By Kimberly Conley, Senior Employee Benefits Specialist
During this unprecedented time of our global crisis, our focus has turned to maintaining the health of ourselves and our families. Travel outside of the USA for vacation & leisure trips has been limited and important trip details are off the radar for most folks.
As we all return to some sense of normalcy, many of us plan on vacationing outside of the USA. However, most employer/group medical policies and/or individual medical policies do not provide any coverage for the costs of medical emergency services outside of the USA. Your trip planning should include reviewing the specific provisions of your policies for this type of unique coverage.
What Do I Do If My Health Plan Doesn’t Cover International Travel?
The level of international medical coverage provided by your domestic insurance provider can vary greatly depending on your plan, so you may have very limited coverage or no coverage at all. If you find that your current health plan doesn’t cover international travel, a Travel Medical Policy may be the solution. When traveling internationally, Travel Medical Insurance protects you in the event of an illness or injury by providing key medical benefits in case of an emergency. Your Keller Stonebraker Insurance Account Manager can help you find insurance carriers that offer Travel Medical Policies.
What Does a Travel Medical Policy Typically Include?
Listed below is a summary of some of the features of most Travel Medical Policies:
- 24-hour Concierge Services;
- Coverage For Accident & Sickness For Acute Medical Conditions;
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Back To Your Home Country;
- Repatriation Of Remains Back To The Home Country.
What Happens If I Don’t Have A Travel Medical Policy?
Traveling abroad provides exciting experiences and life long memories, but illnesses and accidents can happen. If your primary insurance does not cover medical emergencies while traveling or if you forget to purchase a Travel Medical Policy, you will be responsible to pay out-of-pocket (more than likely the cash exchange rate) for all medical services to the medical provider and/or facility upon services rendered. Two recent incidents occurred where accidents and illness resulted in the individuals paying out-of-pocket for claims totaling $15,000 and $25,000 directly to the medical providers before being released to return back to their home country.
What Does It Cost?
The average Travel Medical Policy costs $150.00 per person for a 2 week trip outside of the USA. Most Travel Medical insurance carriers offer online enrollment & ability to print your policy certificate upon purchase.
Peace of Mind
Although one hopes they never to have to use a Travel Medical Policy, but having the peace of mind knowing you and your family are protected for an unforeseen medical catastrophe, you will be able to enjoy your vacation experience & have memories for a lifetime.
It’s worth repeating, please contact your Keller Stonebraker Insurance Account Manager for links to insurance carriers that offer Travel Medical Policies!
Be Well & Safe Travels!