What Is Travel Health Insurance And What Are Its Benefits?

Are you planning a trip outside the country? You may purchase a travel health insurance policy while you’re traveling abroad because you never know when you’ll have a medical emergency. If you require hospitalization or air evacuation, then in most cases, your general health insurance will not provide the required coverage. Some companies also offer travel health insurance if you’re planning a tour to US. Therefore, it can be said that you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of this particular insurance policy only when you’re traveling from one place to another.

Who offers travel health insurance policy?

Most of the insurance companies offer travel health insurance as a part of health insurance policy as the required coverage is somewhat similar. However, you’ll have to purchase travel insurance from relatively big companies that offer a number of insurance policies; as for example, health insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, auto insurance, etc. Before buying your policy, it is advisable that you enquire whether or not your insurance company offers health insurance benefits while you are on a tour.

Types of coverage offered by travel health insurance

As stated earlier, the types of travel health insurance coverage are somewhat similar to a general health insurance policy; only difference is that you’ll only get the coverage when you are on a tour. You may get coverage for the following conditions if you have travel health insurance.

• Unexpected medical emergencies

• Emergency medical evacuation

• Repatriation of remains

• Emergency dental treatment

• Accidental death

• Dismemberment benefits

Limitations to travel health insurance coverage

Though you get medical coverage on your tour if you have travel health insurance, yet you’ll not be able to enjoy all the benefits, which are offered by a standard health insurance. The limitations and exclusions are discussed in the following lines.

• Length of insurance coverage – Usually you get coverage for a specified time period, that is, the policy will automatically expire when you return from your tour.

• Treatment of pre-existing conditions – You’ll not get coverage for the treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, you’ll not get coverage if you’re traveling for medical treatment. The policy will cover unexpected medical expenses but it won’t cover your current medications or medical conditions.

Therefore, it is advisable that you take help of an insurance agent before buying your travel health insurance policy. It is also quite important to purchase adequate coverage as otherwise it may expose you to significant financial liability.