There’s no doubt that planning a trip overseas is an exciting venture. While thinking about the activities you will enjoy and places you will visit, being covered in the event of a medical emergency may not be on your mind. Although you don’t want to focus on the negative while setting up your travel plans, it’s important to consider whether or not you will have protection and peace of mind in the occurrence of an unexpected illness or injury while abroad.
Now you may be thinking, I already have health insurance in my home country, so I should be covered. However, most travelers aren’t aware that they may not be covered by their health insurance plan internationally for medical emergencies. Fortunately, travel medical insurance can help fill this gap in healthcare coverage abroad.
Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?
Whether or not your domestic healthcare insurance plan covers you internationally is largely based on what plan you have. Typically, most domestic insurance plans only cover you within the borders of your home country. However, there are some instances in which your plan may offer coverage abroad.
The best course of action to understand whether or not you’ll be covered during your international travels is to check with your insurance company. Additionally, if there is coverage offered, understand any exclusions and policy maximums for services. Even if you are covered abroad, it may not be adequate coverage, especially in the United States where medical costs are extremely high.
If you discover that your domestic healthcare insurance plan does not offer coverage abroad, you have options in the form of travel medical insurance plans.
What is International Travel Insurance?
Purchasing an international travel health insurance plan will help ensure that you are protected for eligible medical costs overseas. Health insurance for international travel is often referred to as travel medical insurance and can provide protection for covered medical emergencies, injuries, illnesses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and more. If you need medical attention during your travels, having an international health insurance plan can not only give you peace of mind but can help protect you from the financial risk associated with receiving medical care uninsured.
There are a variety of travel medical insurance plans available for a range of travelers with different needs, whether you’re looking for basic limited coverage or more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, you can also choose plans based on other factors such as pre-existing condition coverage or optional riders for adventure sports coverage or accidental death protection.
What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?
Travel medical insurance may provide coverage in a variety of situations, including but not limited to:
- Major and minor injuries
- Illnesses, including COVID-19
- Hospital stays
- Urgent care visits
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Prescriptions/medication
- Border entry protection
It’s important to carefully review a plan’s coverage limits and exclusions before you travel as these vary from plan to plan to ensure that you have the protection you need.
Enjoy Stress-free International Travel
International travel insurance can provide a valuable safeguard against the unknown and give you the joy of stress-free travel during your trip abroad. Learn more about top travel medical insurance plans.
