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Travel Medical Insurance

In 2016, the number of Americans that traveled abroad for leisure, business, study abroad and missionary work, was about 67 million. Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but unpredictable illnesses and accidents can happen. Americans are dedicating more time to preparing for their trips with recent epidemics, natural disasters and security threats around the world – giving them more reason to ensure their health and safety are insured before their trips.

The level of international medical insurance coverage provided by your domestic insurance can vary greatly depending on your plan. You may have very limited coverage or no coverage at all. A travel medical insurance plan is ideal for; international vacationers, relatives visiting from overseas, if you are going on a cruise or safari, international business travelers and students studying abroad.

R.C. Keller & Company can help you with your questions on your travel medical insurance. Our agents are here to help you with the process.

Do I Really Need Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel health insurance is short-term coverage designed to provide emergency medical expenses,

stethoscope laying over a map of africa

such as emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and emergency room visits.

This type of insurance is often mistaken for travel insurance which covers more than your health. This insurance is designed to protect your trip investment, provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, missed connections, travel delay and more.

Even though most countries do not require travel health insurance, there are few countries that it is mandatory you are covered to enter the country. When you travel without the proper medical insurance you are vulnerable to paying high out-of-pocket medical expenses and trying to navigate through a foreign healthcare system.

Does My Current Medical Insurance Plan Cover International Travel?

Most people think that they will be covered by their standard health insurance plan or Medicare plan when they travel internationally, that is not the case. The traditional health plan covers you domestically, most plans are not designed for international travel.

Most health plans offer little coverage outside your country of residence. Emergency assistance would not be covered either if you required assistance.

Your credit card may offer travel insurance, but that coverage has gaps. This insurance includes limited international medical benefits and, in some cases, will only provide coverage if you book your entire trip using that credit card. You will also have to pay a deductible or fee to use your credit card travel insurance benefits. Without realizing it you could be putting your health and finances at risk when you travel internationally without the proper coverage.

What About the Cost?

While you may think you are going to save a few dollars by opting to travel without the proper health insurance coverage, you could end up spending more if you have an emergency away from home.

Think about this: You get sick while you are traveling overseas, the cost of your claim should range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the services provided. On the other hand, if you were to purchase a travel medical plan it will cost less than $3 a day for an average plan.

Also, consider the costs of an emergency medical evacuation, an expense like this can range from $20,000 to $170,000 USD depending on where you are and how far you need to be transported to the nearest qualified medical facility.

If you can afford this expense, go ahead and travel without the insurance. In most cases though, these are more than anyone can afford, and it is in your best interest to purchase travel medical insurance.

Call R.C. Keller & Company at 847-907-4520 today!

Insurance is a complicated subject, the insurance professionals at R.C. Keller & Company have been protecting the residents and business of Schaumburg and Illinois since 1910. Protect yourself and your family when you travel abroad by completing the form on this page, calling us or emailing us.

We offer more than just a policy

See what we can do for you today