Understanding the Financial Risks of Traveling Without Emergency Medical Coverage
International travel can be costly even for the most experienced travelers. Those costs can skyrocket in the event of a health emergency abroad. While some U.S. based insurance plans do offer some international health coverage, most do not. Regardless, it is always a smart financial decision to travel with travel insurance to ensure full protection and coverage. Here are some of the many financial risks of traveling without emergency medical coverage.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
If you are injured or experience a health emergency abroad, it is unlikely you will know which facility is best for you without prior planning. In dire circumstances, you might even need to be evacuated to a more equipped medical center. These costs can be steep, ranging from ambulance travel to even being airlifted to a different facility. These are fees you will need to be certain are covered by travel insurance to ensure proper trip protection in the case of medical evacuation.
Risky Activities
Most U.S. based insurance plans exclude coverage for risky activities performed while abroad. In cases such as these, there is no protection available for those who are harmed while rock climbing, for instance, or participating in another risky activity. Since injuries during risky activities tend to be extreme, these medical costs can be high. It is safer to select a quality travel insurance plan with optional hazardous coverage prior to traveling abroad to ensure you are covered for all your planned activities.
24/7 Assistance
Quality travel insurance will provide 24/7 assistance for all travelers covered abroad. This is not the case for those traveling solely with their U.S. based plan, and these limited plans often leave large gaps in medical costs that remain unpaid by the insurance company. The traveler should not need to worry about these gaps in cost, and possessing travel insurance should eliminate any gaps in service or coverage. This is priceless peace of mind for all levels of travelers.
The Necessity of Travel Coverage
It is easy to think that travel insurance is only needed for long-term, complex travel plans. However, travel insurance is necessary for all travelers. Travel coverage can provide 24/7 assistance in the case of a medical emergency, and it can cover the costs skipped by U.S. based health insurance. Choosing to travel without emergency medical coverage, especially if planning risky activities, is unwise and can lead to financial ruin in the case of emergency.
It is important to take the time prior to leaving for a trip abroad to select a travel insurance plan for your needs. When in doubt, speak to a representative about different options for your situation. Always check your current health plan to see what is covered abroad, and be sure to fill in all necessary gaps in travel coverage before leaving the country. Travel insurance allows you to travel with peace of mind.