Does your health insurance cover international travel?
Many of us are preoccupied with finding quality health insurance coverage that protects us from financial hardship in a disaster. However, when it comes to summertime traveling, many of us are unclear whether our domestic health insurance will cover any doctor or hospital visit while traveling outside of the U.S. Before your next trip, do some research so that you can be adequately prepared.
Call Your Health Insurance Company
The first step is to contact your health insurance company to verify whether your emergency medical coverage extends outside of the U.S. Your insurer will be able to help you determine what your coverage does and does not cover. Be sure to ask the following questions:
- If I get sick or injured while traveling internationally, will my policy cover me?
- Does my insurance cover any pre-existing conditions abroad?
- Will I have to pay health expenses abroad out-of-pocket and then file a claim for reimbursement?
Original Medicare May Not Help
For those with Original Medicare, you may not receive any protection outside of the U.S., although additional coverage is available. If you don’t receive any coverage, be sure to look into how to protect yourself while you’re away. In some cases, a Medicare Advantage Plan may cover urgent or emergency care outside of the U.S.
Consider Travel Medical Insurance
It’s a smart idea to consider investing in travel insurance before getting on the plane. You’ll want to evaluate the type of trip your taking and if you’ll be taking part in risky activities such as scuba diving or mountain climbing. Even if you’re planning on relaxing in Bali for two weeks, there is a risk of dirty water which could lead to medical assistance being required.
Travel insurance is always a smart investment everyone should purchase. Finding the right travel insurance policy doesn’t have to be difficult when working with the right insurance agent. Contact the insurance professionals at Donald Weiss Insurance Services in Santa Monica for all of your traveling care needs throughout Southern California.
