Traveler’s medical insurance can give you peace of mind while traveling abroad.
Health care systems in other countries can be confusing, especially if you have an accident or medical emergency. Most travelers will want medical insurance that covers their financial costs for health care, just in case.
Your current group coverage may have all the benefits you need while traveling overseas, if it does not restrict you to a specific local provider panel. Most managed care plans have limited coverage outside the carrier’s service area, and Medicare will not usually cover claims from providers or facilities outside the United States. Make sure you contact your insurance carrier long in advance, so you will have time to find a temporary travelers insurance policy if you need one.
Some carriers specialize in the needs of travelers, and they offer a variety of different options. Some policies will cover pre-existing conditions, while others will not. You should look for a policy with coverage for emergency evacuation to the nearest qualified medical facility. You may find a policy that covers non-medical expenses, such as late trip cancellation costs.
As with any contract, be sure to give yourself time to study the fine print so you’ll know what coverage you are actually paying for. Keep the phone number of the insurance carrier with you at all times, so you can call their customer service number in case of emergency. They will be able to refer you to a medical facility and help you understand the local health care system.
Some important questions to ask before choosing travelers medical insurance are:
- What are the deductible and other out of pocket expenses?
- Do you have to get pre-approval from the carrier before seeking non-emergency treatment?
- Does the plan pay a percentage of “usual and customary” charges or a percentage of the billed amount?
- Does the coverage change, depending on which country you’re in when you seek treatment?
- How easy is it to submit a claim?
- Is dental or prescription coverage included in the plan?
- Are ambulance and medical evacuation services covered?
- If you become seriously ill, will the plan cover emergency transportation back to your home country?
- If additional non-medical coverage is included in the policy, do you really need the extras, or would it make sense to save money with a more basic plan?
Check several different companies, and ask all the same questions. This will help you find the best deal (and the best coverage) for your new traveler’s medical insurance policy.
