The US Travel Insurance Association is advising travelers to check their health insurance policies before traveling abroad. According to a recently released study, traditional domestic health insurance, including Medicare, may not provide travelers abroad with the comprehensive medical coverage that travel insurance does. The study concluded that most traditional domestic health insurance plans typically limit coverage for out of country medical expenses to emergency-related costs. They have high deductibles and co-pays for emergency treatment abroad and do not cover out-of-country emergency medical transportation in cases of emergency or life-threatening illness where medical evacuation may be required.

The study revealed that 50 percent of people insured under Medicare may not have out-of-country coverage. All standardized Medicare Plan C and some higher standardized plans, representing 50 percent of Medicare policies, typically provide coverage for medical expenses outside the U.S. However, Medigap C coverage and other applicable policies are normally limited to 80 percent of emergency treatment costs, with a $250 deductible. Standard comprehensive travel insurance policies provide a shield against the unexpected, covering hospitalization abroad, providing medical evacuation where needed, and reimbursing co-payments and deductibles not covered by a patient’s healthcare policy. Additionally, should a traveler need to return home early due to illness or injury, non-reimbursable travel expenses such as hotel and airfare are covered. For more information, visit www.ustia.org.
 

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