It’s not uncommon for people to seek medical treatment abroad due to various reasons such as access to better healthcare facilities, lower cost of treatment, and availability of alternative treatments not available in their home country.

However, the cost of medical treatment abroad can be a concern for many. This is where insurance comes in handy, and many insurance schemes provide compensation for medical treatment abroad. Below is a guide for insured individuals to understand compensation for medical treatment abroad.

What is medical travel insurance, and why do you need it?

Medical travel insurance is an insurance policy that is designed to cover medical expenses that may be incurred while traveling abroad.

It’s important to have medical travel insurance as it provides financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies while abroad. This can include medical consultations, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, and other medically necessary treatments.

Types of medical travel insurance

There are three types of medical travel insurance:.

Single-trip insurance

Single-trip insurance covers a single trip and is the most common type of medical travel insurance. This insurance policy is valid for a specific period, which is usually between one week to a year.

Multi-trip insurance

Multi-trip insurance covers multiple trips made within a year. It’s suitable for those who travel abroad frequently. This insurance policy can save significant amounts of time and money when traveling frequently.

Long-term insurance

Long-term insurance covers stays abroad over an extended period, usually for three to five years. It’s suitable for individuals who are working abroad or studying in a foreign country.

What does medical travel insurance cover?

Medical travel insurance typically covers the following:.

Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization

It covers emergency medical treatment and hospitalization costs due to illnesses or injuries that happen while traveling abroad.

Medical evacuation and repatriation

It covers the cost of medical evacuation and repatriation in case of a medical emergency that requires the insured person to return to their home country for treatment.

Accidental death and dismemberment

It provides benefits to the insured person or their beneficiaries in case of accidental death or dismemberment while traveling abroad.

Cancellation and curtailment

It covers the cost of cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to unexpected events such as illness, bereavement, or extreme weather conditions.

Luggage and personal effects

It covers the loss, damage, or theft of luggage and personal effects during a trip abroad.

What is excluded from medical travel insurance coverage?

There are certain exclusions in medical travel insurance coverage. These usually include:.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Most medical travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions. This means that any medical condition that the insured person had before purchasing the insurance policy is not covered.

Unapproved activities

Medical travel insurance typically excludes coverage for injuries or illnesses that result from unapproved activities such as extreme sports, adventure activities, or illegal activities.

Alcohol and drug-related injuries

Injuries or illnesses caused by alcohol or drug abuse are usually not covered by medical travel insurance. This means that if the insured person gets into an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may not be covered.

How to make a claim for medical expenses incurred abroad

If you incur medical expenses while traveling abroad, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. The insurance provider will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary forms and documents.

The following steps should be followed:.

Get medical treatment

The first step is to get medical treatment immediately. Your priority should be to get the necessary medical attention, and you should not delay the treatment due to worries about the insurance process.

Pay for the medical treatment

You will need to pay for the medical treatment upfront. You should keep all the receipts and documents related to the treatment, including invoices, prescriptions, and medical reports.

Report the incident to the insurer

You should report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible. You will need to provide your policy details, a description of the medical incident, and the costs incurred.

Provide the necessary documents

You will need to provide your insurer with the necessary documents, including invoices, receipts, medical reports, and any other relevant documents required by your insurer.

Wait for the insurer’s response

After submitting your claim, you will need to wait for your insurer to process the claim. The time taken to process the claim may vary depending on the complexity and the documentation required.

Conclusion

Medical travel insurance provides essential financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies while traveling abroad.

It’s important to have the right medical travel insurance policy that covers all your needs and provides sufficient compensation for medical expenses incurred abroad. Knowing what your insurance policy covers and excludes, and understanding the claims process, can help you make informed decisions and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.