Why Traveler's Medical Insurance Is An Important Investment

With the many recent bankruptcies in the travel industry, and with the
increased threat of terrorism overseas, travel insurance has become one of
the most important investments you can make before your next trip.

How much would it cost if you needed to cancel your trip or come home early?
Who would you call if you suddenly fell ill in your overseas hotel room? How
will you navigate the local health care system if you get run over by a
local bicyclist? Travel insurance can cover a lot more than trip
cancellation costs and lost luggage.

Unlike most insurance policies that are purchased annually, most travel
insurance covers a single trip. Single trip travel insurance is designed for
those of us who take one main holiday a year or who prefer to have a few
short breaks from the daily grind.

However, if you travel often, you can purchase a multi-trip policy that
covers all your travel for a specified period of time, depending on your
needs. The right policy is the best way to minimize the financial risks of
traveling overseas.

Although many people think of trip cancellation coverage when they think of
travel insurance, the medical element of travel insurance may be more
important, especially if your group health plan does not have benefits
outside your own country. In fact, travel Insurance is highly recommended by
the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for all overseas travel.

Before going abroad, learn what medical services your own health insurance
will cover overseas. If your emergency medical care and transportation are
covered by your group health policy, you may not need a separate travel
policy that covers your health. However, if you have an HMO or managed care
plan, or if your health care needs are covered by Medicare or your national
insurance plan, you should consider an international medical policy.

Your first step is to check with your health insurance company and see what
it covers. Will they help you out if you lose your prescription medication
along with your luggage? Will they help you find a good hospital or an
English-speaking doctor in a foreign country? Will they cover emergency
evacuations if the local facilities are unable to treat your illness or
accident?

If your group coverage allows claims from other countries, how long will it
take for you to be reimbursed, and how easy (or
difficult) is it to file a claim? Once you have answers to these questions,
you'll know if you should add medical coverage to your travel insurance
policy.

If you travel for business or if you are taking an extended trip lasting for
several years, you may need an international health insurance policy
designed specifically for expatriates and citizens traveling around the
world. There are many global insurance carriers that offer life, health,
disability and travel insurance to individual travelers and to companies
with employees overseas.

The coverage offered by different international companies will vary a great
deal from one policy to the next, so carefully review all fine print before
making your choice. You might also check to see if the company is regulated
by your own national laws and insurance regulations.

In a world where anything can happen, travel insurance is your ticket to
safeguarding your trip. Emergency medical travel insurance is essential to
protect yourself, your family and your personal finances, and to give
yourself peace of mind while enjoying your vacation or business trip abroad.

About The Author: If you'd like to learn more about travelers medical
insurance, and international insurance policies offered for global
companies, students and expatriates,visit
http://worldwide-health-insurance.com