Does my regular health insurance cover me on trips abroad?

Does my regular health insurance cover me on trips abroad?

According to a 2017 study conducted by InsureMyTrip, one-third of Americans are unsure whether or not their regular health insurance covers them while traveling outside of the USA. To put that into perspective, that works out to be around 109 million people who have no idea if they already have travel cover or not.

It turns out that most domestic health insurance plans do have some sort of coverage for policyholders, even if it is just partial. Of course, it varies widely from one insurance plan to the next, so it's advisable to check the small print for the details on exactly what you are covered for, and what you're not.

I'm sure most people agree that it makes sense to err on the side of caution when it comes to travel insurance. Taking out a comprehensive plan will only be a minuscule portion of your overall budget when traveling abroad, so it's undoubtedly worth the peace of mind.

You may even find that your credit card comes with complimentary travel insurance as standard, so before you fork out for a new plan, be sure to check with your credit card company.

What is travel insurance, and how does it work?

Travel insurance is a plan that you purchase that covers you for the duration of your trip. It usually covers you for any situation where you may face any risks or losses, such as medical and financial. A few of the most common examples include medical emergencies, lost luggage, theft, trip cancellation, and heavily delayed flights.

Travel insurance can even come in handy if you find yourself in some legal trouble while abroad. Some plans will help to fund criminal defense attorneys if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in such a situation that requires it.

So how does it work? Well, most providers will need you to pay the bill first and then show proof with receipts and invoices. Once they receive sufficient evidence, they will reimburse you for the amount agreed in the contract.

Won't my regular health insurance cover me abroad?

As we just touched upon, it all depends on your policy and the provider. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that health insurance can be a complicated thing. The best bet is to give your current provider a call to see if they will cover you for your trip.

Be sure to have details of your trip to hand, as well as information on any activities or sports you will be taking part in while you're there. Ski trips and extreme sports holidays usually require a premium due to their high-risk nature.

It is worth noting that most Medicaid plans will not cover you while you are traveling abroad, at least not for the full amount of cover you receive domestically.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Absolutely, the price alone is worth the peace of mind. No matter what kind of trip you are going on, there are always potential problems waiting around the corner. Life is unpredictable, so prepare for all outcomes and get yourself some travel insurance so that you can relax and enjoy your trip abroad, carefree.

Why do you need travel insurance?

Considering the cost of travel insurance, it seems like a no brainer when you look at the potential costs and complications of going without. If the worst does happen and you come down with an illness or find yourself injured in an accident, then you must pay for this out of your own pocket.

If you can't front the cost, then you can quickly find yourself in a very precarious situation, especially if you are in a more rural area or a less-developed country.

How much should you pay for travel insurance?

This all depends on the type of cover you are looking for. Some factors that can affect the price of your policy include; the destination of your trip, the activities you will take part in, previous medical history, age, previous claims, and the duration of your trip.

On average, you can expect to pay around 5% of the total pre-trip cost.

Can you fly without travel insurance?

Yes, you can. However, if there is a problem with the flight or if you are delayed, then you will likely not be entitled to any compensation.

How to protect yourself from travel insurance fraud?

Travel insurance fraud occurs when somebody claims for something that did not happen, or exaggerate the value of stolen items/medical costs. For the majority of us, this shouldn't be a concern.

Keep all of your receipts and simply claim for the loss you incurred, nothing more, nothing less.

Things to bear in mind

So there you have it. Buying travel insurance before your trip is an absolute no brainer. The consequences of going without can be severe, so for the sake of a small sum, it is almost always worth opting to take the cover.

When you are taking out your policy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure you're covered. Here are a few areas that you need to pay close attention to when you make your purchase:

● Is your country covered? Some countries are considered "risky" and will not automatically be included.

● The excess - The amount you must pay upon claiming.

● Are your activities covered -Bungee jumping, skydiving, etc

● Cover limits - What is the maximum coverage?

● Do you need extra coverage? - Gadgets and expensive items.

● Duration of your trip - Does your insurance cover you for the whole vacation?