Healthcare Overseas: Travel Insurance Can Save You and Your Pocketbook
When planning to travel overseas, it is important to make sure that you cover yourself by obtaining travel insurance. Even the Australian government recognizes the importance and advises, “If you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel.” While you may feel that paying the premiums for obtaining a travel insurance policy is extraordinarily expensive, consider the following factors:
- Hospitalizations can cost up to $800 a day in Southeast Asia
- Hospitalizations for just a few days in the United States can run you $40,000 to upwards of $100,000; medical evacuations from the United States can cost upwards of $300,000
- Even medical evacuations from Bali can cost you upwards of $60,000
If you are already feeling as though your head is swimming from these figures, you are not alone. Just thinking about the tens of thousands of dollars you may be held responsible for should you not carry travelling insurance can – and should — cause you to worry. It is vital that you take out a travel insurance policy; otherwise, you could wind up victim of one of the most common causes of bankruptcy: medical expenses.
First, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as a dental problem, pregnancy, or even a chronic illness, you will need to perform your research and find a policy that will cover pre-existing conditions. Be sure you understand what your limits are when it comes to your policy.
Second, be aware that certain medical conditions before you take your trip, but after you have obtained your insurance, can negate the insurance. Such circumstances include:
- Travelling when deemed to be unfit to travel
- Travelling to receive medical treatment
- Pregnancy after 26 weeks or travel with a newborn
You also should note that if your medical practitioner has deemed you unfit to travel, you will be responsible for any expenses incurred for non-cancellation of travel plans.
Third, nearly all travel insurance companies include medical evacuation in their policies. Medical evacuation is when you are transported from the area you are injured or become sick to a hospital of your choosing. Medical evacuation can be quite expensive. Be sure you follow through and find out how much is covered when it comes to medical evacuation avoid travel insurance policies with low limits. As already mentioned, this medical service can be quite costly. You want to be sure you are well-protected.
Fourth, be sure to check medical exclusions. Not only are your extreme sports likely to not be covered by travel insurance, but you should also be aware that you might not be covered if you knowingly travel to an area with a disease outbreak and are then diagnosed with that disease.
Finally, do not skimp on the medical portion of your travel insurance. While you may try to cut corners and save money by purchasing a less expensive premium for a lower monetary limit, you also put yourself at greater financial risk. Purchase the best insurance package you can afford; this is not the area to skimp on, and if you are planning on engaging in risky activities, make sure you purchase the extra insurance. While you should hope for the best, plan for the worst when it comes to potential medical problems on your trip – and you can save your pocketbook.
Healthcare Overseas: Travel Insurance Can Save You and Your Pocketbook
When planning to travel overseas, it is important to make sure that you cover yourself by obtaining travel insurance. Even the Australian government recognizes the importance and advises, “If you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel.” While you may feel that paying the premiums for obtaining a travel insurance policy is extraordinarily expensive, consider the following factors:
-
Hospitalizations can cost up to $800 a day in Southeast Asia
-
Hospitalizations for just a few days in the United States can run you $40,000 to upwards of $100,000; medical evacuations from the United States can cost upwards of $300,000
-
Even medical evacuations from Bali can cost you upwards of $60,000
If you are already feeling as though your head is swimming from these figures, you are not alone. Just thinking about the tens of thousands of dollars you may be held responsible for should you not carry travelling insurance can – and should — cause you to worry. It is vital that you take out a travel insurance policy; otherwise, you could wind up victim of one of the most common causes of bankruptcy: medical expenses.
First, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as a dental problem, pregnancy, or even a chronic illness, you will need to perform your research and find a policy that will cover pre-existing conditions. Be sure you understand what your limits are when it comes to your policy.
Second, be aware that certain medical conditions before you take your trip, but after you have obtained your insurance, can negate the insurance. Such circumstances include:
-
Travelling when deemed to be unfit to travel
-
Travelling to receive medical treatment
-
Pregnancy after 26 weeks or travel with a newborn
You also should note that if your medical practitioner has deemed you unfit to travel, you will be responsible for any expenses incurred for non-cancellation of travel plans.
Third, nearly all travel insurance companies include medical evacuation in their policies. Medical evacuation is when you are transported from the area you are injured or become sick to a hospital of your choosing. Medical evacuation can be quite expensive. Be sure you follow through and find out how much is covered when it comes to medical evacuation avoid travel insurance policies with low limits. As already mentioned, this medical service can be quite costly. You want to be sure you are well-protected.
Fourth, be sure to check medical exclusions. Not only are your extreme sports likely to not be covered by travel insurance, but you should also be aware that you might not be covered if you knowingly travel to an area with a disease outbreak and are then diagnosed with that disease.
Finally, do not skimp on the medical portion of your travel insurance. While you may try to cut corners and save money by purchasing a less expensive premium for a lower monetary limit, you also put yourself at greater financial risk. Purchase the best insurance package you can afford; this is not the area to skimp on, and if you are planning on engaging in risky activities, make sure you purchase the extra insurance. While you should hope for the best, plan for the worst when it comes to potential medical problems on your trip – and you can save your pocketbook.
Related posts:
- Going Overseas? International Travel Insurance Information
- How Travel Insurance Can Save Your Tropical Vacation
- International Travel Insurance: The Fundamentals
- Staying Healthy While Travelling Abroad
- The Overseas Wedding: Travel or Wedding Insurance?
This article contains general advice about travel insurance. The author has not taken into account your financial situation or needs and you should consider whether the advice provided is appropriate for your own circumstances before relying on it.
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Filed Under: Travel Insurance
