Whether you require expat health insurance largely depends on which country you’ve moved to. Still, almost all expats agree that having expat insurance provides an extra layer of security, and everyone should purchase a policy that suits their situation.

Who Needs Expat Health Insurance?

You need health insurance if you’re planning on moving to a new country and living there for more than three or six months. Some countries have made health insurance obligatory for every resident, so you must check out your host country’s laws regarding health insurance.

What Does Expat Health Insurance Cover?

Expat health insurance covers a wide range of areas which differ on what type of plan you have and from which insurance company you purchase your policy— a basic plan will usually cover the following:

• Hospital visitations (in-patient and out-patient care).
• Doctor consultations.
• Cancer screenings.
• Medical equipment and tools.
• Child and adolescent well-being.

For more extensive coverage, including dental, vision, and maternity care, you may be required to purchase a more expensive insurance plan.

Are Pre-Existing Conditions Included?

With a basic plan, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by expat health insurance. However, one benefit of global coverage is that you can tailor your plan according to your needs, and you may purchase additional coverage that includes pre-existing conditions.

Some companies will also offer coverage for acute pre-existing conditions, i.e., medical problems that appeared suddenly due to pre-existing medical issues.

Expat Health Insurance: Is It Worth It?

Expat health insurance can be costly and you may not even need it during your stay abroad, so many people question whether it’s actually worth it or not. However, the benefits outweigh the cons, so, expat health insurance in long-term aspects is worth it because:

• It offers a sense of security. Even if you may not use your health insurance while living as an expat in another country, having it will offer you a peace of mind just in case. This way you know that no matter what may happen with your health you have solid coverage.
• It allows you to receive healthcare in English. One of the biggest challenges of living as an expatriate is receiving healthcare in English, or in another language you understand, which makes it difficult to communicate with your primary care provider. With expat health insurance you can get access to doctors who can speak more than one language.
• It’s flexible. You can usually tailor your policy according to your needs, you can choose to include more coverage, or opt out of coverage for things you may not need such as maternity. This way you can save money and purchase an affordable plan which you need.

Expat Health Insurance Cost

Expat health insurance does not have a fixed cost; you can find expat health insurance starting from $200 a month to over $2,000. The price will change based on several important factors: your age, length of stay in another country, your previous medical issues, which insurance company you purchase your plan from, and how much coverage you want with your policy.

Another important factor that affects the price of your expat health insurance is your location. For example, in some countries, healthcare tends to be more expensive; as a result, your insurance will also be more expensive if you’re moving there. But, you can tailor your policy for worldwide coverage or exclude those countries with expensive healthcare if you’re not planning on visiting them.

How to Purchase Expat Health Insurance?

You can purchase expat health insurance online before you travel:

1. You simply have to enter your personal information (age, family members, where you wish to be covered).
2. You will see a list of plans which you can browse through. Always make sure to read the policies carefully to learn what they include.
3. Select the plans you think are most befitting to your needs.
4. Click on the “Compare” button. You can see the plans featured side-by-side, and you can read through them on a more detailed manner.
5. You can select which way you want to pay and whether you wish to pay on a yearly, monthly, quarterly, or six-month basis.

Purchasing a health insurance plan locally

You can also wait to get to your destination country and purchase a plan with a local company. In that case, you have to approach a company directly and go through the options. Make sure to read the policy before purchasing.

However, before you buy an expat health insurance plan, double-check these:

• Do you have national health insurance? If you are eligible for national health insurance mandated by the government, you will likely want private health insurance which fills in any gaps that national insurance leaves, such as treatment in private hospitals.
• Does your employer offer health insurance? If your employer offers a health insurance plan, be well acquainted with the policy before signing up for it. As an expat, you will want a health insurance plan which covers you abroad as well. A pre-selected plan could have less coverage than you want or need (or more). If the plan your employer offers does not suit your needs, learn if you can opt-out and choose your own insurers.

Types of Expat Health Insurance

Here are some of the most common types of expat health insurance you can choose from:

• Individual plan. This type of insurance policy is designed to cover you only as a solo traveler.
• Group/family plan. You can opt for group coverage if you’re moving with your family members; this can be cheaper long-term.
• Short-term plan. A short-term policy is for you if you don’t plan on living abroad long-term.
• Long-term plan. You will need this policy if you plan on making your move longer than six months or permanent.
• Worldwide coverage. This type of policy will come in handy if you’re planning on traveling, or living in multiple countries.

For How Long Is Expat Health Insurance Valid?

You can purchase expat health insurance for as long as needed, but it’s usually required for long-term purposes. If you stay in a country for less than three to six months, you may consider purchasing either short-term health insurance or travel insurance with extensive medical coverage.

How to Pick the Best Expat Health Insurance Plan?

The best expat health insurance plan for you depends on what your budget is, what your situation is, and where you plan on moving to, but below are a few tips to keep in mind when you shop for an expat insurance plan:

• Compare plans. There are hundreds of insurance policies for expats out there and picking one can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, find a comparative insurance website and compare several plans side-by-side to see which one actually meets your criteria. You can even ask your insurance broker to help you select the best plan for you.
• Find valid insurance companies. Find an insurance company that deals with expats and has plans specific for them. When you select your insurance company you need to check out their claim records, how many insurance claims were filed and how many were approved. This way you can get an idea of whether your insurance claim can be rejected and the reasons for the rejection.
• Set a deductible that fits your budget. In simple words, a deductible is an amount pay out of pocket before you can claim reimbursement from your insurance. The higher you set your deductible the lower your premium price. This does not mean you have to set the highest possible deductible just to lower your insurance cost. Consult with your budget plan and set an amount that works for you.
• Find a customizable plan. Look for an insurance plan you can customize to your needs. For example, you can opt out of unnecesseray coverage and choose to include coverage for pre-existing conditions if you have any. Having the option to fix your plan according to your needs will make it easier for you to choose the best expat health insurance plan.

Do US Expats Need Health Insurance?

Yes, US expats also need health insurance when moving to a new country. Insurance from the US won’t cover you outside of the country; even if it does, your company may offer a plan only for emergencies.

Best Health Insurance Companies for Expats

Some of the best companies that offer international health insurance for expats include the following:

• Allianz.
• AXA.
• Cigna Global.
• William Russell.
• Aetna.

Expat Health Insurance by Country

If you’re planning on making a new country your home, read on how to get health insurance for expats by country:

• Expat health insurance in Costa Rica.
• Expat health insurance in Spain. 
• Expat health insurance in Mexico. 
• Expat health insurance in Thailand. 

Can Expats Qualify for Universal Healthcare?

Some countries offer universal healthcare for their citizens and residents, and expats may also benefit from their universal healthcare coverage— provided they meet some eligibility requirements such as the residency requirement. But, even if you are covered by universal healthcare in your host country, not every medical procedure is included so you may still purchase an expat health insurance plan for additional coverage.

If you are planning a move abroad, one of the most important things you have to think about is your expat health insurance. As the name suggests, expat health insurance is designed to cover your medical expenses as you are living or travelling abroad.

In essence, health insurance for expatriates works in the same way as health insurance in your country: you purchase a plan, decide on the coverage, and pay monthly or yearly premiums. Then, in case you get sick or into an accident, your health insurance company will cover the cost of your medical treatment, hospitalization and medication to the amount you have agreed on.

Health Insurance Options for Expats

Depending on where you are moving, you will have the following options for obtaining health insurance:

• Pay into a national (public) health insurance scheme. If you are employed abroad, then you pay into a government health insurance scheme, and then you benefit from free or relatively inexpensive public healthcare. This type of healthcare scheme is not available in all countries.
• Purchase private health insurance from a local company. Once you arrive in your destination country, you can purchase a health insurance policy from a local company. Coverage is usually limited within the borders of that country.
• Purchase international health insurance. This type of health insurance offers coverage across several destinations (or worldwide). It is the most common type of expat health insurance, especially for people who travel or move around a lot. They offer a comprehensive range of plans for expats that suit the needs of both families and individuals.

National Health Insurance for Expats

If the country you are moving to has a public insurance scheme, then as a working resident, you will likely be able to use it.  National health insurance only pays for treatment in public hospitals, so if you want to get treated elsewhere, you have to pay from your pocket or purchase a private health insurance scheme.

Example: Expats who are employed in Thailand automatically pay into a public health insurance scheme through social security contributions (taxes). This allows them to go to certain public hospitals and clinics in Thailand and receive free treatment and care. But if they want treatment in one of the higher-quality private hospitals, they either have to pay out-of-pocket or invest in a private or international expat health insurance scheme.

Remember: Not all countries offer public healthcare, so before you move, you should do your research and learn what to expect.

Private Health Insurance for Expats

Expats can purchase a health insurance plan from a local company anytime after they move. Private health insurance plans cover treatment in private and public hospitals, medication, hospitalization, surgeries, etc.

However, they are limited in the fact that they do not cover emergency evacuation or repatriation to your home country, or medical treatment abroad.

International Health Insurance for Expats

International health insurance is the same as any other type of medical insurance, with one addition: you are covered for medical treatment in a wider geographical area, even worldwide. This is why it is a popular option for expats who travel around a lot, or who move back and forth between countries.

Additionally, suppose you are working abroad in a country with a less-sophisticated medical infrastructure than the US. In that case, in a severe emergency, you may want to be flown back home for treatment. For this, you would need evacuation coverage, which most local insurance companies do not offer. That’s why US citizens moving abroad must obtain health insurance. Canadian citizens need to purchase additional health insurance coverage abroad as well, since the existing Canadian insurance won’t offer coverage when immigrating to another country, with the expetions of emergencies.

The post Health Insurance for Expats Living Abroad appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

Do Expats Need Travel Insurance?

Yes, everyone traveling abroad should have travel insurance, expats included. Although you’re not legally required to have insurance (unless a visa application requires one), travel insurance for expats has several benefits, such as: 

• Being able to get medical coverage for any emergencies during the trip. 
• Coverage for any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal items. 
• Coverage in case the trip gets canceled or delayed.  

Types of Travel Insurance for Expats 

Depending on the nature of your travel, you have the option to purchase one of the following types of insurance for expats:

• If you are traveling abroad as a tourist— you can purchase travel insurance that covers you.
• If you plan to live abroad, you have to buy international expat health insurance if you plan to move overseas long-term. 

Expat Travel Insurance If Abroad as a Tourist 

You need to buy travel insurance if you plan on going on a trip as a tourist to visit and explore other countries. Depending on how long you stay, you can choose to purchase one of the following: 

• Short-term insurance. This will cover you for your trip, usually only up to 180 days. 
• Long-term travel insurance. You can purchase this type of insurance if you travel for more than 30 days, e.g., 12 months. 

Expat Insurance if Living Abroad 

If you plan to live abroad instead of simply traveling as a tourist, consider purchasing expat health insurance. When you move abroad, you’ll find that most countries have universal healthcare coverage. So even if you are an expat, you are still covered by the public health system, and you don’t technically require private health insurance. However, most expats prefer to have their health insurance because of the extra benefits. 

How Can Expats Buy Travel Insurance?

There are a few ways that expats can buy travel insurance:

• Go through an insurance company that specializes in travel insurance for expats.
• Get a policy from your current health insurance provider— provided it offers coverage for travels outside of your home country.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Expats?

Travel insurance for expats can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars— usually between 4% and 9% of the overall trip— depending on the level of coverage you choose and your destination. Additionally, travel health insurance tends to get more expensive the longer you plan on traveling, so keep in mind that several factors affect the price of your travel insurance. 

Can I Buy Travel Insurance If I’m Already Abroad?

You can still buy expat travel insurance even after moving or traveling abroad. However, you have to keep in mind that your insurance will only cover you for the accidents after you buy your policy. So, you won’t get coverage for anything that happened during your trip before you purchased your travel insurance policy. 

What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Expats?

The best travel insurance for expats is the type that covers you everywhere you go and includes medical cover for emergencies. You can find this type of travel insurance if you are planning to live abroad or just traveling as a tourist. It’s important to have travel insurance in case of any accidents or medical emergencies while you are away from home.

What are the Best Companies Offering travel Insurance for Expats?

Some of the best companies offering travel Insurance for expats include:

• TravelGuard.
• IMG.
• AIG Travel Guard.
• Allianz Global Assistance.

Whichever way you choose, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are covered in any medical emergencies or accidents. Also, make sure that you ask your provider about how you can file an insurance claim to be prepared.

Does Expat Travel Insurance Cover Me Everywhere?

You can choose travel insurance based on your destination: 

• Worldwide. Worldwide travel insurance covers you everywhere you travel. But, it can be more expensive, so if you are not planning to travel around the world, it’s unnecessary. 
• Worldwide excluding the US. If you won’t be visiting the US but will travel worldwide, you can purchase travel insurance that excludes the US. Because medical care in the US is expensive, you can lower your premium price significantly if you exclude the US. 
• Europe. If you plan on visiting any country in Europe, you can purchase travel insurance that covers you while you are there. 

What Are the Benefits of Travel Insurance for Expats?

There are a few reasons why expats should purchase travel insurance:

• Firstly, travel insurance can cover you in any medical emergencies or accidents while you are away from home.
• Secondly, most expat health travel insurance policies offer additional benefits that standard health insurance policies do not, such as coverage for trip cancellation, lost or damaged items, or repatriation services.
• Finally, purchasing travel insurance is often much cheaper than paying for medical care out of pocket if something happens while on vacation.

The post Travel Insurance for Expats appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

What is International Health Insurance?

International health insurance— as the name suggests— is designed to cover your medical needs while you are in a foreign country. So, this type of insurance is the same as traditional health insurance, except it covers your medical cost when you are living abroad.

What Does International Health Insurance Cover?

Most international health insurance plans offer coverage for the following, but you can choose what you wish to cover and to what extent:

• In-patient medical treatment: hospitalization, surgery, intensive care unit, anaesthesia, lab tests and X-rays.*
• Out-patient medical treatment: physician visit, specialist visit, psychiatrist visit, urgent care, emergency room, etc.*
• Emergency services*
• Prescription medication*
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Maternity.
• Mental health care.
• Physiotherapy.
• Rehabilitation.
• Pre-existing health conditions.
• Evacuation or repatriation.
• Travel health insurance.

*These items are usually included on the “basic coverage” plans. This means most insurance companies will cover them, whereas the rest of the items may or may not be included on an insurance policy, but you may be able to purchase them as add-ons.

Is International Health Insurance Mandatory?

International health insurance is not mandatory, but most expats prefer global insurance because it offers peace of mind. So, if you have international health insurance, you won’t have to worry about medical issues while in a foreign country.

International Health Insurance vs Travel Health Insurance

When going on a trip abroad, you have likely bought travel health insurance. You know it covers medical emergencies abroad – same as international health insurance. However, if you want to move overseas long-term, travel insurance is not a viable option.

For one, travel insurance is short-term and only covers medical emergencies. Pre-existing conditions, maternity, dental, etc. are rarely included in travel insurance. Travel insurance is meant to protect you against any unexpected losses during a holiday or business trip, not for settled health coverage. But, if you are already an expat and want to travel abroad for a short time, then return to your country of residence, you may want to check out travel insurance options for expats.

• US Health Insurance
• Germany health insurance
• Mexico health insurance
• Thailand health insurance
• Costa Rica Health Insurance
• Spain Health Insurance
  • Health insurance in Spain for American expats
• Health Insurance for Digital Nomads
• Expat health insurance with worldwide coverage.

Pros of Having International Health Insurance

One of the most significant advantages of having international health insurance is that it covers you globally, i.e., wherever you are. In addition, international health insurance allows you access to English-speaking doctors in countries where English is not spoken, private healthcare— including private health facilities—and immediate care without waiting times. Plus, with international health insurance, you lower the costs of any medical expenses you would otherwise be required to pay out of pocket.

How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost?

International health insurance can cost you anywhere from $200 to $900 per month— with an average of $500.However, your international health insurance can vary depending on the following factors:

• International or local. International plans cost more simply because they have a wider range of coverage – both in terms of geographical scope as well as covered items – than local plans.
• Your age. Most companies have different prices for different age ranges. The prices increase along with the client’s age, and many companies stop offering coverage after a certain point (usually 75-85 years).
• The amount of coverage. If you purchase a plan with a $500,000 maximum, it will cost less than a plan with a $2,000,000 maximum. This is the amount you will be covered for on a yearly basis or per claim, depending on the policy.
• Covered items. If you subscribe to a basic plan, with just medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency services, etc. it will be less expensive than adding coverage for the “optional” items, such as maternity, dental, or mental health.
• The people included in the plan. Naturally, you would pay less for an individual medical insurance plan than for a plan which also covers your family members.

Remember: Do not choose the cheapest plan available. These types of plans are usually extremely limited, and will not give you the coverage you need. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, especially when it comes to health insurance.

How to Purchase International Health Insurance?

Here is a brief summary of how you can purchase international health insurance:

1. Find an international insurance provider. You can look for such a provider in your home country or refer to online companies that offer insurance policies specifically for global coverage.
2. Check the insurance policies. Most providers will provide a basic insurance policy and a more comprehensive policy. The basic plan usually covers only emergency cases, while the comprehensive policy covers anything, from emergencies to dental and eyewear expenses.
3. Buy your insurance plan. There are a few different ways how you can buy international insurance— the most common being:
   • Directly— you can buy the insurance plan directly via the insurance company.
   • Via an insurance agent— licensed insurance agent may be working for a specific company or several insurance companies and offer you the plans their clients have available.
   • Via an insurance broker— the insurance broker will cater to your needs as a client and provide you with several options for your international health insurance policy.
4. Retrieve your ID card.  After you buy your international health insurance, your provider will equip you with an ID card containing your information and insurance details. You will need to present this card while visiting a healthcare center in a foreign country.

How Does International Health Insurance Work?

Here is an overview of how international health insurance works:

1. You move abroad. 
2. You purchase international health insurance.
3. You require medical attention while abroad. 
4. You collect the required documents.
5. You pay for the medical costs in a foreign country.  

You Plan to Move Abroad

Before buying your international insurance policy, make sure that you actually need one. For example, if you stay in a foreign country only temporarily, i.e., less than a month, you might consider buying only travel insurance that will cover any medical emergencies during your stay. On the other hand, if you plan to live in a foreign country long-term, i.e., for work or family purposes, you should buy international health insurance.

So, usually, the following categories require international health insurance:

• Expats. 
• Retired expats.
• Digital nomads. 
• Foreign employees. 

You Purchase International Health Insurance

Even though you are not legally obligated to buy international health insurance, you are highly advised to do this before moving abroad. This way, you will know that whatever injuries, illnesses, or emergency interventions you have are covered by your provider, no matter where you are.

You Require Medical Attention While Abroad

Let’s say, while you are abroad, you suffer an injury, get sick, or need a medical procedure. Whatever the reason, you can seek medical attention at your local health center. However, at these public health centers, you may experience longer waiting times and difficulty accessing an English-speaking doctor. With your international health insurance, on the other hand, you can access private healthcare facilities thus eliminating waiting times.

In cases where your condition may not be treatable abroad, you will be evacuated to your home country. Either way, your international health insurance will cover these expenses if you purchase a reparation and evacuation coverage plan.

You Collect the Required Documents

After you get treated at the medical center abroad, you must collect a set of documents so you can make an insurance claim. This includes the bills and receipts from the hospital, prescription notes (including your info, your doctor’s name, the pharmacy details, etc.), the medical procedures you undertook, and any other information required by your insurance provider.

Please save a copy of every document if you need to re-send them to your insurance provider. If you’re not sure what documents your insurance company needs, contact your provider since they offer a 24/7 help hotline and will be able to assist you.

You Use Your International Health Insurance to Cover Medical Costs

There are two ways in which your international insurance provider will pay for your medical costs while abroad:

• Directly. Your insurance provider will pay the bill directly to the hospital if you are in the same provider network. You still need to fill out the insurance claim form. The hospital or medical center where you received treatment can bill the insurance company directly based on your insurance ID.
• Via an insurance claim. If your bill is not paid directly, you must pay the expenses yourself and file an insurance claim. You need every detailed invoice and receipt issued by the hospital, your doctor, and your pharmacy to make an insurance claim. You will need to attach these documents to your insurance claim form and send them to your provider. Most providers will reimburse 80% of expenses, depending on your insurance plan.

Note: When filing an insurance claim, you need to fill out an insurance claim form for every medical condition treated.

How to Choose the Best International Health Insurance Plan?

The best health insurance plan is different for everyone, depending on specific needs. So, when choosing an expat health insurance plan, pay attention to the following:

• Is the coverage fixed or comprehensive? Fixed coverage plans are less expensive, but only pay a fixed amount per claim (which in some cases can be too low). Comprehensive coverage plans are more expensive, but the insurance company pays based on a percentage, which can be up to 100%.
• Does the insurance plan cover everything you need? Does it cover you at least for all basic medical emergencies and treatment?
• Will it cover you if you are abroad? If you intend to travel back to the US or to another country, do you have health insurance there? Does the plan have evacuation or repatriation coverage?
• What are the “optional” coverage options? Does it have dental coverage, or do you need to get that elsewhere? What about maternity?
• How much is the policy maximum? Is it on a yearly basis, lifetime, per claim, or unlimited?
• Is it renewable?
• How much is the deductible? How much do you have to pay yourself before the insurance company steps in and covers the rest?
• Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions? If yes, to what extent?
• Does the expat insurance company have a direct-claim procedure? Some insurance companies have agreements with certain hospitals, where the hospital can send the bill directly to the insurers, and you do not need to pay anything yourself. These are usually called “in-network” hospitals.

When Should You Get Health Insurance?

Some insurance plans have a waiting period during which they may not offer the full scope of coverage. So, the sooner you purchase, the more you can rest assured that you will be well taken care of in the event of an emergency.

Naturally, if you intend to subscribe to a local insurance plan, you will have to wait until you settle in.

In contrast, rules for national (public) insurance plans change depending on the country. But, you can purchase international health insurance at any point.

How to Make a Claim With International Health Insurance?

All health insurance companies have an emergency hotline, which you can call to ask for assistance. They also have their own determined procedures for processing a claim, which you will learn before you purchase the policy.

Some international insurance companies have a network of hospitals where you can receive treatment and the hospital sends the bill directly to the company – you don’t need to pay anything.

In other cases, you have to pay the bill and then make a claim to be reimbursed.

Does International Health Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Whether a health insurance company covers claims related to coronavirus will depend on the specific company, but it will likely be specified on the policy description. If not, check for a clause which relates to pandemics, viral outbreaks, or the exclusions section.

Some insurance companies have already re-adjusted their policies to exclude the novel coronavirus, as of March 13, 2020.

The post International Health Insurance – Worldwide Coverage for Foreigners appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

What is International Travel Health Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance (or protection) that is meant to cover all or part of the cost of any medical expenses that you incur while abroad, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, travel delays, etc.

Travel insurance is intended to cover expenses for things that are unexpected and that occur after the travel insurance policy comes into effect. For this reason, it usually does not include medical coverage for any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or pregnancy. On the same note, if you purchase travel insurance after an incident has happened, it goes without saying that the insurance company will not cover it.

Keep in mind, that travel insurance is not the same as international health insurance, which is intended for expats and students who are not technically just visiting. However, expats may also purchase travel insurance if they want to travel abroad from their country of residence.

Also, digital nomads should know the difference between the two, as they are required to purchase a medical health insurance plan, instead of a travel insurance coverage.

Here is a detailed explanation of the differences between travel insurance and expat health insurance.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Most travel insurance plans cover the following, although the coverage changes from one company to the other, as well as from one specific plan to the other:

• Medical treatment. If you get into an accident or get sick during your trip, your travel insurance will cover for doctor consultations, emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs and medicine, etc.
• Trip cancellation, interruption, or curtailment. If your trip is cut short or cancelled for some reason, you will be covered for any lost travel and or accommodation costs. The reasons deemed acceptable for reimbursement change based on the policy. You can also choose to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your existing policy.
• Repatriation of remains. In the case of death. It can also include overseas funeral expenses.
• Lost, stolen, or damaged possessions, but not is it is due to recklessness.
• Missed flight. If the flight you missed was through no fault of your own (ie. the airline rescheduled or had a delay) the insurance company will cover any expenses related to it.
• Return of a minor.
• Hijacking.

Additional travel insurance coverage

There are some travel insurance plans which will cover things that are outside of the “standard” coverage, but you will have to pay additionally. This can include:

• AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage
• Rental car coverage
• Dangerous sports medical coverage
• Natural disaster coverage
• Terrorism coverage
• Cancel for any reason travel insurance

What is Not included in Travel Health Insurance?

Most travel insurance companies usually refuse coverage for the following scenarios:

• Pre-existing conditions. If you have a disease such as diabetes, the insurance company will usually not cover any costs related to the disease, such as medications or doctor check-ups. Some companies may, however, cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
• If you are traveling while pregnant, travel insurance companies will usually not cover any expenses related to the pregnancy, such as giving birth, general check-ups, or morning sickness. There are some plans which offer travel insurance for complications of pregnancy.
• Medical treatment as a result of drug or alcohol consumption.
• Medical treatment as a result of reckless behavior and/or engaging in dangerous sports activities.
• Travel insurance for cancellation during an ongoing event (eg. extreme weather conditions).
• Traveling ravel against government advice.

Does Travel Insurance Have Disability Coverage?

Yes, some travel insurance companies do have coverage for disabilities and pre-existing conditions, but not all. Disability travel insurance is not included in policies by default and in the majority of cases, disabled people will have to pay more to get the additional coverage they need.

You can find coverage for the following instances (on top of the standard travel insurance coverage):

• Medical treatment related to your disability/pre-existing condition.
• Loss or damage of disability and mobility equipment.
• Replacement of essential medication.
• Replacement of an essential carer.

In the end, it really comes down on a case-by-case basis and you have to contact a travel insurance company to discuss how your disability fits into their policies.

The coverage for physical disability changes depending on the type of disability it is and whether it is “stable”.

What Activities Are Covered by Travel Insurance?

Every travel company has its own policy rules regarding what they will offer coverage for. However, in most cases, travel insurers will offer coverage if you get into an accident doing one of the following activities:

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Trekking
• Surfing
• Cycling
• Recreational sports

Even the following activities may be covered by some insurers under certain circumstances:

• Skiing (if it is done during skiing season)
• Scuba diving (if it is done under the supervision of licensed instructors and only up to a certain depth, usually 10-30 meters)
• Abseiling and rock climbing (if you have to use special equipment, you will likely not be covered)
• Sailing (only within a short distance from the shore)
• White water rafting (only for rapids 1, 2, and 3)
• Bungee jumping (depending on the specific policy)

Also read: Travel insurance for backpackers

What Activities Are Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

There are certain holiday activities that travel insurance companies do not offer any sort of coverage for, such as:

• Base jumping
• Off-the-season skiing
• Motorbiking and motor racing
• Hunting
• Partaking in professional sports
• Running with bulls

If by any chance, your travel insurance company does offer coverage for any of the aforementioned activities, the cost of the overall policy will be higher.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Plan?

There is no single answer to this type of question since it depends on your specific needs and the type of trip you are taking. However, when looking for the best travel insurance policy for your needs, you have to look for the following features:

• The actual travel insurance company. Make sure that you’re purchasing your policy from a reputable company.
• The coverage that the policy offers:
  • Is everything you consider important covered? For example, do you have coverage for medical expenses? How much will you have to pay from your own pocket before the insurance company steps in?
  • What holiday activities are covered by your insurance? If you’re going skiing, you will likely want a policy which will cover skiing-related accidents, and so on.
  • Is repatriation covered?
  • Is there reimbursement for trip interruption or cancellation, and if yes, what’s the nature of it?
  • Will you be covered if someone steals your belongings? 
• The cost of the policy. See whether the cost of the policy is within your price range but at the same time, keep in mind that inexpensive policies have limited coverage. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use some handy money-saving tricks (see below).

Also read: How to avoid travel insurance scam?

How to Get Insurance for International Travel?

You can get travel insurance online, through brokers who are sort of middle-men that work directly with travel insurance companies. This is usually the best way because they only work with reputable companies and can offer travel insurance plans customized to your needs, meaning you don’t have to go hunt down insurance companies yourself.

Moreover, when deciding on what travel insurance plan to purchase, it is important to really read through and compare different policies, so you know what you are paying for.

Here are the steps you need to go through when purchasing travel insurance for international travel:

1. Decide how much coverage you need.
2. Research online.
3. Find out if the policy offers coverage for where you are going.
4. Read the fine print carefully.
5. Buy the travel insurance policy early.

Decide How Much Coverage You Need

When deciding how much coverage you need, you have to think of where you are going, what activities you will do, how long you are staying, and what you’re taking with you. So, you should always choose a policy which covers at least medical assistance, cancellation, and lost/stolen luggage.

• When it comes to medical travel insurance, don’t go for the cheapest option because those usually have very limited coverage. If you do have a medical emergency while abroad, you may be left with a large medical bill which you have to pay mostly yourself.
• If you intend to take valuable items with you, you may want to insure them in case they are stolen or lost.
• If the trip is very expensive, you can consider higher premiums and more covered reasons for cancellation.
• If you are going skiing (or some other holiday activity) make sure it is included in your policy as well.

Research Online

There are a ton of travel insurance comparison websites, such as TravelersCoverage, which make it extremely easy to compare between different insurance policies. Once you know what type of coverage you need, it is easy to compare between plans and choose the one that’s best for you.

Find out If There Is Coverage for Where You Are Going

Before you purchase your travel insurance policy, you have to make sure that it covers your country of destination.

• Travel insurance for US Visa
• Travel insurance for Schengen Visa
• Travel insurance for France Visa
• Travel insurance for Germany Visa

Not all policies are valid for all destinations, and it is rare that a company will offer coverage for a country for which there is a travel warning in place.

Here is a list of countries where travel insurance is a mandatory requirement.

Read the Fine Print Carefully

It is very important that you read the fine print before you actually buy the policy. There can be a lot of confusing or misleading claims, which make you think you have more coverage than you actually do.

Likewise, you may not know you’re entitled to make a claim unless you carefully read the fine print, tiresome as it may be.

Buy the Travel Insurance Policy Early

It is also important to buy the travel insurance policy as soon as you can, so that in case you need to cancel, you will be covered for any financial losses. You will never receive 100% of your money back, but depending on the policy, you may be able to receive a good percentage of it back.

When is the Best Time to Get Insurance?

The recommended time to purchase travel insurance is within 15 days from the day you booked your trip or started paying for it/made your first deposit. As the departure date nears, and you make more deposits, you can include them on your coverage as well.

If you purchase your insurance last minute or after 15 days have passed from the day you booked the trip, you may not be able to get full coverage.

Additionally, if a natural disaster such as a hurricane happens or is expected to happen on your intended destination, and you buy insurance after it has been warned, trip cancellation will not be covered in this case.

How Does International Travel Insurance Work?

Once you purchase a travel insurance plan, if any of the unfortunate incidents covered under the plan happen, you can file a claim with the insurance company and they will reimburse part or all of the costs, depending on the policy rules.

For example, if you fall ill while you are abroad, you can get the doctor’s note and medical bill and submit them to the insurance company to file a claim for re-reimbursement.

Although most people believe travel insurance only covers travel health insurance, there’s so much more to it. It also covers any expenses that you may suffer if you have to abruptly cancel your trip, if your luggage or any other personal belongings are stolen or lost, as well as repatriation of remains in case of loss of life.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim?

You have to file the claim with your travel insurance company as soon as possible. For this, you need all the supporting documents you can get, if you want the company to actually consider your claim legitimate and cover it. Examples include:

• If you need medical assistance. If you get into an accident or become ill during your trip abroad, you have to save the medical bills, doctor notes, and any other documents that prove you require medical assistance. Once you submit your claim, the insurance company will reimburse the costs of your treatment. In countries like the US, if you have travel health insurance with a reputable health insurance company, the hospital may be able to bill the costs directly to the insurance company.
• Stolen possessions or a car accident. If your personal belongings are stolen or you get into a car accident while you are on your trip, you have to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible to learn how to proceed. You must also file a police report, and save the proof for when you make the insurance claim.
• Trip cancellation. If you have to cancel your trip, you must give a reason for it to the insurance company. For example, if the reason was work-related, include a letter from your employer. If the reason was health-related, include a doctor’s note, etc.

Remember:

• Make sure to contact your travel insurance providers before you depart the country you are visiting so you know what documents you need when making the claim.
• In some cases, travel insurance providers require that you contact them immediately in case something happens.
• Most importantly, read the insurance policy carefully to find out the exact steps your travel insurance company requires you to take to make a claim.
• Make copies of any documents that prove you are eligible for reimbursement.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

As a general rule, the cost of your travel insurance plan is between 4% to 12% of the overall cost of your trip. More expensive trips will usually cost more to insure simply because if the trip is canceled for some reason, the amount of money that the travel insurance company will have to reimburse is higher. However, the cost also changes depending on the following factors:

• The coverage you need. Plans with just basic health coverage will cost less than plans that include other factors as well, such as trip cancellation, theft of possessions, etc. Even on just basic health insurance, there are different levels of coverage, which can affect the cost of the insurance plan.
• The duration of your trip. The same plan, with the same amount of coverage, will cost more for a trip of 30 days than it will if you are only traveling for only one week or a couple of days.
• How many people are included in your plan. Similarly, if you only need to cover yourself in the plan, it will be less expensive than if you are purchasing health insurance for your entire family.
• Your age. Prices of travel insurance plans increase along with the age of the traveler. People over the age of 65 usually pay more for plans because they are more likely to make a claim, whereas if you have young children, you may be able to add them to your plan with no extra costs.
• Your destination. Some travel insurance companies also look at where you are traveling to when pricing your plan since some destinations have a higher level of risk than others.

Is Medical Insurance for Traveling Worth It?

Whether or not travel insurance is worth it comes down to how much you stand to lose if the trip is canceled. If you have prepaid your hotel room, flight ticket, and other activities which add up to a hefty amount, then getting travel insurance which is a fraction of that price may be worth it.

However, if you are traveling to stay with family, and have purchased a cheap round-trip ticket, you do not risk losing that much, so travel insurance, in this case, may just be a waste of money.

Another instance when travel insurance is necessary is if you are traveling to a country with high costs of health care, such as the US. If you get sick or in an accident in a country with high costs of health care, the medical bill can easily shoot up to tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, so the insurance cost is just a fraction of it.

Ultimately, it is up to you to judge the odds and decide whether your trip requires insurance or not.

How to Save Money on Travel Insurance?

Although it is a known fact that travel insurance policies with lower prices have less coverage and may end up costing more if you need to make a claim, you can still make smart purchases and save money on your travel insurance:

• Do not buy from your travel agency or airline. If you book a trip or flight, the tour agencies or airlines will sometimes offer complimentary travel insurance as a package deal. Although it is convenient, in many cases, they have additional fees, and you will end up paying more for travel insurance than you need or what you are actually getting.
• See if you can get it online. This is not only better because it allows you to compare more policies through comparison websites, but a lot of travel insurers offer discounts for online purchases.
• Buy it early. Try to buy travel insurance as soon as you book a trip because it will cover for any costs that happen between then and the time the trip actually takes place.
• Know what you are insuring. The term “better safe than sorry” may be true, but there is also such a thing as too safe. For example, if you have a refundable trip, don’t get reimbursement coverage, since travel insurance companies will only cover non-refundable trips either way.
• Don’t get high premiums on baggage loss/theft if you’re not taking valuable items with you.
• Get group insurance. If you are travelling as a family, getting group travel insurance is cheaper than getting it for each member individually.
• If you travel frequently, get an annual, multi-trip policy rather than a new policy each time you travel. Usually, with an annual policy, there is a limited period of time you are covered for each time you leave the country.
• Check if you already have travel insurance via your credit card.

Note: You shouldn’t try to save money on travel insurance by getting a policy with inadequate coverage or high deductible/excess (the amount you have to pay from your own pocket before the insurance company covers the rest). If you choose a travel insurance plan with a high deductible, the plan itself will be less costly, but if you have to make a claim, you’ll be losing more money in the end.

Credit Card Travel Insurance. What Is It?

Many credit cards have their own “build-in” travel insurance if you use the card to make purchases. It will offer coverage for the usual things, like medical emergencies, cancellation, and loss/theft of personal belongings.

Things to know about credit card travel insurance:

• You have to pay an annual fee for it, which is about $100 to $400 per year, depending on the bank.
• The card offers coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, or delay, lost or delayed baggage, rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and insurance for emergency evacuation.
• Medical travel insurance is secondary, which means it usually only covers the part that your regular travel insurance policy doesn’t.
• It will activate after you buy a flight ticket or, in some cases, book a hotel.
• There is usually a minimum amount you have to pay for the ticket (say, $400) in order for you to be eligible for travel insurance. If you pay less, your card travel insurance won’t activate.
• Credit card travel insurance has a higher deductible/excess than regular travel insurance. That means you have to pay more from your pocket before the insurance takes over.
• There is usually no age or location limit.
• You may have to notify the bank beforehand if you want to use travel insurance from your credit card.
• You have to pay for your expenses with your card. If you pay by any other means, you won’t be covered.

How to Complain About an Insurer?

If you encounter problems with your travel insurance provider and believe you’re being treated unjustly, then you have the right to file a complaint. Normally, all travel insurance companies have their own internal complaint procedures. If you cannot reach a solution with your travel insurance provider, then you have the option of turning to an external dispute resolution scheme.

But first, make sure that you have a right to complain in the first place.

• Read over the policy rules carefully. Check for any small print that will explain or put into perspective your situation. Check the “exclusions” list – the activities the insurance policy does not provide coverage for.
• Think of your situation. Are you making the claim because you had an accident due to “recklessness”, or did you leave your luggage unattended, so it was stolen? Most insurance policies do not cover injuries related to extreme sports and reckless behaviour. Even skiing is sometimes off limits if it happens during the off season.
• Do you have all the documents which prove your right to a claim? For example, hospital bills, police reports in case of stolen luggage, receipts and unused tickets for trip cancellation, etc.

However, if you have read over all the fine print, have all the supporting documentation, and you strongly believe you have been wronged, the first thing you can do is make a written complaint to the travel insurance company directly. There should be a section of the company which deals with customer complaints, with the right procedure.

You should give it a few weeks for them to respond to your complaint.

If a resolution is not reached with the company directly, then you can turn to a financial dispute resolution authority. Depending on your country, there are different organizations or institutions you can turn to when you have to reach a resolution to a financial dispute, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) in Australia.

The post International Travel Insurance appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.