Should I purchase travel medical insurance for my upcoming trip?  That’s a question I am often asked.  And, I ask myself that question sometimes too.  It’s just a short trip, do I need travel medical insurance?  What could happen?

There are many reasons to purchase travel medical insurance and just like with other insurance policies we purchase, you hope you’ll never need it.  With that thought, it can feel like a waste of money.

So, should I purchase it – yes or no?

1.  Yes, you should purchase travel insurance – start your research as soon as you’ve reserved your vacation, paid your deposit or booked your flight.  The U.S. Travel Insurance Association maintains a list of members in good standing on it website.  Go for one with a global presence.  Call the company and speak with a representative and let them know where you are traveling.  Are there any issues or coverage concerns, considerations for that destination?

2.  Purchase coverage for the total amount of your trip.  Include all costs.

3.  Check with a representative from your personal medical insurance to review your coverage.  If you’re traveling domestically, you are probably okay with any medical situations at home.  If you are traveling internationally, you are most likely not covered.  Medicare does not cover you when traveling abroad.

 

4.  Medical coverage for international coverage should include evacuation to a medical facility which can handle your medical condition and is up to the standards you would want.

5.  You will also want enough coverage for any possible accidents or illnesses.  Are you going on a trip with a high level of adventure and activity?  Will you travel to remote areas?  Are there health alerts and warnings in the area?  All things to consider when reviewing the various options and levels of coverage.

6.  Most medical facilities outside of the U.S. will require full payment in advance of treatment.

7. Travel insurers pre-screen doctors and hospitals around the world.  There are also translators available to assist when language barriers could present barriers to care, understanding prescriptions and after-hour/emergency help.  You want a level of care that you would expect at home.

 

8.  Some travelers feel I’m going to London or Paris where health care is great!  I don’t need to worry about services not up to my standards.  It doesn’t matter where you are traveling; you should check your policy for domestic travel and purchase medical and evacuation coverage when traveling overseas.  One point to keep in mind is payment up front is require in most instances – which would be steep.  With insurance, the costs are covered.  Just like at home, you want to feel better not worry about costs and insurance details.  Medical services in another language can add stress and anxiety.

9.  If you do have to pay for some of your care out-of-pocket, keep all receipts and make copies of any medical or police reports.

10. Remember to take along a copy of your travel insurance policy you have purchased.  You will be issued a policy card with your name, policy account number, and other details.  Keep that on you.  A money belt or pouch is the perfect travel gear item to keep all important papers.  If you need it – you’ll have it within reach.  If not, it’s on your person, and you don’t have to think about it.

11.  With anything – read the small print.  Call and ask questions.  Travel insurance companies know vacationers struggle with the dilemma of “to buy or not to buy” and they’re happy to help by answering questions, explaining options and helping you tailor the policy to meet your needs.  There are all types of add-ons.  Everything for recovery of remains and transportation back to your home, to life insurance, flight disasters and evacuation due to political unrest and acts of terrorism.  There is a lot to consider.

12.  Many travelers assume their credit card covers them for medical and evacuation insurance.  And, some may, but do not assume.  Call your credit card company and speak with a representative.  Ask very specific questions about coverage and ask what’s covered regarding the destination where you’re traveling and any pre-existing conditions you may have.  Remember credit card insurance will be limited to coverage of a couple of thousand dollars.  Most medical situations will not be covered with that small amount.

13. Ask about pre-existing conditions and if the company offers a waiver.  Make sure you are medically cleared to take the trip and purchase full coverage for your trip.

14. Insurance costs are not too expensive.  Usually 4 – 8% of your trip cost.  Add the cost of insurance to your vacation budget.  And, purchase a family plan which covers everyone.

15.  A free look period is offered by insurance companies allowing you to compare and make sure it’s a good fit.  Another reason why purchasing early is important.

 

You’ll travel on 100 trips and nothing happens, but all you need is the one accident.  A friend went on a 25th wedding anniversary trip with his brother.  It was a trip they save for several years to take the whole family back to Spain where the couple met.  Ready to share what made the country so special to them; they booked a lovely dinner cruise on a boat sailing along the river.  As my friend was boarding the boat, it moved just slightly and he lost his footing.  He fell between the boat and the dock, injuring himself severely.  He had to be medically evacuated from the area by helicopter and eventually flown to an American hospital facility in Germany.  He had travel insurance.  It saved the day.