Haris Ashley
When travelling, it is always a good idea to have travel medical insurance to protect yourself from unpredictable illnesses and accidents and their overwhelming medical bills. Travel medical insurance covers healthcare costs incurred overseas, including hospital stays, medical evacuations, doctor visits, and prescription medication. It is also important to note that US health insurance is rarely accepted outside of the country. There are many companies that offer travel medical insurance, including IMG, Allianz Global Assistance, InsureMyTrip, and MedJet Assist. These companies offer a range of benefits, such as 24/7 assistance, worldwide networks of pre-screened hospitals, and evacuation coverage. When choosing a travel medical insurance company, it is important to compare policies, considering factors such as coverage limits, exclusions, premiums, and customer reviews, to ensure that the plan aligns with your specific travel plans and health needs.
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What You'll Learn
Comprehensive vs. medical-only plans
When shopping for travel medical insurance, you'll need to decide between a comprehensive coverage plan and a limited coverage plan. Comprehensive plans are ideal for older or higher-risk travellers, those looking for extensive coverage, or those travelling to a country with high healthcare costs, such as the USA. Comprehensive coverage plans provide a greater amount of coverage and leave the insured with less liability. They cover a wide variety of medical costs, including the cost of inpatient and outpatient treatment, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and the cost of supplies and equipment. They also often extend into the emergency medical and dental space.
On the other hand, limited coverage plans are budget-friendly and offer minimal protection, making them ideal for short trips, younger travellers, or those with low health risks. Limited coverage plans provide fixed benefits, meaning the cost for treatment or services is predetermined and paid per incident. They are typically less expensive but do not offer as much coverage. While they cover emergency situations, they usually won't cover basic check-ups or preventative care.
When deciding between a comprehensive and a limited plan, it's important to consider your age, health conditions, budget, length of travel, and the benefits you are looking for. It's also crucial to carefully review the policy documents to understand the covered benefits and exclusions before making a purchase.
Some highly-rated travel insurance companies that offer comprehensive and medical-only plans include:
- Seven Corners: Offers a variety of travel insurance plans, including medical-only, cruise-specific, multi-trip, and single-trip options. Their Trip Protection Choice plan provides the most thorough travel medical insurance.
- Travelex: Offers single-trip travel insurance plans with optional add-on upgrades, including cancel for any reason, adventure sports, and pet coverage. Their highest-tier Ultimate plan includes up to $250,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage.
- WorldTrips: Provides three main travel insurance options with add-on upgrades for cancel for any reason, interrupt for any reason, pet care, and adventure sports. Their Atlas Journey Elevate plan offers the highest coverage limits, including up to $1 million for medical evacuation and repatriation.
- IMG: Offers the Patriot Travel Series with various levels of coverage for individuals, families, and groups who need temporary medical insurance while travelling internationally.
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Coverage for pre-existing conditions
When it comes to travel insurance, a pre-existing condition refers to an injury, illness, or medical condition that led you to seek treatment, experience symptoms, or take medication before purchasing the travel insurance policy. The "look-back" period, or the time before purchasing a travel insurance plan, typically ranges from 60 to 180 days. If there were any changes in your health status during this time, such as a new diagnosis or prescription medication, the condition is typically considered pre-existing.
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, eligible travellers can obtain a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver, which removes this exclusion. This waiver is crucial for travellers with chronic illnesses or recent diagnoses, ensuring coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, or medical treatment related to their pre-existing condition. To obtain this waiver, travellers typically need to meet specific criteria, such as purchasing the policy early (usually within 10 to 21 days of the initial trip payment) and being medically stable when buying the plan.
While some comprehensive travel insurance plans automatically include this waiver, others offer it as an optional upgrade. It's important to carefully review the specific eligibility requirements and coverage details, as they vary across policies and providers. Some conditions, even with a waiver, may not be covered by certain travel insurance companies.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is still possible to obtain travel insurance. Some specialist travel insurance providers, such as AllClear, Seven Corners, Berkshire Hathaway, and WorldTrips, offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. These providers may require you to answer screening questions about your medical condition and treatment to individualise your policy. While some mainstream insurers also cover some medical conditions, specialist providers may be better equipped to meet your specific needs.
When choosing a travel insurance policy with pre-existing condition coverage, consider factors such as reimbursement limits, eligibility windows, and lookback periods. Additionally, ensure your plan includes adequate emergency medical coverage, ideally $50,000 or more for international travel. Remember to read the policy documents thoroughly and consult with insurance advisers to ensure you meet all the requirements and understand the coverage provided.
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Emergency medical evacuation
While it may not be top of mind when planning a vacation, emergency medical evacuation insurance is included in many travel insurance policies and is well worth considering. This type of coverage is especially important if you are travelling to remote destinations, participating in adventure sports, or engaging in hazardous activities. In these scenarios, higher levels of coverage, such as $250,000 or more, are recommended to account for the potentially higher costs of evacuation and medical care.
When selecting a travel insurance company, it is essential to review the specific coverage limits and exclusions of their emergency medical evacuation policies. For example, some policies may not cover medical evacuations related to pre-existing conditions or certain excluded activities. Additionally, documentation from a legally licensed physician is typically required to justify emergency evacuation, so it is important to understand the requirements beforehand.
Several travel insurance companies stand out for their emergency medical evacuation offerings. Travelex, for instance, offers an Ultimate plan that includes up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Similarly, WorldTrips' Atlas Journey Elevate plan provides up to $1 million in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, earning high ratings from customers. Seven Corners also offers emergency medical evacuation coverage of up to $1 million, along with highly praised customer service and efficient claims handling.
For international business travellers, IMG is a reliable choice, offering access to high-quality healthcare, medical benefits, and personalized services. Their Patriot Travel Series provides various levels of coverage for unexpected illnesses or emergencies, ensuring that travellers receive the support they need while abroad.
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Trip cancellation and interruption
Travelex:
Travelex is recognised as the Best International Travel Insurance Company by US News, offering a range of plans that include robust trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Their plans provide up to $50,000 in trip cancellation and $75,000 in trip interruption protection. Travelex receives positive reviews for its straightforward processes and friendly customer service agents.
Nationwide:
Nationwide is a reputable travel insurance provider, offering flexibility for spontaneous travellers. Their Prime Plan is highly recommended, featuring trip cancellation coverage of up to $30,000 and trip interruption coverage of up to $60,000. Nationwide receives positive feedback for its helpful customer service representatives and efficient handling of travel insurance claims. However, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with delays in the claims process.
Seven Corners:
Seven Corners is known for its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 emergency assistance to travellers. Their Trip Protection Choice plan (also known as the Elite plan in certain states) provides extensive coverage for international trips, including trip cancellation and interruption protection. While specific coverage limits are not mentioned, they offer a range of optional add-ons, including Interruption for Any Reason, which allows reimbursement of up to 75% of unused non-refundable deposits.
Allianz Global Assistance:
Allianz Global Assistance is a well-established travel insurance company, offering a variety of single-trip and annual policies. Their OneTrip Cancellation Plus plan is ideal for domestic travellers seeking affordable protection for trip cancellation and interruption, although it does not include emergency medical or lost baggage coverage.
IMG:
IMG is a trusted travel insurance provider, particularly for international travellers. Their Patriot America Platinum plan is tailored for non-US citizens visiting the US, offering comprehensive coverage for unexpected medical expenses, emergency evacuations, and pre-existing medical conditions. While specific trip interruption coverage limits are not mentioned, IMG receives praise for its timely reimbursement and easy claims process.
When considering travel insurance, it's important to review the specific coverage limits, exclusions, and optional add-ons offered by each company. Additionally, reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the claims process, customer service, and overall satisfaction with the chosen travel insurance provider.
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Customer service and support
When it comes to travel medical insurance, customer service and support are essential features to consider when choosing a provider. Efficient and reliable customer assistance can provide peace of mind and make a significant difference during your trip. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
24/7 Availability:
The ability to reach customer support at any time of day or night is invaluable, especially when dealing with time zone differences. Some companies, like Allianz, offer award-winning 24/7 assistance, ensuring that you can get help whenever you need it. This feature is crucial for addressing emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise during your travels.
Multilingual Support:
If you are travelling to a country where English is not widely spoken, having access to multilingual customer support can be a game-changer. WorldTrips, for example, provides travel assistance services in multiple languages, making it easier for you to communicate your needs and navigate local systems.
Efficient Claims Handling:
A smooth and efficient claims process can significantly reduce stress during your trip. Look for companies with a reputation for handling claims efficiently and effectively. Seven Corners, for instance, has received high praise from previous travellers for their customer service representatives' ability to answer questions and handle claims efficiently.
Comprehensive Information:
Opt for companies that provide comprehensive information about their policies and coverage limits. Transparent and detailed explanations of what is covered and what is excluded will help you make informed decisions. Allianz, for instance, offers an interactive map on its website that provides up-to-date information on travel rules, restrictions, COVID-19 regulations, and more for various destinations.
Personalised Service:
Some companies offer personalised services that cater to your specific needs and preferences. For instance, IMG (International Medical Group) offers various options to match your budget and requirements, ensuring a tailored experience.
When choosing a travel medical insurance company, carefully review their customer service offerings and consider selecting one that aligns with your unique needs and travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
Some reputable travel medical insurance companies include Allianz Global Assistance, IMG, InsureMyTrip, and MedJet. Allianz offers affordable plans starting at $27, 24/7 assistance, and an app with features such as real-time safety alerts and a hospital finder. IMG offers reasonable premiums, a user-friendly online application process, and a timely and easy claims process. InsureMyTrip allows you to compare top plans and providers and offers unbiased recommendations based on customer reviews. MedJet offers evacuation coverage, evacuating you back to your home area if you are more than 150 miles from home.
When looking for a travel medical insurance plan, it is important to compare policies from reputable providers and consider factors such as coverage limits, exclusions, premiums, and customer reviews. It is also essential to choose a plan that aligns with your specific travel plans and health needs. For example, if you are concerned about emergency medical and transport back to your home country, ensure that your plan includes this coverage.
Travel medical insurance costs can vary depending on the plan and provider, but they can be affordable. Some plans start as low as $1/day or $27, while others may cost around $60 for a 3 to 4-week trip for two people.
Travel medical insurance is important, especially when travelling internationally, as your domestic health insurance may not provide adequate coverage abroad. Travel medical insurance can help cover healthcare costs incurred overseas, including hospital stays, medical evacuations, doctor visits, and prescription medication. It can also provide peace of mind and reduce stress by ensuring coverage for the duration of your trip.
