Travel Medical Insurance

Emergencies abroad come in all shapes and sizes. As a full-time traveler, I have had my share of snafu’s while far from home.

From ATM machines eating my debit cards in Thailand, to emergency surgery in Switzerland. Traveling isn’t always peachy, so you must be prepared for when things go sour! International travel medical insurance is the most important part of any trip insurance plan.

What Is International Travel and Medical Insurance

Travel Insurance is just what it sounds like– insurance to cover a wide range of incident’s for travelers. You never know what could happen while traveling– especially overseas. Medical travel insurance is the key element you need in your plan to keep you safe. Travel medical insurance can include a variety of elements to keep you healthy while traveling internationally and outside of your primary medical insurance coverage areas.

Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance

You could become sick and be unable to fly before an expensive vacation, or your appendix may need to be removed while skiing the Swiss Alps (this is what happened to me). You need to be protected against these unpredictable and unfortunate events.

Traveling can be expensive, therefore, you want to make sure you are insured for emergencies. I personally never leave home without my travel insurance policy in place.

Before you take off, make sure you have your travel medical insurance to protect you abroad

What Travel Insurance Can Cover

Travel Insurance can cover a variety of scenarios such as emergency medical needs, delayed trips, lost or stolen luggage, theft, trip cancellation, and so much more.

Should You Purchase Travel Medical Insurance Per Trip or Yearly?

I recommend if you travel internationally more than twice a year, you buy a yearly plan. My yearly plan only costs about $260/year. Recently, in Switzerland my yearly policy covered my entire emergency appendectomy surgery, my prescriptions, and a business class ticket for a lay flat bed back home.

Watch The Video Below to See How Travel Medical Insurance Saved Me During a Medical Emergency

Travel & MEDICAL Insurance Must-Haves

Accident and Sickness Medical Expenses. This is the most important part of your plan and should cover at least $50,000. Although the most common emergency surgeries can easily be covered by $50,000, it’s important to note that if you were in an accident you could easily need $100,000 or more in travel medical insurance, so be sure to max out this part of your policy. You also want to make sure the medical portion of your travel insurance covers “medical evacuation”.
Trip Delay. If your trip is delayed your policy can provide reimbursements for accommodation and necessary items such as clothing and toiletries.
Lost Luggage. If your luggage is lost, your insurance can reimburse your lost items.
Theft. My iPhone was stolen in Italy, and my travel insurance helped with the cost of purchasing a new one.
Accidental Death or Permanent Disability. Just as important as medical expenses.
Trip Cancellation. If you have to work or have an emergency, your insurance policy may be able to help.
Lost Passport/Travel Documents. If you lose your passport, some travel insurance companies will provide assistance.
Baggage Delay. You may be entitled to reimbursement for clothing and toiletries.
Missed Connection. If you are stuck due to a missed connection, your insurance may offer benefits and reimbursements.
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation. This coverage will return you or your remains to your home country.
World Wide Travel Assistance. Great Travel Insurance companies offer so much more than medical travel insurance and reimbursement when travel goes wrong. Often, their experts can help direct you if any less-than-ideal situations arise.

International travel insurance is vital to make any trip a success. Travel Medical Insurance can protect you from future emergencies abroad

Travel & Medical Insurance Tips:

Don’t skimp on insurance. You do not want to go with the lowest cost provider and you do NOT book through your airline. The verbiage is made to protect THEM and not you.

If you don’t book with a reliable travel insurance provider you may experience the following issues:

You may not have the opportunity to choose your own medical facility
Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by travel insurance
Travel medical insurance policy may not cover hazardous activities such a bungee jumping and SCUBA diving
Claim limits for luggage, medical costs, and medical evacuation may be capped below what you need