The Best Travel Health Insurance For International Trips
Have you ever considered a travel health insurance policy for your international travel?
Traveling abroad and exploring new countries is exciting, but international travel comes with risks. If you suffer an illness or accident while traveling abroad, your regular health insurance from your home country often won’t help.
In most cases, a domestic medical insurance plan may not be accepted or extend coverage abroad, leaving you to face unexpected medical costs. That’s why travelers purchase travel health insurance (also called travel medical insurance).
These travel insurance plans offer medical coverage for hospitalisation, doctor visits, urgent care, and even medical evacuation insurance if you must be flown to another hospital or back home.
A well-chosen travel health insurance policy acts as a safety net, ensuring you get proper medical treatment without risking serious financial loss.
Understanding Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a broad category that covers multiple types of risks. Within this, travel medical insurance is specifically designed to handle medical emergencies and health expenses during trips.
Key components include:
- Travel medical coverage: Medical emergency needs, including Hospital stays, emergency surgery, and prescription medication.
- Trip interruption/delay: Helps cover accommodation, rebooking, or other unexpected expenses.
- Medical evacuation and emergency transportation: Ensures you’re moved to an appropriate facility.
- Lost baggage: Lost or stolen baggage coverage is included in comprehensive travel insurance plans.
Since many travel insurance companies design different bundles, it’s essential to compare policies side by side. The right travel medical insurance offers coverage suited to your travel style and destination.
Travel Insurance Options For International Travel
Travelers can choose from a variety of health insurance plans when traveling abroad:
- Medical travel insurance: Focuses on medical emergencies abroad.
- Trip insurance: Travel Protection for your financial investment in prepaid flights or hotels. Trip insurance offers Trip cancellation insurance.
When comparing, always review:
- Coverage limits — opt for higher coverage limits if travelling to countries with expensive healthcare.
- Deductibles — a higher deductible reduces premiums but means you pay more out of pocket.
- The plan covers either pre-existing conditions or the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Benefits Of Medical Coverage
The real strength of medical travel insurance lies in its benefits:
- Protection against high medical bills: Treatment in private hospitals abroad can easily cost thousands of dollars.
- Emergency evacuations: Medical evacuation insurance covers costly air ambulance services.
- Peace of mind: You can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about health emergencies.
- Assistance services: Many policies provide 24/7 help, including translation services, hospital referrals, and claims support.
By securing a strong travel medical insurance plan, you protect yourself from unexpected events, reduce stress, and often save money in the long run.
Top Travel Health Insurance Plans
To make your choice easier, here’s a simple comparison of some of the best travel health insurance plans available at OnshoreKare.
| Travel Medical Insurance | Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot America Plus | Up to $1M in coverage, wide PPO network, return travel insurance, covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions | Families or travelers to the USA seeking broad protection |
| Atlas America | Up to $2M in coverage, strong medical evacuation, additional travel protection benefits | International travellers who want higher coverage limits |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | Covers emergency medical care, evacuation, COVID-19 treatment, and trip interruption | Seniors and visitors to the USA needing robust insurance coverage |
| VisitorSecure | Low-cost plan with fixed benefits and basic medical travel insurance | Budget travellers wanting affordable protection |
| INF Elite | Includes certain pre-existing conditions, higher medical emergency limits, extended benefits | Travellers with existing health conditions needing reliable cover |
| INF Premier | Designed for long stays (90+ days), offers pre-existing condition coverage, wider coverage options than standard plans | Parents or seniors visiting the USA for extended periods |
| SafeVista Protect | High medical coverage with emergency medical evacuation and trip interruption protection, multiple policy maximums available | Travelers to the USA who want comprehensive benefits with flexible choices |
Note: Each insurance company has its own policy terms. Always read the fine print before you purchase travel insurance.
What Is Medical Evacuation Insurance?
Emergency Medical evacuation insurance is one of the most important benefits of any international travel health insurance policy.
It covers the cost of transferring you to a better hospital or arranging for you to receive proper treatment. And in some cases, a flight back to your home country if local facilities are inadequate.
Since evacuations can cost over $100,000, having this evacuation coverage can prevent a devastating financial loss during a crisis.
This is particularly important for cruises, remote trips, or high-risk adventure activities.
Note: Travel medical insurance typically offer emergency medical evacuation, which applies in case of a life-threatening situation.
Importance Of International Travel Insurance
International travel brings opportunities but also risks. Healthcare systems differ, language barriers can complicate medical care, and treatment for foreigners often requires paying up front.
With international travel insurance plans, you can:
- Protect yourself from overwhelming medical bills.
- Ensure access to qualified hospitals and doctors.
- Cover emergency evacuations and unexpected expenses.
- Safeguard your financial investment in case of cancellations or interruptions.
For some regions, such as Schengen Europe, travel health insurance is a visa requirement. Even where it isn’t required, it’s strongly recommended in most countries.
Conclusion
The best travel health insurance is about more than paperwork; it’s your lifeline during an emergency. With the right plan, you can avoid unexpected expenses, gain access to quality care abroad, and truly enjoy your journey.
By comparing top travel medical insurance plans, reviewing coverage options, and selecting a trusted health insurance provider, you ensure your health and finances are protected wherever your trip takes you.
FAQs About Travel Health Insurance
Do I really need travel health insurance if I already have health insurance?
Yes. Most domestic health insurance coverage ends at the border. Without a travel insurance policy, you risk being uninsured in a foreign country.
What does travel medical insurance cover?
Travel medical insurance coverage generally includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical treatment, prescription medication, and emergency evacuations. Some travel medical insurance policies also include extras like trip interruption or lost baggage.
How much travel medical insurance coverage should I buy?
For most international trips, at least $100,000 in travel medical insurance coverage plus $250,000 for medical evacuation is recommended. Travelers engaging in adventure activities or heading to remote areas may need higher coverage limits.
What is medical evacuation insurance, and why is it important?
It’s coverage for emergency transportation to a hospital or back to your home country. Since these services are extremely expensive, this benefit ensures you aren’t left with crushing bills.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Many travel medical insurance plans only cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Some, like INF Elite, INF Premier offer more extensive coverage. Always check the details before purchase.
When should I purchase travel insurance?
Buy as soon as you book your trip. Early purchase ensures you’re protected if an unexpected event occurs before departure.
Is travel health insurance valid everywhere I go?
Not always. Policies may exclude certain countries or specific adventure activities. Always confirm that your chosen insurance company offers coverage in your destination.
