While traveling, it’s essential to have a comprehensive health insurance policy in case you get sick or injured.

However, many people assume they’re covered by their existing medical insurance and don’t bother to look into the specifics of their policy before taking a trip abroad.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the potential pitfalls of not having the right insurance coverage, how to ensure your policy covers you when you’re traveling overseas, and what to do if you do fall ill while abroad.

What Are the Risks of Not Having the Right Health Insurance?

Healthcare is pricey worldwide, and costs can vary significantly from country to country. In some places, medical treatment could be substantially more expensive than it is in the United States.

To give you an example, a night at a private hospital in South Africa could cost you over $800, while an ambulance ride in Germany could cost about $810 without insurance.

Most standard health plans have limited coverage outside of your home country. Suppose you don’t have the right health insurance when you get injured or sick abroad.

In that case, you could face significant financial costs, even if you’re only seeking basic medical attention.

What is International Health Insurance Coverage?

If you want to guarantee that you have adequate coverage while traveling abroad, you should invest in comprehensive international health insurance. Several firms offer international plans designed explicitly for travelers and expats.

These policies will generally provide coverage for all kinds of healthcare bills, including check-ups, specialist doctor visits, medication, emergencies, and hospital needs.

International health insurance ensures that you’ll get the care you need, no matter where you happen to be and what kind of emergency or ailment you’re experiencing.

What Should International Health Insurance Coverage Include?

The coverage you need can differ depending on your travel plans; however, some features that are generally covered include:.

Emergency and routine care medical treatment
Outpatient procedures
Medication and vaccinations
Inpatient hospital care
Emergency dental treatment
Emergency medical evacuation or transport home
Cover for accidental fatalities or dismemberment
Insurance for adventure sports and other risky activities

International health insurance coverage should also specify the countries and territories that it covers.

Some insurance policies might limit the nations you’re insured in, making your worldwide travel more challenging if you’re visiting countries without coverage.

How Do You Know If Your Health Insurance Covers International Travel?

You should analyze the specifics of your existing medical insurance coverage before traveling abroad.

Start with reading your policy documents, including the policy’s exclusions and limitations, to understand which treatments and services are covered for international travel in case you fall sick or get injured.

Most standard health insurance policies provide only limited coverage for international travel. Your insurance plan might provide you coverage for emergency care, but for routine healthcare services, you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

What Are the Types of International Travel Insurance?

There are several kinds of international travel insurance policies for travelers, including:.

: International Travel Medical Insurance

This type of insurance offers emergency medical coverage worldwide for those traveling outside their country of citizenship. It covers you for new illnesses, accidents, or injuries that occur after the policy begins.

: International Health Insurance

This type of insurance provides comprehensive health coverage worldwide. It covers pre-existing conditions and generally includes benefits such as maternity, preventive care, specialist consultation, and prescription drugs.

: Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance

Rather than providing comprehensive health coverage, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers transportation to the nearest hospital or to your home country if you’re severely sick or injured when overseas.

What Should You Do If You Get Sick or Injured Abroad?

If you get hurt or sick when traveling overseas, take the following steps:.

Notify your insurance company immediately. Find out exactly how they want you to proceed and what information they will need.
Get the help you require to ensure that you are stable and treat your disease or injury.
Keep receipts and invoices detailing your medical treatment expenses, including the medicines you have purchased.

Remember, you’ll need to pay for your medical treatment and then get reimbursed later by your insurance provider in most situations.

Is Buying Health Insurance Worth It When Traveling Abroad?

You may be wondering if it’s worth getting international health insurance, but the question you should ask yourself is: What if something goes wrong? And what if it is costly?.

Traveling without insurance or without the right health coverage is a risk that you can avoid.

Having international health insurance offers you peace of mind and ensures that you won’t have to worry about the potential financial burden if you get injured or sick abroad.

Conclusion

Getting sick or injured while traveling abroad can be a frightening and expensive experience. To prepare for emergencies while overseas, invest in a comprehensive international health insurance plan that covers you in any situation.

Knowing your coverage can also help alleviate some stress in case you get sick or injured during your lifelong scenic adventures.