What is travel medical insurance?
Travel medical insurance is a subcategory of insurance that becomes valuable in case you face an illness or injury in a foreign location. This type of insurance provides multiple benefits when needed.
Travelling abroad is an exciting experience; however, a sudden illness can spoil it. Along with that, heavy medical expenses can worsen the situation. Due to this reason, you should always have medically insurance when travelling.
Why do you need a travel medical insurance?
A travel medical insurance helps you in paying hospital bills, that include doctor visits and hospital stays while you are travelling. In case of an emergency where you need to be flown to another hospital, it will be taken care of.
Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?
Keep in mind that regular healthcare like teeth cleaning are not medically insured. However, if you have been living outside the U.S. for a period of time like expats or if you travel frequently for work, then you may opt for a special insurance plan that will support you in your regular healthcare as well. This type of insurance is not considered as travel medical insurance.
Each of the two insurances will cover the costs of the family members you are travelling with. If your family member gets sick if you want to call your family member from another place, the insurance would cover the travel costs. Family members generally include his/her spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents.
Are natural disasters and pandemics covered by travel medical insurance?
Usually, natural disasters like earthquakes, floods etc. are covered in it. However, pandemics and countries with a “Level 4 Do Not Travel” warning from the U.S. Department of State usually aren’t covered by it. Hence, always make sure that you check your policy to see the list of things covered in it.
What is the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?
A travel insurance is a broader category that includes a variety of things other than covering medical expenses.
One of the major differences is that a travel medical insurance gives no benefit of trip cancellations, and therefore it’s cheaper than a comprehensive travel insurance.
| Type of Coverage | Travel Medical Insurance | Comprehensive Travel Insurance |
| Canceling Your Trip | ❌ | ✔ |
| Delays in Your Trip | Restricted | ✔ |
| Emergency Evacuation for Medical Reasons | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lost Baggage | Restricted | ✔ |
| 24/7 Assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Accidental Death Coverage | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental Car Insurance | ❌ | ✔ |
How much does medical travel insurance cost?
The cost of a medical travel insurance depends on several factors including your age, place of residence, the country you are visiting, and features the insurance will cover. The insurance usually covers 7% of your total trip cost. If your trip costs $3500, then the insurance would be approximately $245 (7% of $3500).
What does a travel medical insurance cover?
Here are the list of things you can get with different plans.
- Emergency medical expenses – coverage of $50,000 to $2,000,000
- Emergency dental expenses – around $100 to $500
- Medical evacuation – ranging from $500,000 to unlimited
- Accidental death or reimbursement – up to $50,000
- 24/7 services – helps find you a doctor in a foreign country
- Trip interruption – from $0 to $10,000
- Baggage loss – ranging from $0 to $10,000 per item
However, keep in mind that coverage amounts can vary broadly between insurance policies.
How much travel medical insurance do I need
Choosing the right insurance depends on the type of coverage your trip needs. For that, you need to differentiate between primary and secondary coverage.
| Primary coverage | Secondary coverage |
| First, file your claim with travel insurance | File claim with your regular health insurance first |
| Then pay your medical bills | Send a denial notice from your regular insurance to the travel insurer |
| Submit the claim to your travel insurance |
Along with that, you should also consider the type of policy you want.
| Single-trip coverage | Multi-trip coverage |
| Covers only 1 trip. It maybe of a few days or many weeks. | It covers multiple trips over a year. |
| The coverage would end when you return back home. | You can travel as much as you want within the coverage period. You must not exceed the 30 days or 90 days allowance. |
| You would need to purchase a new policy for each trip. | It is more cost-effective for frequent travellers or expats. |
Do You Need U.S. Health Insurance for Travel Medical Insurance?
This totally depends on the plan you choose. If you plan a single trip and it is of primary coverage, then you do not need a U.S. health insurance. However, if it is secondary and multi-trip plan, then you must attain a primary health insurance plan.
How to get travel medical insurance
You may choose a suitable plan from renowned platforms like Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip, or Travel Guard. Check if the state you live in, offers this insurance.
Some credit cards already give you some insurance. If its coverage meets your needs, then you wouldn’t need to purchase extra insurance for yourself. However, keep in notice that a credit card travel insurance would not cover pre-existing conditions, so check your card’s terms.
Is travel medical insurance worth it
So, this is a question you should probably ask yourself. Is it worth it? If yes, what are you waiting for? Go get your hands on the right plan and enjoy your vacations!
FAQs
1. Where can I get travel medical insurance?
You can get travel medical insurance from major insurers like Allianz or AXA, comparison websites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip, travel agencies, or some credit card companies.
2. How can I get medical insurance when you travel abroad?
Research and compare plans online through providers or comparison websites, then purchase a policy that meets your needs.
3. What is the best medical insurance for visitors to the USA?
Providers like Allianz, Travel Guard, and IMG offer comprehensive plans for visitors to the USA. Compare coverage and reviews to find the best fit.
4. Where can foreigners get travel insurance in the USA?
Foreigners can purchase travel insurance through U.S.-based insurers, comparison websites, or travel agencies that offer international coverage.
5. What is the cheapest travel medical insurance in the USA?
The cheapest options vary, but companies like World Nomads and Seven Corners often offer affordable plans. Compare prices and coverage to find the best value.
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