Why is traveler medical insurance necessary? When you really think about it, there's a good chance the question may become, "Why haven't you ever considered getting it before?" Traveling, whether domestically or overseas, has a number of risks. Whether spraining an ankle while hiking or getting hit by a car while crossing the street, accidents are just as likely to happen while traveling as they are when you are at home. Active vacations come with even more risks--as a number of activities, such as bungee-jumping, spelunking, scuba diving and windsurfing, can result in severe injury. When something unexpected happens while traveling away from home, will your health insurance cover the medical costs you incur?
There are several important questions to think about when considering travelers' health insurance. First, does your current health insurance cover travel domestically or overseas? If so, what exactly does your health insurance cover? If you are traveling to a location where medical standards are sub-par and you have a medical emergency, will your health insurance pay to evacuate you to the hospital of your choice? Can your health insurance company provide in-country medical assistance during your travels? These are the types of things that supplemental traveler medical insurance can cover.
There are a number of different companies that are specifically set up to provide traveler medical insurance. When comparing these companies, consider these variables: (1) your destination, (2) the length of your trip, (3) the activities you will be undertaking during your trip. You should also consider how much coverage you require, and how much you are willing to be responsible for on your own if the worst-case-scenario occurs. Even if your current health care coverage seems to offer fairly good coverage for travel overseas, you may still want to consider purchasing supplemental insurance to deal with any gaps in your medical coverage.
Purchasing supplemental travel medical insurance often comes with a few bonuses. Depending on the company, these benefits may include coverage in case of trip cancellation or interruption, coverage for lost or stolen luggage, and 24/7 travel assistance. Even if you don't experience any medical issues when traveling, you may find that these additional benefits may actually be of good use when traveling on vacation.
If you find yourself overseas with a medical issue, there are a couple more options to consider when seeking medical help. Certain credit card holders have access to an English-speaking telephone assistant who can help you find medical help where you are located. Check with your credit card provider before traveling overseas to see if you have that benefit. Be sure to write down and carry with you the in-country assistance telephone number as toll-free U.S. numbers will not work overseas. Also, oftentimes your hotel concierge may be used in a pinch to point you to an English-speaking doctor or dentist if a minor health issue arises during your travels.
