If you plan to travel abroad soon, then it is time for you to carefully examine your primary health insurance policy in the U.S. to find out if it has an international medical coverage. Most of the health insurance plans in the U.S. have some limitations outside the U.S. Even if your primary policy in the U.S. has an international coverage, you may not be covered if you need a transportation on a medically equipped flight to a city or a country that has a higher standard of care.
A medical travel insurance policy is inexpensive and it does help if you get sick or injured in a foreign country and have no idea where to go or what to do. Most medical travel insurance plans have a great coverage. When shopping for a travel medical insurance plan, pay attention to these important components:
Medical Coverage: This should cover any emergency and non-emergency medical care in any foreign country.
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: This should cover any emergency medical transportation to the nearest medical facility, medically equipped flight to a city or a country that has a higher standard of care if necessary, and the repatriation of mortal remains to your primary residence in the U.S.
Direct Pay: This means hospitals and doctors can bill the insurance company directly without requiring the patient to pay upfront and claim later. A good travel medical insurance policy has many participating hospitals and doctors in almost all foreign countries.
GeoBlue offers one of the best travel medical plans that can cover up to $1000,000 for a medical coverage with $0 deductible for as low as $40 per trip. They give you access and direct pay to the best providers regardless of how remote your location is. Click here to compare GeoBlue plans. This is not an affiliate link and this blog does not earn any commission from GeoBlue. The recommendation is truly based on my personal experience and other fellow savvy travelers’ experience.
You must keep in mind that the travel insurance that comes with the credit card DOES NOT provide a medical coverage.
What do savvy travelers do to ensure their health and safety are ensured during their trip outside the U.S.?
- They purchase a good travel medical plan that covers medical care, medical evacuation, and repatriation. They shop from a reputable company that has many participating hospitals and doctors all over the world.
- They purchase all of their plane tickets, hotel expenses, tours, and rental cars with their credit card that comes with adequate insurance for a trip cancellation and interruption, a baggage delay, and an auto rental collision damage waiver. Click here for more details on this subject.
Do savvy travelers buy a travel medical plan for every single trip?
Travelers are advised to buy an annual travel medical plan if they travel 5 times or more a year. An annual plan covers unlimited trips in a 12-month period. Click here for more details. If you travel overseas less than 5 times a year, it might be cheaper to buy a single trip plan.
Is there a travel medical plan for travelers that spend more than a year outside the U.S.?
Travelers that spend more than a year outside the U.S. usually buy a long-term plan. Click here for more details.
Bottom Line:
If you are traveling outside the U.S. soon, do yourself a favor and ensure your health and safety are insured during your overseas trip. Travel and enjoy the world with a peace of mind that you have a full protection no matter how remote your location is.