An affordable trip abroad that stated off with cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, or discount travel packages, can become very expensive if a traveler gets sick overseas and does not have insurance coverage that is valid in the country being visited. Temporary health insurance can make all the difference whether you are on a vacation, or staying for a longer period due to school or work.
The following is good to know in trying to figure out what coverage you will need:
Temporary overseas health insurance is different from travel insurance. Temporary health insurance covers medical care and often covers medical evacuation or transfer to another hospital if the existing facility cannot provide the care which is needed. Travel insurance sometimes covers accidents and emergency care, but usually is more focused on providing coverage for trip delays and lost luggage.
Many U.S. health insurance policies are not valid outside the U.S. Some policies will only reimburse policy holders, forcing them to pay for medical care up front. Depending on the policy, temporary overseas health insurance can cover such costs.
Temporary overseas health insurance can provide coverage for students studying abroad. Coverage is available for varying periods of time and will typically reimburse routine medical care as well as hospital costs.
Short term coverage for business travelers overseas can provide supplemental coverage to existing health insurance plans, or if needed, comprehensive health insurance.
Temporary health insurance coverage is available for expatriates whose U.S. policies do not offer coverage in foreign countries. Such policies are often available for a year at a time and are renewable.
If you are visiting an undeveloped country or will be staying in the wilds of any country, you should try to get medical evacuation coverage since expenses to transport you back to the U.S. could run as high as $100,000.
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