Overview
International travel medical insurance is international travel insurance that provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, trip interruption, accidental death and dismemberment and more while traveling outside the home country. Many private and government-sponsored domestic health insurance plans provide excellent coverage within the United States. However, they are not intended to provide comprehensive coverage while traveling abroad. Many domestic companies don't provide any medical coverage for international travel, and the ones that do have quite limited coverage, with a high deductible and coinsurance. They are usually not experienced or equipped to deal with different languages, currency conversion, time zone differences, international claims administration and usually don't cover emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains or emergency reunion.
On page three of the U.S. passport, the U.S. State Department clearly advises passport holders that Medicare and most U.S. health insurance companies don't provide emergency medical travel insurance coverage while abroad. Before traveling, make sure to find out the exact benefits or lack of benefits your current health insurance provides while traveling abroad. Many health insurance plans offer little or no medical coverage while traveling domestically outside your coverage area, and often offer no coverage when you travel outside your home country.
Coverage through Homeowner's Policy
You should carefully review your homeowner's insurance policy to find out the amount of international travel insurance they provide. Homeowner's and rental insurance policies often have high deductible in case of lost or stolen baggage when traveling.
Coverage through Credit Card
Travel insurance through credit cards is usually limited to coverage for flight accident, car rental damage, or for accidental death and dismemberment while traveling. Also, such protection is available only when you pay for travel with that particular credit card. Most credit cards don't provide any coverage for travel medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, or trip interruption.
International Travel Insurance
International travel insurance is specifically designed to provide excellent coverage for international travel. As international travel health insurance companies specialize in this business, they are able to provide you with the services you need, when you need them the most. The best travel medical insurance plans also offer worldwide 24-hour emergency assistance in multiple languages. They are usually able to help you get access to legal assistance, prescription drug refills, emergency cash, and much more.
You can purchase travel health insurance any time up to the departure date, or even after departing for your trip. In most policies, coverage can start as early as the next business day, or any future date you specify. As we have a large portfolio of international medical insurance plans, we have many options for anyone traveling abroad from any country or residing any country. Travel medical insurance cost will depend upon the plan you choose, but there are options available for most any budget. You can also purchase international travel insurance on behalf of any relative, friend, employee, or anyone else. Single-trip health insurance plans do not require you to have primary medical insurance in your home country to be covered by international health insurance.
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