For anyone who is going to be traveling or spending a more substantial amount of time overseas, it is important to think about medical insurance coverage that is effective while abroad. The reason for this is because a great number of U.S. health insurance plans simply do not offer any medical coverage for a person who gets sick or becomes injured while overseas. Social Security’s Medicare program is an example of a coverage that is not effective for its members while abroad. Those that do offer hospital and doctor coverage for costs that are deemed to be reasonable and customary will still probably not cover the significant expenses associated with medical evacuation back to the United States. These evacuation costs can run up to $10,000 for a person who is more remotely located internationally or who is in poor medical condition.

Reasons to Obtain Medical Insurance for Overseas Travel

There are many reasons why a person should not simply take a chance on being covered in a medical emergency while overseas. Not the least of these is that patients who are not insured can be refused service in many countries. Besides this, in many countries, hospitals and doctors are accustomed to being paid in cash when service is rendered. They may not be willing or capable of running an insurance card through a system. Even countries that provide citizens with social medical services might not offer such full services to a person who is not a resident. A few countries even mandate that visitors have their own medical or accident insurance coverage when they visit. For anyone whose heath care policy will not accompany him or her on the travels, it is imminently sensible to buy a special policy for such time overseas.

About Medical Insurance for Overseas Travel Coverage

It is important not to be confused by two different terms in the overseas insurance coverage category. Travel insurance only covers a person’s financial costs involved with a trip. This would include disrupted travel plans such as canceled flights or lost luggage. Likely it will not include medical coverage when abroad. Travel Medical Insurance refers to insurance that actually covers the costs associated with medical attention that might be necessary when an individual is traveling or staying overseas.

It is also important to have the necessary proof of insurance on hand when the person goes to see a doctor or a hospital while abroad. It is wise to carry more than only the insurance policy identification card for insurance proof while overseas. A claim form should also be carried on the person, since some providers internationally may insist on the person being reimbursed by the insurance company after paying all of the associated costs upfront.

Finding Medical Insurance for Overseas Travel Coverage

There are a variety of private insurance company options for those traveling or spending more significant amounts of time abroad. These organizations offer a range of medical plans for any kind of individual needs. Those who will be living permanently abroad can avail themselves of Global Citizen Career Coverage. It offers comprehensive coverage while abroad or in the United States, including a five million dollar limit. For members of Non Government Organizations and volunteers serving abroad, there is Global Navigator Career Overseas health insurance. This covers long term assignments abroad, including medical insurance and any necessary medical evacuation, along with maternity coverage and other typical U.S. health care benefits coverage. It works much like a U.S. based health care insurance policy.

Those who are only traveling abroad for one or more trips can take advantage of other medical insurance policies. Voyager and Excursion plans prove to be ideal for single trips that range from just a couple of days to as long as six months of travel time. They come with pre-existing condition coverage and also effective medical evacuation coverage. Multi Trip Travel Insurance is a better choice for anyone who will be going on more than a single trip each year, where the trips abroad are as long as seventy days each. Their benefits include pre-existing conditions coverage, all medical care, and medical evacuation if necessary. These policies are ideal for primary medical insurance coverage while abroad.