Alyssa Lane
Travel insurance is highly recommended for anyone travelling, especially if you have an existing health condition, are travelling long-term, or are planning on participating in adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding. While some premium travel credit cards may offer limited medical coverage, it is often necessary to purchase stand-alone travel medical insurance. This type of insurance provides reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you are travelling. It is important to note that travel medical insurance does not cover routine expenses, such as a teeth cleaning while abroad. If you are looking for a policy that covers unexpected illnesses or injuries while travelling abroad, you may need to purchase a separate travel health insurance policy or medical evacuation insurance. Some companies that offer travel insurance without requiring primary insurance include Cigna, Allianz, and World Nomads.
Characteristics of Travel Insurance without Medical Coverage
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Emergency medical transportation benefits, trip cancellation, travel disruption, and personal, one-on-one help in emergencies |
| Cost | The cost of travel insurance varies depending on the plan chosen and the number of people covered. For example, Cigna's travel insurance costs $216 per month for two people. |
| Exclusions | Pre-existing medical conditions, routine medical expenses, and pandemics are often excluded from coverage. |
| Limitations | Coverage may be limited in certain countries or regions, such as those with a 'Level 4 Do Not Travel' advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State. |
| Primary vs. Secondary Coverage | Primary coverage allows direct claims, while secondary coverage requires filing with primary insurance first. |
| Provider | Examples of providers offering travel insurance without medical coverage include Allianz, Cigna, and World Nomads. |
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What You'll Learn
Stand-alone travel insurance
Stand-alone travel medical insurance is a type of insurance that covers unexpected illnesses or injuries during travel abroad. It is designed to protect travellers in case of emergencies and provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations. Stand-alone travel medical insurance can be particularly useful for those without a primary insurance plan, as well as for expats, frequent business travellers, or individuals who spend significant time living outside their home country.
While premium travel credit cards may offer limited medical coverage, stand-alone travel medical insurance provides more comprehensive protection. This type of insurance is available from providers such as Cigna, Allianz, and World Nomads, and it is recommended to purchase it early to qualify for pre-existing medical condition waivers. Stand-alone travel medical insurance is also a good option for solo travellers, as it can provide 24/7 emergency assistance and help cover unexpected expenses.
It is important to note that stand-alone travel medical insurance does not cover routine medical expenses or trip cancellation costs. However, it can include coverage for family members travelling with the insured or for a family member to visit if the insured is hospitalized. Additionally, natural disasters that impact travel plans are usually covered, but pandemics and travel to countries with a 'Level 4 Do Not Travel' advisory may be excluded.
When considering stand-alone travel medical insurance, it is essential to review the policy carefully to understand the specific coverages, exclusions, and limitations. It is also recommended to ensure the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line for easy access in case of emergencies.
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Medical evacuation insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for anyone travelling, especially when travelling abroad. While some health insurance providers cover you anywhere in the world, others do not, and you may need to purchase a separate travel health insurance policy. It is important to check your policy before travelling to understand what you are covered for.
The exact terms of medical evacuation insurance vary by policy, and the definition of an "adequate" treatment centre can be relative. Some policies will cover the cost of someone else accompanying you, such as a medical professional or a family member. It is important to note that medical evacuation insurance does not cover routine medical expenses, such as a teeth cleaning while abroad.
There are several companies that offer medical evacuation insurance, including Travel Guard, Cigna, and Allianz. When choosing a policy, it is important to consider your specific needs and read the terms and conditions carefully. It is also recommended to choose a company that has a 24-hour contact line so that you can reach them in case of an emergency.
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Trip cancellation insurance
It's important to note that trip cancellation insurance does not cover every scenario. Common exclusions include foreseeable events, pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, acts of war, and normal pregnancy or childbirth. To ensure coverage, it is recommended to purchase trip cancellation insurance as soon as possible after making non-refundable deposits. When purchasing a policy, you will be asked to declare the amount of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs you wish to insure.
If you are looking for more flexibility, some insurers offer a "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) upgrade. This optional add-on allows you to cancel your trip for almost any reason and still receive partial reimbursement, typically between 50% to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable costs. CFAR usually comes with eligibility requirements and may increase your travel insurance premium.
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Travel insurance with primary coverage
When purchasing travel insurance, it is essential to understand the difference between primary and secondary coverage. Primary coverage means that the travel insurance company is the first payer or reimburser of emergency medical and dental benefits. In other words, you can file your claims directly with the travel insurance provider without having to go through your primary health insurance company first. This can result in a faster and less complicated claims process, as you don't have to coordinate between multiple insurers.
The benefits of travel insurance with primary medical coverage include not only emergency medical and dental care but also additional protections such as baggage protection, trip cancellation coverage, and travel delay coverage. These benefits can provide peace of mind and financial relief in the event of unexpected costs or situations during your trip.
It is worth noting that the specific benefits and coverage limits of travel insurance with primary coverage can vary depending on the plan and provider. For example, Allianz offers primary coverage as part of their travel insurance plans, and Travelex offers primary medical coverage with various benefits, including no deductibles in most states. Additionally, certain premium travel credit cards may offer limited medical coverage, but standalone travel medical insurance may still be necessary.
Before purchasing travel insurance with primary coverage, it is essential to carefully review the policy documents and understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and any additional benefits offered. It is also recommended to choose a provider with a 24-hour contact line to ensure accessibility during emergencies.
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Travel insurance without primary coverage
Travel insurance is highly recommended when travelling abroad, as it can provide crucial protection against unexpected illnesses or injuries. While some travellers rely on their primary health insurance plans, these often offer little to no coverage outside of their home country. For example, U.S. citizens with Medicare or Medicaid will find that these plans do not cover medical costs overseas.
Primary coverage, as part of travel insurance, offers a less complicated claims process. It allows you to file your claims directly with the provider, without having to go through other policies you hold, like your private health insurance. This can result in quicker reimbursements and save you the trouble of coordinating between multiple insurers.
However, it is possible to obtain travel insurance without primary coverage. Secondary coverage on a travel insurance plan is most common, and it will reimburse you after any other collectible benefits, such as your primary health insurance. If you do not have primary health insurance, secondary coverage will act as the primary coverage. Companies like Travelex and Allianz offer travel insurance plans with secondary coverage.
When purchasing travel insurance without primary coverage, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions. Make sure you understand your travel insurance plan fully to avoid any confusion or frustration in the event of a claim. Check if your insurance company has a 24-hour contact line, so that you can reach them if needed. Additionally, be aware of any limitations or exclusions in the coverage, such as specific countries or types of incidents that may not be covered.
In conclusion, while travel insurance with primary coverage offers a more straightforward claims process, it is possible to obtain travel insurance without it. Travellers should carefully consider their needs and review the details of their chosen insurance plan to ensure they have the necessary protection during their trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get travel insurance without medical coverage. Non-medical travel insurance covers trip cancellations, delays, accidents, and other unforeseen events. It is important to carefully read the fine print of your policy to understand the specific coverage provided.
Some companies that offer non-medical travel insurance include Surex, Allianz, and Cigna. When choosing a travel insurance provider, it is important to select a credible company that offers 24-hour emergency assistance and has a good claims process.
Non-medical travel insurance can provide financial peace of mind and help safeguard your financial investment in your trip. It can cover unexpected costs due to trip cancellations, delays, or accidents. It is also usually more affordable than medical travel insurance.
