International Medical Insurance ? Health Insurance When Traveling ...

If you always assume ?What are the chances of an accident happening to me, or getting sick on vacation?? travel medical insurance may not seem an important concern when leaving on vacation. A trip abroad is a great experience for those who like to explore new places. Whilst you?re almost prepared to go abroad, purchasing a travel health insurance is probably the last on your list, thinking you will never get to use it and thus it?s a waste of money. However, there are several reasons to be cautious and preventive.

Huge medical costs in the countries to visit
Yes, there are countries where the medical care costs are bigger even than the ones in the U.S, for uninsured people. A PriceWatch Survey was conducted by European Research Specialists Ltd and comprises data from 108 clinics, hospitals and medical service providers in 30 countries.
A few conclusion examples are: a hernia operation (hospital + medical staff) in the UK costs ?2,000 (about $3100), while in Cyprus that?s ?2,400 pounds ($3650). In Czech Republic, the price is ?2,150 ($3,250); in Tunisia it cost ?1,200 ($1,850) and ?2,500?($3,900) in Turkey.
Any type of eye surgery is also expensive. Price is around ? 1,000 in the UK ($1,600), and the same price you will find in Belgium. In Cyprus, the price is double, while in Tunisia and Turkey, the price is about 800 pounds ($1,250).
Another example of high prices is the surgery for a cartilage tear, which is a very common injury during tourists vacations, especially in the mountain side, but a ligament rupture can occur when you fell down the stairs, too. This operation takes no longer than 45 minutes, but the costs are quite high. In Germany, the price for such operations is ?2,300 ($3,500), while in the UK it reaches ?4,600 (almost $7,000). In Norway, the cost is ?2,100 (~$3,200).

Insurance price is quite small
When you see all these prices, you should also know and how much is the medical insurance cost that covers these unfortunate events abroad. A travel medical insurance of a 10-day vacation in Turkey, for the maximum insured amount of 6,500 dollars, the price is about $19/person, while for 39,000 dollars it?s about $25. For both insurances you are entitled to private medical services and hospitalization.
For a 8 days holiday in Tunisia the?insurance price is $10 per person, for a maximum of $ 10,000 coverage. For Greece the price is approximately the same.

If you happen to have an accident, no one will even look at you
Nothing is for free, even within the doctor?s ethics. There have been reported cases of foreign tourists that had injuries while on vacation, when the medical staff simply refused to treat the patient if he had no medical coverage. Of course, you will receive first aid, but you?ll be requested money upon hospital discharge.

Private Insurance for Medical Services Abroad

For people under 65 years old, private insurance covers services of 65,000 dollars in European countries and $30,000 around the world. Over this age, the amount covered drastically decreases, reaching around $5,000.
Thus, for people over 60 years old prices are increased by 50% and the maximum age is 70-80 years, depending on the insurance company you choose. For most young people who go abroad for short periods of time, the costs are much lower. For example, private insurance for three days in Paris, France, for a person of 30 years, costs $6. Ask your travel agency for more details. Some travel insurance plans may also cover lost baggage and canceled flights.

When do you need International Medical Insurance?
Unforeseen medical expenses: these expenses can be covered by international health insurance plans: cost of a visit to the doctor in case of accident, the cost of medicine prescriptions and other medical emergencies.
Additional coverage may include: emergency evacuation in case of medical complications, death, rehabilitation, ambulance and medical care costs at home are also available at a premium insurance policy. Facilities as emergency evacuation is required for those traveling in third world countries (e.g. Africa) because there?s quite low quality health care in these locations.
Generally, a person with pre-existing health conditions (already ill) should buy a group insurance plan. It is possible for an individual who was denied individual health insurance plan to obtain coverage under a health insurance?group plan. It?s a common work-around in these cases.

In general, the basic covered risks are:
? medical treatments in case of illness or after an accident/injury;
? outpatient treatment (i.e. outside a hospital);
? the costs of repatriation in case of illness or death;
? emergency dental treatment;
? carriage costs of rescue services;
? attendant costs, if required by medical situation.

Insurance packages differ from one society to another, so before buying health insurance ? just as with any insurance ? it is best to compare the offers of several companies. The insurance premium is determined by the journey length and means, the requested insured amount and travel destination.

Caveat!
If you?re in need of medical care and own a private insurance, you must first call the number written on your policy document, otherwise you may not receive any money. The number usually belongs to a company providing international healthcare that will open a claim file. The insurer is not liable for expenses incurred without prior announcement.

Source: http://www.healthfiend.com/health/international-travel-health-insurance-overseas/

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