Jane Dotson
When travelling internationally, it is important to have the right medical travel insurance to ensure you are covered in the event of an accident or emergency. There are many options available for travellers, with some of the best international travel insurance companies offering $1 million or more in evacuation coverage, and up to $50,000 in trip cancellation, interruption and medical coverage. Some companies also offer a cancel for any reason add-on. It is important to do your research and choose a policy that is tailored to your specific needs and travel requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Travelex |
| Best for Preexisting Conditions | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best Cost | WorldTrips |
| Best Customer Service | Seven Corners |
| Best for Trip Cancellation and Interruption | Allianz |
| Best Designed Plans | Plans that cover hospitalization, surgeries, physician office visits, ambulance services, prescription medications |
| Coverage | Medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation and interruption, lost or destroyed bags, dental, ambulance services, prescription medications |
| Number of Trips | Single-trip or multi-trip coverage |
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What You'll Learn
Single-trip vs multi-trip coverage
When it comes to travel insurance, you have two primary options: a single-trip insurance plan and a multi-trip insurance plan.
Single-Trip Insurance
A single-trip insurance policy provides coverage for a single trip, whether it's domestic or international. This type of insurance is ideal if you're sure you'll only take one holiday during the year. It can cover important things like trip delays, missed connections, lost bags, medical emergencies, and more. The coverage limits vary, so it's essential to check the details before purchasing. Single-trip insurance is a good option if you want tailored coverage for a specific trip and don't plan on travelling multiple times a year.
Multi-Trip Insurance
Multi-trip insurance, also known as annual travel insurance, covers multiple trips taken within a year. The overall limit of these plans is usually 365 days, and each trip is typically covered for up to 180 days. This type of insurance is convenient if you have multiple trips planned or frequently travel for work or business. It eliminates the need to take a policy every time you travel and reduces the risk of being left without coverage. Multi-trip insurance can also be more cost-effective if you take more than two holidays a year. However, it may not be as comprehensive as single-trip insurance, as the coverage is spread across multiple trips. Additionally, age limits and pre-existing medical conditions can make annual cover more expensive.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between single-trip and multi-trip insurance, consider the duration and frequency of your travels, the level of coverage you need, and your travel destinations. Evaluate coverage limits, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and additional benefits like emergency evacuation and personal liability. Compare premiums and deductibles to find the policy that offers the best value and peace of mind for your specific travel needs.
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Emergency medical evacuation
When travelling internationally, it is important to consider purchasing travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. This is because your domestic health insurance may have limited or no coverage outside your home country.
Medical evacuation insurance provides essential peace of mind for travellers, especially in areas with limited healthcare. It covers the potentially high costs of emergency transportation to a medical facility equipped to handle serious health issues. This is crucial if you require transportation for immediate medical care during your trip, as you can be transported to the nearest adequate medical facility, or even to a hospital of your choice closer to home. This type of insurance is particularly useful for those visiting remote or under-resourced locations where high-quality medical care is unavailable. It can also help you avoid significant out-of-pocket costs for emergency transport, which can be extremely expensive without insurance. For example, the national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000, and flights to remote places can be even more costly.
When purchasing medical evacuation insurance, it is important to carefully review the terms of the policy. While medical evacuation insurance is typically included in travel insurance policies, the exact terms can vary. Some policies may offer more comprehensive coverage, such as transportation to a hospital of your choice, while others may only cover transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility. Additionally, some plans may also cover the cost of changing your flight or booking new travel arrangements if you need to return home for treatment. It is also worth noting that medical evacuation insurance is sometimes included with premium travel credit cards, so be sure to check your existing benefits before purchasing additional coverage.
When choosing a travel insurance company, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for extensive coverage for an international trip, Seven Corners offers 24/7 emergency assistance and has received positive reviews from customers. Their Trip Protection Choice plan (also known as the Elite plan in select states) is a good option for comprehensive coverage. Travelex is another highly-regarded company, offering a range of plans, including medical-specific and flight-focused policies, as well as budget-friendly options. WorldTrips is also worth considering, as they provide affordable quotes and comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation and repatriation. Allianz is a well-known company with a range of policies for international trips, including annual policies and a rental car-specific policy. GeoBlue is another option, providing international medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield Travel health insurance coverage around the globe.
In summary, when travelling internationally, it is crucial to have travel medical expense insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. This will provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a medical emergency during your trip. Be sure to carefully review the terms of your policy and choose a reputable company that meets your specific needs and preferences.
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Trip cancellation and interruption
Trip Cancellation:
Trip cancellation insurance covers you in the event that you need to cancel your trip before your departure. This could include reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses such as trip deposits, flight change fees, and other prepaid travel arrangements. The reasons for cancellation must be covered by your plan, and it is important to review the specific terms and conditions of your policy. Some common covered reasons for trip cancellation include illness, injury, or unforeseen events such as natural disasters or travel advisories.
Trip Interruption:
Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, comes into effect after you have departed for your trip. It provides coverage if you need to return home early or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. This could include reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip, as well as additional transportation costs to rejoin your trip or return home. Like trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption coverage typically applies to specific reasons outlined in your policy, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or travel advisories.
When considering international travel insurance, it is essential to review the coverage limits and exclusions for both trip cancellation and interruption. Look for policies that offer robust coverage for these scenarios, as international trips tend to be more expensive. Additionally, consider the overall rating, customer reviews, and the reputation of the insurance provider.
Some highly-rated international travel insurance companies that offer comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption coverage include:
- Travelex: Offers a range of plans, including medical-specific, flight-focused, budget-friendly, and well-rounded single-trip plans.
- Seven Corners: Known for its excellent customer service, with 24/7 emergency assistance and positive user reviews. Offers single-trip and extensive coverage options for international trips.
- Nationwide: Provides a variety of plans, including cruise-specific choices and a Prime plan with cancel-for-any-reason coverage.
- Allianz Travel Insurance: Features the Cancel Anytime policy, offering up to 80% reimbursement on prepaid, non-refundable trip costs and the ability to cancel until the day of departure.
- International Travel Medical Plus (UnitedHealthcare): A combination protection plan that includes travel medical insurance and travel protection, with coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for eligible medical expenses.
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Dental and medical coverage
When it comes to international travel, it's important to ensure you have the right insurance coverage for your health and dental needs. Here are some key considerations and recommendations for dental and medical coverage while travelling:
Dental Coverage
Most basic travel insurance plans include emergency dental coverage, but the extent of coverage varies. Typically, dental coverage is provided as a component of emergency medical coverage in comprehensive plans, with a specified maximum coverage amount. This means that if you experience a dental emergency, such as a cracked or broken tooth, you can be reimbursed for the costs of emergency dental care up to the specified limit. It's important to note that dental add-ons usually offer more comprehensive emergency coverage. Routine dental appointments and pre-existing conditions are generally not covered by travel insurance. Additionally, there may be limitations for injuries sustained during high-risk activities or when travelling to areas with political unrest or environmental dangers.
Medical Coverage
Travel insurance companies typically offer emergency medical coverage with a specified limit. This coverage is designed to protect you from unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies, that may occur during your trip. It is important to note that travel medical insurance policies are meant to supplement your primary health plan. If you do not have health coverage, these plans can act as primary insurance while abroad. Comprehensive travel insurance plans can cover big-ticket items such as hospitalisation, surgeries, physician office visits, ambulance services, and prescription medications. Some companies also offer medical evacuation coverage, which can be crucial in certain situations.
Recommended Insurance Providers
When considering international travel insurance, there are several reputable companies that offer comprehensive coverage, including:
- Travelex: Offers a range of plans, including medical-specific, flight-focused, budget-friendly, and single-trip options.
- Allianz: Provides trip protection for cancellations, emergency medical, and more, with plans starting at $27.
- GeoBlue: Provides access to Blue Cross Blue Shield Travel health insurance coverage worldwide, even if you're not currently enrolled in a Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan.
- Berkshire Hathaway: Offers single-trip plans and specialty insurance, with seven out of eight plans providing a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if specific criteria are met.
- WorldTrips: Features affordable single-trip plans with coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, lost bags, and missed connections.
Choosing the Right Plan
When selecting a travel insurance plan, it is essential to carefully review the coverage details, exclusions, and limitations. Consider your specific needs and potential risks associated with your trip. Additionally, if you have existing health or dental insurance, check with your provider to understand their international coverage policies. By taking the time to research and compare different plans, you can ensure that you have the necessary dental and medical coverage for your travels.
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Insurance for pre-existing conditions
When it comes to international travel, it is always a good idea to buy travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance policies usually won't pay for medical bills or claims related to your past medical history. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, you can be covered for problems related to pre-existing conditions during your trip.
A pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver is an important consideration when buying travel insurance. This waiver is a statement that says the travel insurance company cannot examine your recent medical records when reviewing a medical-related claim. There are a few requirements to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. First, you must be medically fit to travel. Second, you must buy coverage at the time of your first trip deposit or shortly thereafter (the timeframe varies by company). Third, the amount of coverage must be equal to all prepaid, non-refundable costs. For example, if you put down a 50% deposit, you must buy travel insurance within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for the waiver. It is best to buy travel insurance immediately after booking your trip and make sure the policy includes the exclusion waiver. There is typically no extra cost for the waiver.
If you don't qualify for a waiver, a travel insurance company has the right to look back at the traveller's medical records from the last 60 to 180 days (this time frame varies by plan) to determine whether you are filing a claim related to a pre-existing condition. This process will then determine whether the claim will be covered or not.
Some of the best travel insurance companies for pre-existing medical conditions include Allianz, Travel Guard by AIG, RoamRight, and Berkshire Hathaway. Allianz offers affordable plans starting at $27, and you can compare plans and buy them online. Berkshire Hathaway has three main single-trip insurance plan options and seven out of eight plans from this provider offer a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if you meet specific criteria.
If you have health insurance in your home country, the first step is to check with your insurance company to establish what kind of coverage you have. Make sure your plan includes benefits for medical expenses incurred internationally and whether medical evacuations are covered. If you do not have health coverage, travel medical insurance plans can act as primary insurance while abroad. These plans can cover hospitalization, surgeries, physician office visits, ambulance services, and prescription medications.
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Frequently asked questions
The best medical travel insurance for international travel depends on your needs. Travelex, Allianz, WorldTrips, Berkshire Hathaway, and Seven Corners are all highly-rated companies offering international travel insurance.
Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you’re abroad. This includes hospitalisation, surgeries, ambulance services, and prescription medications. It does not cover routine expenses, such as teeth cleaning.
In most cases, your domestic health insurance will not cover your medical treatment abroad. Travel medical insurance is designed to fill the gaps in your primary health insurance coverage while travelling internationally.
You can compare plans and providers online to find the best travel insurance for your trip. Consider factors such as the coverage limits, the company's customer service reputation, and whether the plan includes benefits for medical expenses incurred internationally.
