Before you find yourself bartering for antibiotics with a street vendor, let me turn you on to a global explorer’s best-kept secret.
Three little words could be a life-changer for you on your next trip: travel insurance policy. And if you’re thinking, “I don’t need travel insurance,” let’s talk about the four major benefits that might change your mind… Nothing says “vacation of a lifetime” like a surprise trip to a foreign hospital, and a hefty medical bill in a language you don’t understand.
But if you’ve planned accordingly, a travel medical policy will swoop in to save the day.
1. Emergency Medical Coverage: Because Accidents Don’t Care About Your Travel Itinerary
Imagine you’re walking on the high sidewalks in Puerto Vallarta and you misjudge the 16-inch drop. BAM—your ankle is shattered like a crystal goblet. If you’re lucky enough to have unlimited resources, you might find an artistic surgeon to meticulously put all the pieces back together with a $55,000 expense (Richard U. – My Client). Or you might develop a mysterious stomach bug from that “authentic” street food.
A travel medical policy ensures you’re covered for doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications, meaning you won’t have to drain your vacation fund just to get basic treatment. Even though your USA Corporate, Individual Medical and Medicare Supplement Coverages do actually offer some benefit abroad, (Most offer up to 60-90 days and always on a Reimbursement, with Proof of Payment for Claims), they don’t set up a “Direct Pay” when hospitalized for larger bills, they don’t offer Air Evacuation, (Cost from Europe to USA can exceed $ 100k).
My rule of thumb to my clients is to be prepared to pay claims up to $ 5,000 usd. On a credit card and get your receipts. Remember Clinics and doctors offices abroad are not set up to receive a payment for a $ 30 office visit , neither are the Travel Medical companies.
Bonus: No one wants to experience the stress of navigating a foreign healthcare system alone. Many travel policies come with assistance/Concierge services to help you find English-speaking doctors or hospitals that accept your insurance for the larger claims.
These policies do refund for prescription medications, which will usually require a written prescription. Many drugs in different parts of the world can be purchased over the counter, save the receipts.
2. Emergency Evacuation—Because Air Evacuation Isn’t Cheap
Let me share a personal story about my family member and why now more than ever do I believe in having an “Air Evacuation Plan”, either attached to the Travel Medical plan or the purchase of a stand alone plan “Bring me Home policy!
End of Summer, 2023, my 7 year-old granddaughter Gabby was visiting family in Venice, Italy with her mother, sister and other grandparents…My daughter allowed Gabby to get on an intertube being pulled by a smaller speedboat on Lake Cuomo, within 5 minutes of what was supposed to be fun, her inner tube bounced around and her dainty 45 pound body absorbed the impacts of the waves and she severed her arterial artery, 3 blood vessels in her brain caused an immediate stroke! After driving through the city, they finally found a Private University hospital to treat her…after 26 days, she was then transported as a Class 2 Air Evacuation back to Miami, in the USA. Class 2 is where you are transported by a commercial airliner, with a private nurse in the first-class cabin, (Cost alone was $ 60,000 usd.). Almost 2 years later she is still working hard with therapists to get back to as close to normal as possible.
Emergency medical evacuation is also effective if you are in a facility that is not designed to perform live saving surgical procedures, the policy benefit will find and transport you to that other facility, whether that’s a hospital in another city close by or a flight to a USA City. Without coverage, you could be looking at a $50,000 – $ 100,000 plus bill for a LearJet/Class 1 air ambulance.
3. Trip Interruption and Repatriation…Because Life Happens
You planned your trip for months, but a sudden family emergency, illness, or other unexpected crisis forces you to cancel or cut your vacation short. If you have a travel medical/trip cancellation policy, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and tours.
CFAR – Cancel for any Reason is an additional coverage rider that should be considered for older people who have purchased many months in advance and those who spend a lot of money for a trip where much is not refundable in case you miss it. It also allows you more time to cancel and still receive a 75-100% refund.
True Story: A couple purchased a hiking trip 12 months before their departure date, they were in their late 70’s and at the time of purchase seemed to be in very good health…during that following year the gentleman suffered from respiratory issues , while the wife had a hip replacement…they felt they could wait and see if they would recuperate enough to go on the trip, (many special tours like safaris or other adventure tours do reimburse a percentage , however; the longer you wait the less refund you receive. This couple thought they would hold out until the last month before leaving and their health was not up to the task of the trip, they lost many thousand of dollars.
4. Peace of Mind—Because Worrying Shouldn’t Be on Your Itinerary
Let’s be honest: travel is unpredictable. You might dodge all injuries and illnesses, but still face sudden travel restrictions, natural disasters, or political unrest. A travel medical policy gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re financially protected if things go sideways.
Instead of spending your vacation worrying, you can relax, knowing your insurance will handle it. And isn’t that the point of a vacation—to actually relax?
Plan Ahead and Skip the Travel Roulette
Skipping travel medical insurance is like saying, “I don’t need a parachute because I probably won’t fall.” Sure, you might get lucky—but if you don’t, you’ll wish you had a backup plan.
So, before you pack your bags, take ten minutes to get a travel medical policy. Your future self (and your wallet) may thank you.
Some of the best plans on the market for US Residents for Travel Medical with Air Evacuation is GEO Blue Cross Voyager Choice / Single Trip & those who take multiple trips annually should acquire the Trekker Choice / Multi-Trip plan. These plans have a coverage guarantee for pre-existing medical issues.
Trip Cancellation with Nationwide and Air Evacuation Home with Medjet Assist are also “Piggy Back” Options
Medjet Assist Horizon is another GREAT Option to review… They offer benefits from Kidnap & Ransom to Fronting the hospital up to $ 60,000 usd. While waiting for a Direct Pay from an Insurer.
Link MEDJET Option
Link GEO Blue Cross
Link for TME/Nationwide Trip Cancellation
Medjet Assist Horizon Plan – Air Evacuation to Your Home:
I would be happy to assist those with questions and concerns, feel free to reach out to john@expatglobalmedical.com as well as jwmcgee69@gmail.com…
Call Me at 336-705-9080.