International travel insurance
International trips are filled with adventure. But unexpected medical and emergency events like a lost passport or family member falling ill can halt those plans and end up being more costly than the trip itself. It helps to know what’s covered ahead of time so you can plan and add to your coverage if you choose, before you leave.
What is travel insurance?
- Travel insurance primarily covers trip-related negatives, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption or lost baggage.
- Travel medical insurance is for people who are leaving the country and provides coverage while they are outside of the country. A travel medical policy focuses on emergency medical and dental. It also covers medical evacuation if it’s needed.
Who should buy travel medical insurance?
Nearly every traveler can benefit from the extra protection of travel medical insurance. Some in particular who may want to consider it include:
- Families with children
- Anyone visiting a country that speaks a different language
- People with chronic conditions
- Solo travelers
- Travelers to a remote location
Does my health insurance plan work internationally?
Many health insurance plans do not cover you when you are out of the country. For those that do, the coverage is often limited and requires you to pay at the time of service, save receipts and file for reimbursement once you get home. In case of a medical or a dental emergency while in another country, this could require you to spend a large amount of your own personal funds or charge significant amounts on credit cards while you are still traveling.
Travel medical insurance plans typically cover emergency medical and dental costs. Emergency transportation costs, such as ambulance or air lift, also are covered as are emergency evacuations that would get you from a remote location to appropriate medical care.
Tips to help you prepare before an international trip
Getting ready for a successful trip requires good planning. Consider these tips when you're preparing to travel internationally.
The CDC offers travel health information, including questions to ask your doctor. At least one month before your travel departure, it’s also important to review any required or recommended vaccines with your provider for the country or countries you plan to visit.
If you or a family member are taking any prescription medication, make a written list of medication names and dosages. Also include the name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address of your prescribing doctor, just in case you need it. Keep medications in their original, labeled containers and bring enough supply to cover you for your trip and a few extra days in case of delays.
There are several advantages to an international travel medical insurance policy. For example, a SafeTrip international travel insurance plan, along with travel assistance services, available through UnitedHealthcare Global, can help you:
- Find a pre-screened, quality medical provider
- Cover costs at the time of treatment rather than waiting for reimbursement after you get home
- Get home in a medical emergency
- Get help with non-medical problems, like a lost passport or a legal need
- Add riders with additional coverage to cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, or adventure travel
Visit SafeTrip from UnitedHealthcare Global for a free price quote and more information about these plans.
So, your foreign adventure is planned, reservations are confirmed, your list of sights to see is growing, and you know what you’re packing. You’re in good shape, right? Probably yes, but you could be in even better shape by equipping yourself with information about things most of us don’t like to think about.
Find available international health insurance
At UnitedHealthcare Global, we want you to take the trip, not the risk. Designed to respond to unique challenges international travelers face, SafeTrip travel insurance was created for individuals, families, business travelers, students and NGO’s with a single purpose – to provide you and your loved ones with high quality care and support – in case of an unforeseen event including medical evacuation, lost baggage, travel assistance and so much more.
