International travel health insurance: all you need to know.
Many folks are looking for insurance who have never bought it before. Read on below for our advice.
What is international travel health insurance? Travel health insurance is specifically for medical emergencies & incidents that occur while you are traveling. It covers any emergency medical and dental expenses, or, God forbid, medical evacuation. And, ensures you don’t have to put cash up front to be seen; a great benefit!
Why might you need it? Because medical incidents overseas, like having an allergy attack, getting into a car accident, etc. could cost you thousands of dollars and are likely not covered by your regular health insurance plan in the US, or if so, may be out of network. Also, these plans typically work with hospitals and medical clinics overseas where English is spoken, so if you don’t speak the local language, you and your travel companions can still understand what is happening.
How much will it cost? This varies, depending on the coverage and the deductible you choose. There are good plans for as low as $150-250 per person. It’s a good idea to choose a plan based on the type of travel experience. For example, emergency medical evacuation from a cruise ship can cost between $50,000 and $100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Or, hospitalization for gastrointestinal issues can run $1,000-$2,000 per day in many countries.
What choices do you have? Depending on where you are going, and your specific medical concerns, there are a myriad of choices. A good travel agent can help you find the right one. Some important considerations are whether or not pre-existing conditions are covered and whether or not COVID-19 related illness or testing is covered. You may also choose to get your medical and accident insurance bundled into a large travel insurance package that covers trip cancellation or interruptions, flight delays or lost luggage.
Just because international travel can feel uncertain due to changing rules and regulations, it doesn’t have to mean you can’t go! Many Agata Travel clients purchase insurance through us and we can help you choose the right one. Getting insurance can offer the peace of mind to protect you financially and health-wise so that embarking on your trip feels stress-free.