The COVID-19 pandemic has placed many things on hold, including travel. While we remain unsure about when everyone will be free to travel once again, it’s important to think about your insurance when you do.
For instance, what happens with your insurance when you’re traveling out of the country? Do you even have insurance out of the country to protect you if you become sick or injured while traveling?
Here’s what you need to know.
Check Your Current Health Plan
This should be your very first step in determining if you need additional insurance protection for out of the country travel. Plus, it’s a good idea to know exactly what your health insurance covers and excludes.
In most cases, Medicare insurance coverage does not protect you when traveling outside of the U.S. Although, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap plans offer emergency care worldwide. If your insurer does provide insurance protection for medical treatment, be aware that it will likely be reimbursed at an out-of-network rate.
This is key information you’ll want to know before traveling out of the country so you can make informed decisions about whether or not you need travel insurance for additional protection.
Consider International Travel Insurance
For people who travel overseas frequently, international travel insurance is a must. These plans vary in nature with some providing primary coverage and others offering secondary coverage that begins picking up expenses where your primary health insurance stops providing protection.
These are the situations travel insurance covers:
- Trip cancellation: Essential protection when trips are cancelled that can protect your deposits and refunds when trips are cancelled for covered events such as illnesses, injuries, deaths, weather events, terrorism, etc.
- Trip interruption: This coverage reimburses you for the lost portion of your trip as well as last-minute flights home for covered events.
- Emergency medical coverage: If you become ill or injured while traveling, this vital protection offers either primary or secondary medical insurance protection.
- Baggage protection: Provides reimbursement for luggage and covered items that are stolen or lost while traveling.
If you’ve ever lost your luggage while traveling, or had it misdirected onto the wrong flight, you’ll understand just how valuable this protection is for that coverage alone. However, seeking medical care out of the country is no joke, financially speaking. With only one emergency, your travel insurance pays for itself many times over.
Travel Insurance Costs
Most travel insurance policies run between five and eight percent of your total trip costs. It’s a little money that provides a great deal when it comes to peace of mind. In other words, it is money well spent for the average traveler – especially for frequent flyers.
How to Find Medical Help While Traveling
Of course, finding medical assistance when you need it may prove to be difficult. There are some resources that can help you with that, including your insurance agent who may be able to provide recommendations.
Additionally, you can visit the CDC’s website to learn about health risks and the healthcare system in countries where you’re traveling. Another outstanding resource to consider is the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. This resource provides a list of vetted doctors and clinics providing English-language services around the world.
Final Thoughts
When the world begins to return to some sense of normalcy and you feel safe to travel again, for business or for pleasure, these tips will help you navigate your insurance needs in case of a medical emergency while out of the country. It’s always better to be over prepared than under – especially when you’re in an unfamiliar location.
