Travel is a wonderful experience, as long as you don’t get sick. But, what of you do? What if you have an accident and need to go to a hospital? Do you really want to travel without having insurance? Of course not. You really do need a travel insurance policy.
Even in Western European nations and Canada which has ‘free health care’, it’s free only for their citizens, who pay taxes for the privilege. As an American, although costs will be a lot cheaper than in the U.S. (and services often better than in the U.S.), it is still not cheap.
While planning your trip, find out and document exactly what your present U.S. health care plan covers outside the U.S. What level of service do they provide for hospital stays outside the U.S.? Some will cover foreign hospital stays, but only for certain types and levels of medical care, and only up to certain limits. For example, perhaps a ski or traffic injury may be covered but only for a basic hospital room, not semi private or private. Perhaps specialists are not covered without authorization from your insurance carrier. Pre-existing conditions or complications from a pre-existing condition may not be covered at all without prior authorization.
Also check your credit card benefit package, as some credit cards include travel emergency medical coverage– but only a few. Verify what coverage you have in writing before you travel. Even if you have coverage from your health care plan or credit card benefit package, it may be a refund benefit you have. Of course that is far better than nothing, however, you will have to pay up front. “Guarantee of payment for approved expenses” does not mean they will pay the hospital directly.
At time of writing (November 2008), although President-Elect Obama has said he will outlaw “pre-existing illnesses” as a restrictive measure in the American insurance industry, it is still not law. This is often a very sticky issue so be aware that you could be left with a very large bill, even if you thought you were covered.
Your health care provider will take a very narrow interpretation of your terms of service and any treatment that could have been complicated or altered by a pre-existing condition could be completely denied in its entirety, leaving you with a huge bill, even for an accident you assumed was covered.
It’s better to be specifically covered. That is why it is far more practical to get a travel health insurance policy. In the opinion of many travellers, it is essential if you are traveling out of the U.S.
When you get a travel policy, make sure you have enough coverage and a realistic time period. Make sure you understand what is not covered. Know whom you have contact in case medical care must be authorized. Inform your traveling companions of your coverage and where the policy is stored in your luggage. They may need to retrieve it.
A word of warning: It is very important that you complete the medical history portion of a travel insurance application completely in every detail. Do not attempt to hide or mislead your medical history or you could well be charged with fraud. This is a serious legal document that requires total accuracy. If you file a claim, they will investigate your medical history very thoroughly.
With travel insurance, you will leave worries behind and be able to completely enjoy your vacation. That is a good feeling. Have a wonderful trip.
