Medical Insurance For Your International Travel

Imagine you’re exploring the skyscrapers of the USA or indulging in the vibrant culture of Switzerland, and suddenly, you find yourself facing a medical emergency. Such situations don’t just interrupt the joy of your journey; they can turn your vacation into a financial nightmare.

Especially when travelling to countries like the USA, Switzerland, and Norway, where healthcare costs are 50-75% higher than in India, the lack of adequate travel medical insurance can lead to exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses that could take years to settle.

Here, we explain why having travel medical insurance is essential when travelling abroad. 

What Is Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel medical insurance is a travel insurance plan that includes international medical cover. It covers medical expenses you incur while travelling outside India, including ambulance services, hospital stays, dental care, medications, etc.

It protects you and your finances abroad, especially in countries where foreigners aren’t eligible for subsidised healthcare services or where healthcare costs are prohibitively high. 

Travel medical insurance is also mandatory for entering certain countries. For instance, Schengen countries require tourists to have travel insurance with international medical cover of at least 30,000 euros (~ Rs. 27,00,000). Similarly, countries like Cuba, Ecuador, UAE, and Turkey only allow entry to tourists who have proper medical cover with their travel insurance.

Features of Travel Insurance

Here are some key features of travel insurance: 

• Comprehensive Coverage: These policies cover medical and non-medical emergencies that may occur during your journey. You’re well covered against expenses arising from sickness, injuries, flight delays, trip cancellations, etc. 
• 24X7 Assistance: With travel insurance, you get round-the-clock access to the insurer’s support team to assist you in emergencies, whether you need immediate medical attention or help with other travel-related inquiries.
• Provides Financial Security: Insurers reimburse you for expenses arising out of unforeseen events, such as health issues, flight delays, or trip cancellations. This prevents your trip from becoming a source of financial stress. 

Why Get Medical Cover with Travel Insurance while Travelling Abroad?

Here are five reasons to get international medical cover with your travel insurance:

1. Medical Expenses Coverage

Travel medical insurance covers any expenses you incur due to illness or injury on your international trip, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and surgical procedures. 

2. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage 

Suppose a health emergency requires you to be transported to a medical facility or even fly back to India. In that case, medical evacuation coverage covers the cost of emergency transportation and medical care needed during the travel. 

In the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s death, international medical cover also covers the cost of transporting the mortal remains back to India.   

3. Accidental Death and Dismemberment

In case an accident results in the loss of limbs, sight, hearing, speech, or even death of the insured, the travel medical insurance pays a lump sum amount to the beneficiary to help manage funeral costs, outstanding debts, loss of income, etc.

4. Emergency Dental Treatment

Various travel medical insurance plans cover dental issues that may arise while travelling. This typically encompasses a range of emergency services such as pain relief, infection control, provision of temporary fillings, and repairs to teeth damaged by accidents.

5. Hotel Accommodations

You may be forced to extend your trip while being treated abroad. In such scenarios, travel medical insurance reimburses you for the cost of hotel accommodation. 

What are the Additional Benefits of Travel Insurance?

Medical cover, although vital, is only one component of travel insurance. These plans also include coverage for several non-medical emergencies, including:

1. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

If you need to cancel your trip before departure or cut it short mid-way due to poor health, family emergency, natural disasters, etc., travel insurance reimburses you for any non-refundable expenses incurred in the process. 

2. Baggage Loss or Delay

In case the airline delays your luggage, travel medical insurance plans provide coverage for additional expenses, like meals, accommodation, and transportation. These plans also help you recover or replace your essential items if you lose your baggage or it gets stolen.

3. Personal Liability

Travel medical insurance also covers you if a person files a claim against you for damages to their property or any bodily injury they suffer due to an accident. This includes coverage for costs like legal representation, settlement, etc.

Key Takeaways

Travel medical insurance offers much-needed peace of mind, especially when travelling abroad for a fun vacation. It ensures that you can get immediate medical assistance when you need it. It also safeguards you from the financial repercussions of suffering an illness or injury in a foreign land. So, as you pack your bags and book your tickets, don’t forget to get travel medical insurance.