Travel Insurance: Is It Necessary?

So you want to leave the homeland for a while, seeShould you require medical attention while abroad,
the sights, take the pictures, or perhaps, do somemost insurance companies provide support in the form
business. Youve packed the swimming trunks, theof emergency hotlines. They will advise you on the
extra layers, the hiking boots, the sun screen, but thebest hospitals in the area, as well as the ins and outs
question remains: is your medical insurance travelingof the local systems. It is strongly advised that, if
with you? What happens if you get to Brazil like youpossible, you consult your provider before seeking
always wanted to, and then, in a freak spilled mojitomedical attention in a foreign land. Also, insurance
accident, you break your ankle? What if the escargotproviders warn that most third world countries hospital
from that charming Parisian restaurant reacts badlysystems require payment upfront for services
with your American digestive system, and you arerendered. This fee would be reimbursed by the plan.
suddenly in the throes of the worst food poisoningThe most pressing concern is the case of an
youve experienced in your life? It is no small matter;emergency medical evacuation from a foreign country
according to the US Center for Disease Control andback to the US. Evacuations are necessary when a
Prevention, one half of US travelers heading to anothervery serious medical condition arises, and the traveler
country will experience some sort of health problempatient must be transported back to the care of his
while abroad.her primary care physician or a home-based expert.
Ever since the Michael Moore film, Sicko, came out, weThis can cost upwards of $10,000 as it is a
all know that many other countries (well, specificallycoordinated effort between several hospitals and at
France, Canada, and Cuba) provide affordable,least one airline. Most travel insurance plans provide
sometimes free, healthcare to their citizens, but howthe option for specific coverage for this contingency.
does it work for us, Americans, abroad? Well, the truthAnother aspect to consider when traveling abroad, is
is, unless you make special preparations, the outlook isthe cost of sudden cancellations, or changes in travel
not good. According to most US insurance companies,plans as a result of medical or other emergencies. In
HMOs, PPOs or Medicare [plans] do not providean era when airline companies are logging record
adequate medical insurance. There may benumbers of lost luggage, this aspect of travelers
exceptions, and you should look into the fine print ofinsurance provides reimbursement for the purchase of
your plan, but every major US health insuranceclothes and other necessities. In this sense, you could
providers suggests getting some form of travelerscome out a winner: imagine an emergency shopping
insurance. Unfortunately, there is no foreign countrytrip at the fabulous designer stores of Milan.
that provides free health care for travelers.So, whether you are planning a road trip to Canada, or
Travel insurance plans provide three types ofa fourteen day hike in Machu Pichu, pack some warm
coverage: for medical care when abroad, the cost ofsocks, swim trunks, and your new friend, Mr. Travelers
emergency medical evacuation, and reimbursement forInsurance.
sudden trip cancellations and lost luggage.