Jeffrey Wade
Medical travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers emergency medical care expenses incurred while travelling. It is designed to supplement your regular health insurance and protect you from unexpected costs that your health insurance won't cover. It can be purchased as a single-trip or multi-trip plan, with costs depending on factors such as age, length of trip, and type of plan. The amount of coverage you need can depend on factors such as the activities planned, the length of the trip, and personal health conditions. Medical travel insurance typically covers emergency medical treatments, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and in some cases, prescription drugs and emergency evacuation. It is important to note that medical travel insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or preventative care, and it is only valid for the length of your trip.
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What You'll Learn
Single-trip vs. multi-trip coverage
When it comes to coverage for your trips, you have two primary options: a single-trip insurance plan and a multi-trip insurance plan.
A single-trip insurance policy provides coverage for a single trip, whether it's domestic or international. The coverage ends once you return home, and you'll need to buy another policy for future trips. This option is generally more economical and straightforward if you only travel once or twice a year. It is also better if you want coverage for trip costs every time you travel. Additionally, single-trip insurance allows specific customisation for one particular trip and can be cost-effective for brief, infrequent trips.
On the other hand, a multi-trip insurance policy covers multiple trips, usually within a one-year period. These plans are purchased on an annual basis and provide protection for all trips within the policy period, eliminating the need to purchase single-trip insurance repeatedly. Multi-trip coverage is ideal for those who embark on several journeys throughout the year, such as frequent adventurers or business travellers. It offers continuous coverage without the need for a new policy for each trip. This option is more expensive upfront but can be more cost-effective for frequent travellers. It provides broader coverage for various trips but may need add-ons for specific needs.
Multi-trip policies are designed to cover medical emergencies and emergency medical evacuations. They usually have a limit on the length of travel for coverage, typically up to 30, 45, or 90 days per trip.
When deciding between single-trip and multi-trip coverage, consider the duration and frequency of your travels, as well as your specific needs and budget.
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What it covers
Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical care expenses incurred during a trip outside your home country or province. It is meant to supplement your health insurance when you're out of network and typically does not cover pre-existing conditions or preventative care. The coverage offered by travel medical insurance includes:
- Reimbursement for unplanned, emergency medical costs, such as treatment by a physician, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and, in some cases, prescription drugs.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: Coverage for the cost of transportation to a medical facility and, if necessary, back to your home country.
- Dental services: Coverage for emergency dental treatments.
- Trip cancellation, interruption, or delay: Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if your trip is cancelled, interrupted, or delayed due to a covered reason.
- Lost baggage: Coverage for the loss of checked or carry-on baggage.
- Travel assistance: Help in finding and navigating the foreign healthcare system, including looking up local providers in your network.
It's important to note that travel medical insurance does not cover all medical expenses. Common exclusions include treatments for pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, non-emergency ailments, and medical bills incurred after returning home, even if they are related to an illness or injury that began during the trip. Additionally, there may be limits on the total amount of benefit paid per person.
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How much coverage you need
The amount of travel medical insurance coverage you need depends on several factors. These include the activities you plan to do, the length of your trip, and your personal health. If your itinerary includes adventurous activities that increase the chance of injury, you may want to consider a higher level of coverage. Similarly, if you are planning a longer trip, you may want to opt for more extensive coverage as the chances of needing medical care increase with the duration of your trip. Your personal health is another important consideration. If you have pre-existing health conditions or are not in good shape, it is advisable to choose a plan with higher coverage limits.
It is recommended to buy at least $100,000 in travel medical expense coverage. However, the most generous travel insurance plans can offer up to $500,000 per person for emergency medical expenses. If you are older, in poor health, or planning a busy and active vacation, consider choosing a plan with higher limits. Additionally, if you are travelling to a country with high healthcare costs, you may want to opt for a higher coverage limit to ensure you are adequately protected.
When considering how much coverage you need, it is also important to understand what travel medical insurance typically covers. It is designed to cover unexpected emergency medical expenses incurred during your trip, such as treatment by a physician, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and prescription drugs in some cases. Some policies may also include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, trip delays, lost baggage, and other travel-related expenses.
It is worth noting that travel medical insurance does not cover preventative care, routine check-ups, or non-emergency ailments. It also does not cover medical bills incurred after returning home, even if they are related to an illness or injury that began during your trip. Be sure to carefully review the specific exclusions in the policy before purchasing. Common exclusions may include treatments deemed not medically necessary, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures.
Lastly, consider your primary and secondary coverage options. Primary coverage means you can submit a claim to your travel medical insurance company first, while secondary coverage requires you to submit a claim to your primary insurance provider before involving the travel insurance provider. The choice between primary and secondary coverage depends on your personal circumstances and the level of coverage you require.
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Exclusions
- Pre-existing medical conditions — Having a pre-existing condition does not disqualify you from getting travel insurance, but it will have to be considered "stable" for a specified period before your effective date to receive coverage. Some policies may exclude coverage for you if you have a pre-existing condition.
- Risky activities — Some plans may exclude coverage for activities (e.g. skydiving, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting) that are deemed risky. Some policies will only cover sports under specific circumstances, such as Scuba diving only at depths fewer than 10 meters while accompanied by a certified instructor.
- Cruise travel — Cruise travel insurance is not automatically included in travel insurance policies and will usually require an additional premium to be paid to get this cover added to your policy. This exclusion stems from the potentially high costs associated with cruise holidays, such as onboard medical treatment or airlift evacuation.
- Failure to disclose information — Leaving out details about your medical history or plans to participate in a cruise can create a false impression of the risk you pose, which is vital for insurers when deciding on the level of protection you're offered. It is always safer to be upfront about all aspects of your medical history, including any medications you are taking.
- Limits — These are monetary caps on coverage. For example, the policy may cover emergency dental treatment but only up to $500 worth. Anything over that maximum amount you would be responsible for paying.
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How to claim
When it comes to claiming on your medical travel insurance, there are several steps you can take to ensure the process runs smoothly. Here is a detailed guide on how to claim:
Before Your Trip
- Determine how much coverage you need: The amount of travel medical insurance you require depends on factors such as the activities planned, the length of your trip, and your personal health conditions. It is recommended to buy at least $100,000 in travel medical expense coverage, with higher limits suggested for older travellers, those in poor health, or those planning a busy and strenuous vacation.
- Disclose existing health problems: Always inform your insurer about any pre-existing health issues before taking out the insurance. Failure to do so may result in a lack of coverage if you need treatment for these conditions during your trip.
- Understand your policy: Familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of your policy, including any specific exclusions. Know the limits and scope of your coverage to avoid unexpected costs.
- Gather necessary information: Take your insurance policy number and emergency contact details with you when you travel. In case of an emergency, you will know exactly who to contact and can receive assistance promptly.
During Your Trip
- Contact your insurer: In the event of a medical emergency, try to contact your insurer as soon as possible and seek their approval for any treatment. They can help facilitate emergency services and provide assistance with communication.
- Keep documentation: Obtain and retain all receipts for any treatment, medication, or essential items purchased during your trip. Keep a record of expenses to support your claim.
- Report lost or stolen items: In the unfortunate event of losing or having belongings stolen, report the incident to the local police within 24 hours. If this is not feasible, inform someone else, such as your tour representative, hotel manager, or transport provider, and obtain a written report.
After Your Trip
- Submit your claim promptly: File your claim as soon as possible after returning home. Provide detailed documentation, including receipts, medical reports, and any other relevant information.
- Understand the reimbursement process: Be aware of the reimbursement methods offered by your insurance company. Some companies offer direct deposit, cheque, or debit card deposit options, with varying processing times.
- Follow up if needed: In the event that your claim is denied, don't hesitate to contact the company or agent for assistance. You may be able to file an appeal, and it is worth seeking help from the state insurance commissioner or the Better Business Bureau if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Medical travel insurance is a type of insurance designed for people who are travelling and want medical insurance for accidents, injuries, or illnesses that might happen during their trip. It is meant to supplement your health insurance when you are out of network.
Medical travel insurance covers emergency medical, dental, and evacuation services. It can also cover trip cancellation, trip interruptions, or lost baggage. It does not cover preventative care or non-emergency ailments.
You can buy medical travel insurance from a variety of providers. It is best to take out a policy as early as possible, but you can usually buy it up until 24 hours before your departure.
