What is international health insurance and is it worth it?
With summer season fast approaching many will be taking vacations to far away popular international destinations like Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and even Asia. Many will make plans such as budgeting for hotels, car rentals, excursions, swimsuits and swimming gear, airfare, restaurants, etc…. While it is wise to plan ahead and budget for such things many forget one of the most important things to plan for when going abroad. International Health Insurance or Travel insurance. Here as some answers to some questions: What exactly is International Health insurance? Simply put, it is health insurance for people that will be travelling outside their domicile country of residence. It is not merely insurance for those just going abroad for a week or two but also for expats planning to live outside their country of residence for an extended period of time. I already have health insurance; won’t it cover me if I go abroad? Sometimes, Marketplace health insurance (Obamacare) will not even cover certain things when travelling from one state to another let alone to another country. The answer is no, it will not cover you on your international trip. This is why it is essential to have it prior to leaving for your international trip. What happens if I need health care abroad and don’t have international health insurance or travel insurance? In many cases, especially poorer countries, can and more than likely will refuse to offer care in a medical emergency, unless you show you have the means to pay for it via cash or credit card. You may try to go to a public hospital but be prepared to wait many hours with sub-par care. Is international health insurance expensive? Not nearly as expensive as needing it and not having it. International health insurance. There are many factors that go into the pricing of international health insurance. Age, length of travel, how comprehensive will the coverage be, etc…. It can vary widely from $80 – $600.
