So you want to leave the homeland for a while, see the sights, take the pictures, or perhaps, do some business. You've packed the swimming trunks, the extra layers, the hiking boots, the sun screen, but the question remains: is your medical insurance travelling with you? What happens if you get to Brazil like you always wanted to, and then, in a freak spilled mojito accident, you break your ankle? What if the escargot from that charming Parisian restaurant reacts badly with your American digestive system, and you are suddenly in the throes of the worst food poisoning you've experienced in your life? It is no small matter; according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one half of US travelers heading to another country will experience some sort of health problem while abroad.
Ever since the Michael Moore film, "Sicko," came out, we all know that many other countries (well, specifically France, Canada, and Cuba) provide affordable, sometimes free, healthcare to their citizens, but how does it work for us, Americans, abroad? Well, the truth is, unless you make special preparations, the outlook is not good. There may be exceptions, and you should look into the fine print of your plan, but every major US health insurance providers suggests getting some form of traveler's insurance. Unfortunately, there is no foreign country that provides free health care for travelers.
Travel insurance plans provide three types of coverage: for medical care when abroad, the cost of emergency medical evacuation, and reimbursement for sudden trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Should you require medical attention while abroad, most insurance companies provide support in the form of emergency hotlines. They will advise you on the best hospitals in the area, as well as the ins and outs of the local systems. It is strongly advised that, if possible, you consult your provider before seeking medical attention in a foreign land. Also, insurance providers warn that most third world countries hospital systems require payment upfront for services rendered. This fee would be reimbursed by the plan.
The most pressing concern is the case of an emergency medical evacuation from a foreign country back to the US. Evacuations are necessary when a very serious medical condition arises, and the traveler/patient must be transported back to the care of his/her primary care physician or a home-based expert. This can cost upwards of $10,000 as it is a coordinated effort between several hospitals and at least one airline. Most travel insurance plans provide the option for specific coverage for this contingency.
Another aspect to consider when travelling abroad, is the cost of sudden cancellations, or changes in travel plans as a result of medical or other emergencies. In an era when airline companies are logging record numbers of lost luggage, this aspect of travelers insurance provides reimbursement for the purchase of clothes and other necessities. In this sense, you could come out a winner: imagine an "emergency" shopping trip at the fabulous designer stores of Milan.
So, whether you are planning a road trip to Canada, or a fourteen day hike in Machu Pichu, pack some warm socks, swim trunks, and your new friend, Mr. Traveler's Insurance.
Travel Insurance is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of planning a holiday, and has saved many a traveller from disaster when they were in need. It might seem like one extra headache when you've already got a lot on your mind, but just think of it this way: if anything were to go awry with your holiday, travel insurance will be the thing that saves your trip.
It's not always a good idea to have a pessimistic outlook on life, but when it comes to planning your holiday it's definitely worth considering all possibilities so that you can save yourself any unnecessary stress or hassle. The nature of Travel Insurance means that you'll only need it if something goes wrong, which sometimes puts people off as they don't want to focus on any negatives. However, once you think about how useful it would be to have insurance if you were faced with the worst case scenario, it becomes obvious just how valuable Travel Insurance really is.
One event that would obviously cause problems with your trip would be the loss or theft of your belongings. Whether it's your passport, your money, or valuables that you lose, it can put pressure on your cash and cause much tension for the duration of the holiday. However, if you sort out your travel insurance before you leave for your trip, you can arrange to be covered for this form of setback.
Illness or injury can also pose a serious threat to your holiday. If you are particularly unfortunate and find yourself seeking medical treatment whilst travelling, you could find yourself paying some hefty fees out of your own pocket. Medical expenses can be very dear, particularly if you're in a foreign country. Travel insurance can cover you for medical expenses and save you from worrying about money when there are more important things to think about.
A lot of travellers either take their car with them abroad or plan to hire a car to get around. If something were to go awry and leave you without transport, your travel insurance policy can often cover the expense of emergency car hire. This way, you won't find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with no exit plan.
Occasionally, a trip has to be postponed for unforeseen reasons. This could easily put you in low spirits, as without travel insurance you may find yourself losing out on deposits and paying unexpected fees and costs. However, if you act with precaution before your holiday and make sure you're covered, you won't have to worry about any postponement that hits you out of the blue.
If all goes according to plan, you should be able to leave for your holiday without a hitch. However, sometimes unexpected obstacles crop up that mean your trip gets cancelled at the last minute. Without Travel Insurance this can be very costly, as you are not guaranteed to get all of your money back. Most of the time you will lose out on any deposits you've paid, if not more. Thankfully, if you invest in Travel Insurance your policy should provide you with a large sum to cover the cost of cancellation and make your life a lot easier.
Worst case scenarios can be a bit pessimistic, but if you don't consider all the possibilities before your holiday then you could find yourself without protection if anything went awry. Always remember the importance of travel insurance, and how it can work to save your holiday.
Both Amy Nutt & Mathew Sabri are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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