Understanding Travel Medical Insurance
If you hold private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, be aware that your coverage typically does not extend beyond U.S. borders. This is where travel insurance comes into play, acting as a crucial safety net. A quality travel insurance policy will protect you against unexpected health expenses while abroad, which can include doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and even medical evacuations if you require urgent care in another location.
In fact, several countries, such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, mandate proof of medical insurance before issuing a visa. Therefore, having a good understanding of travel medical insurance is vital — know what it covers, its cost, and which companies offer the most reliable policies.
Coverage Provided by Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance primarily covers emergency medical services while you are abroad. This can encompass physician visits, lab tests, hospital admissions, and ambulance rides. Additionally, many policies include:
- Medical evacuation for transportation to a suitable medical facility or back home for treatment.
- Emergency dental care.
- Accidental death and dismemberment benefits if an accident results in loss of life or a limb, eye, or hearing.
- Repatriation of remains in the event of death while traveling.
- 24/7 assistance to help navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems.
Such coverage generally falls under standard travel insurance policies, but standalone policies are also available. A primary medical coverage plan pays out first, before involving any other health insurance you may have, whereas a secondary plan requires you to utilize your primary insurance first.
Cost of Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical coverage is often included in comprehensive travel insurance, which also compensates for situations like trip cancellations and lost baggage. On average, travel insurance policies range from 4% to 10% of your trip’s total nonrefundable expenses. Factors such as age, travel destination, trip duration, and any add-ons can influence the price.
Standalone travel medical policies are usually less expensive than comprehensive plans. For example, a travel medical plan for a 30-year-old on a one-week trip to the UK typically costs around $19, compared to approximately $74 for a full travel plan.
Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions unless you obtain a waiver. To qualify for this waiver, you must insure the entirety of your nonrefundable trip costs and be fit to travel at the time of your departure. Additionally, you should purchase your policy within 14 to 21 days of booking your trip, based on the insurer’s guidelines. Commonly excluded conditions from waivers may include pregnancy, dementia, mental health disorders, and substance abuse issues.
Determining Your Required Coverage Amount
It is advisable to look for a policy with at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage. However, your specific needs may vary based on factors such as:
- Your Activities: If you plan to engage in adventure sports like skydiving or swimming with sharks, select a plan with at least $500,000 to $1 million in medical coverage.
- Your Destination: If you will be in isolated regions with limited medical facilities, consider a medical evacuation limit of no less than $500,000.
- Your Age and Health History: Those with existing health issues or who are older should seek policies with higher coverage limits and ensure they qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver.
Review your employer-provided health insurance, as some plans may include overseas coverage, impacting how much travel medical insurance you need and whether it should be your primary plan.
Purchasing Standalone Travel Medical Insurance
You have the option to buy a policy exclusively for health-related expenses while traveling. Such plans do not cover cancellations, lost luggage, or missed connections but typically offer higher limits at a lower cost compared to comprehensive insurance. If you booked your trip using a credit card, check if it includes travel insurance benefits; however, many do not cover medical expenses.
Several health insurance providers also offer standalone travel medical plans. For instance, United Healthcare’s SafeTrip and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s GeoBlue both provide policies with coverage amounts reaching up to $1 million and no deductible.
Top Travel Insurance Options for Medical Coverage
United Healthcare SafeTrip
UnitedHealthcare’s SafeTrip program offers a variety of standalone travel medical insurance options as well as comprehensive plans. These policies are available for travelers visiting more than 150 countries, with medical coverage reaching up to $1 million and no deductibles.
GeoBlue International Travel Insurance
GeoBlue provides single-trip and multi-trip medical coverage, including global access to telemedicine services. If you already possess an underlying U.S. health care plan, there is no need for a waiver regarding pre-existing conditions.
Travel Insured International
Travel Insured offers several plans including the Essential, Advantage, and Ultimate options, along with last-minute travel coverage. Their Ultimate plan provides up to 75% reimbursement for nonrefundable trip costs if purchased within 21 days of the initial deposit.
IMG Travel Insurance
IMG provides a range of policies catering to different coverage levels, including plans specifically designed for international expats. They offer broad coverage options, including mental health services, which are not commonly found in other policies. Pre-existing condition waivers are accessible if the policy is bought within 21 days of the initial deposit.
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Seven Corners offers a variety of plans including single-trip, annual, and student options, with add-ons for Cancel For Any Reason coverage. They also provide coverage for trip interruptions, ensuring travelers feel secure in their investments.
Finding a Travel Insurance Marketplace
Squaremouth Travel Insurance Marketplace
Squaremouth serves as a comprehensive travel insurance marketplace, offering a platform to compare prices and policies from over 30 travel insurance providers without additional markups. The marketplace also features a 14-day money-back guarantee, proving beneficial for travelers who may change their plans.
FAQs about Travel Medical Insurance
How much travel medical coverage do I need?
For comprehensive travel insurance, it’s wise to seek at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage. If you’re older, have existing health conditions, or plan to participate in high-risk activities, consider increasing that amount.
Do credit cards offer travel medical insurance?
Some credit cards include travel insurance benefits, although many do not cover medical expenses. It is important to review the terms and conditions connecting to any travel insurance provided through your credit card.
Is travel medical coverage worthwhile?
Investing in travel medical insurance is generally advisable if your health insurance does not cover medical expenses abroad, especially if you are traveling to underdeveloped regions where medical facilities may be inadequate.
