Include HEALTH INSURANCE in your Summer Trip Budget

BY: MARÍA ALEJANDRA PULGAR

International traveling is expected to reach prepandemic levels this year, however, more than 60% of travelers are not considering purchasing travel health insurance within the budget for their trip. It is not a matter of being pessimistic but if something can ruin a vacation is having an emergency and not having the financial resources to handle it.

Domestic health insurance covers you while traveling within the US, but neither Medicare nor many private insurances cover international health emergency costs, hence the importance of including the purchase of a health insurance policy within the preparations for a trip abroad; it is not a significant expense but the benefit can go a long way, giving you peace of mind in case events do not go as planned on the trip.

How To Choose A Good Travel Health Insurance

There are plans for different budgets, with a broad selection of coverages, deductibles, and eligibility requirements. When selecting the right insurance policy for your planned trip there are several points to consider to make the most convenient choice.

First of all, it is important to check the health travel requirements of the chosen destination. In addition, you should consider the duration of the trip, activities planned, and the health condition of the travelers because insurance companies have different requirements for the coverage of emergencies related to pre-existing conditions.

In many places travel health insurance is mandatory or there are vaccinations needed before the trip. A good place to review that information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ page/summer-travel-abroad

The plan selected has to be valid for the entire duration of the trip, and a few extra days in case of delays or extensions. If a person travels abroad several times a year, there are annual plans that can be purchased once and are activated only when the person goes on a trip. Also, if the trip includes activities that may imply more risks, it is important to review carefully the terms of the policy subscribed, to be certain that in case of an injury or accident, the expenses will be covered.

Some pre-existing conditions are not covered or limit the eligibility for a policy. There are some plans that can cover those conditions if purchased within a certain period of time after booking the trip. Make sure to meet the criteria of the plan you choose to avoid inconveniences down the road.

Finally, it is important to read the reviews for the insurance companies considered, to learn from the experiences of other customers about their