Whether you’re traveling on vacation or for work, having the protection of a great health insurance plan can help you avoid nasty surprises when you are away from home and need it most.
Paying for Health Care in Another Country
An accident without medical coverage can turn into an expensive, serious issue. Some countries will cover a few expenses for anyone, including visitors but that doesn’t include emergency services in a hospital. In most cases, you’ll pay out of pocket expenses up front even if you have out-of-network provider coverage or you buy supplemental insurance. Your insurance should reimburse you later if you’ve followed its rules and saved all your charge slips and receipts.
U.S. Health Insurance and Health Care Abroad
Every health insurance policy is different. Some plans only work within the primary coverage area. Others will cover you only in case of emergencies or with preauthorization. Depending on your health care plan, you may be required to get the go-ahead before you can seek treatment or use medical services outside the country.
While Medicare doesn’t cover medical expenses abroad, with a limited few exceptions, some Medigap policies offer emergency service coverage when abroad. It may be helpful to remember that your credit card may also have some coverage benefits. Check to see if you have access to a 24-hour health advice line, accident/death insurance, penalty-free trip cancellation for illness, and more. Though most won’t cover pre-existing conditions and medical emergencies.
Health Insurance Policies to Cover You Abroad
Depending on how long you’ll be gone, your current health, and where you are going, you should be prepared. Look for supplemental health or travel insurance plans that include the coverage you need to reduce your risk of getting stuck without help while abroad.
For frequent or long-term travelers, a more comprehensive annual plan will be a better bet, to cover your medical emergencies or routine care along with trip cancellation and interruption coverage too. Some insurance providers require you to spend at least three months away from your home state/country. Check these details as well as the maximum length of each trip covered and if there are any limitations on which countries you can visit.