, trip-planners should take a look at their existing travel insurance or regular health insurance to see if illnesses, accidents and dental emergencies are covered once they leave the country or board a cruise ship.
Travel health insurance is typically effective for the duration of the trip, including travel to and from a destination. But some polices cover the insured for up to a full year of travel.
Most travel health coverage for international trips includes:
Medical evacuation: When someone is sick or injured in another state or country, the cost of bringing them home via medically-equipped flights can be as high as $100,000. Those who frequently travel internationally should think about an annual membership in Med Jet Assist ($250 a year for an individual) or other evacuation service.
Emergency assistance: Good plans supply 24/7 medical hotlines with staff who speak a traveler's native language and assist with finding care and transportation, and initiating payment.
Maternity, mental health, vision and dental coverage are also offered through many plans.
Those who are planning adventurous activities such riding the rapids, hopping on a camel or ascending in a hot air balloon may need supplemental coverage. These policies are available from a number of companies that specialize in covering out-of-the-ordinary pursuits.
Travel Health Insurance for Seniors and Others With Health Concerns
Those 65 and over should know that Medicare does not cover expenses accrued out of the country, although certain Medigap policies do. Even "Consumer Reports," which often advises against travel insurance, recommends that those in poor health purchase medical travel policies. All travelers need to read the fine print, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, health issues whose onset occurred before the insurance was purchased. Every policy excludes certain pre-existing conditions such as heart failure or cancer. Buyers can purchase additional waivers to have these conditions included in their policies.
Those with serious medical conditions who elect not to get travel insurance may get assistance from other organizations while away from home. For example, the National Patient Traveler Helpline can provide emergency medical air transportation or airline tickets for patients who are well enough to fly commercially, as well as their escorts.
Health Travel Insurance for Students
More and more students are traveling abroad to study or to experience other cultures. Students covered by their parents' policies should first check with the insurance company to see what's already covered when they're out of the country.
If additional coverage is needed, several companies specialize in providing health insurance for traveling students.
Travel Health Insurance Costs
Prices range from under $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on several factors:
- A travelers' age: the older, the more expensive
- Overall health condition of the buyer
- Duration of the trip
- Destination: some countries are considered more risky because of political unrest or potential for diseases
- The deductible that's chosen
Comprehensive packages which include medical along with trip cancellations and flight delays generally cost 5 to 10% of the value of trip's value. People who venture out of the country several times a year should consider multi-trip travel health insurance.
It’s critical that buyers not just accept what the seller says about the policy, but to actually read it before purchasing to make sure they’re getting what they had in mind.
How to Purchase Travel Health Insurance
There's no shortage of companies selling travel insurance. Tips for locating the best company for you include:
- Buy through a travel agent that you know and trust
- Find out if your regular health insurance plan provides travel coverage
- Ask friends who've traveled frequently
- Compare costs of different plans. This can be easily accomplished through several online sites.
- Make sure the insurance is underwritten by a legitimate company
- Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is in good standing and has remedied any complaints.
Related Travel Health Insurance Resources
About.com Adventure Travel Insurance [1] About.com Family Travel Cancellation Versus Medical [2] About.com Personal Insurance Checking Existing Insurance [3] About.com Europe [4] About.com France [5] About.com Senior Travel Medicare [6] Real-Life Medical Cases [7] About.com Personal Insurance State Checklist [8] About.com Senior Travel Insurance [9] About.com Student Travel Insurance [10] About.com Budget Travel What’s Covered? [11] Ambest Legitimate Underwriters [12] Better Business Bureau [13] Bureau of Consular Affairs [14] American Cancer Society Travel Hotline [15] Consumer Reports Why You Don’t Need It [16] E Commerce Annual Travel Insurance [17] Good Neighbor Insurance Levels of Coverage [18] Hasbrouck Kinds of Medical Travel Insurance [19] Health Insurance Decision Who Needs It? [20] IM Global Annual Cost [21] Independent Traveler Insurance Overview and Medical [22] Insure.com Schengen Visa Requires Insurance [23] MedJet Medical Evacuation [24] National Patient Travel Center [25] Reuters Pre-existing Conditions Waivers [26] Squaremouth Comparison Site [27] The Free Library Considerations and Cost [28] Travel Guard Comparison Site [29] Travel Insurance Review Overview [30] U.S. State Department Emergencies [31]