In those who are used to traveling while maintaining their health, the diagnosis of a critical medical problem is certain to produce worry and uncertainty. The good news is that having a medical condition does not necessarily rule out travel. However, it is critical to understand the ins and outs of travel insurance and health concerns. Hundreds of medical issues are covered by most insurance plans automatically. The bad news is that, for more severe problems or combinations of ailments, you may be required to pay an extra premium. In certain cases, you may need to contact a specialist insurer.
When purchasing travel insurance, it is critical that you are completely honest and disclose any pre-existing health issues. It’s a terrible notion to think you can conceal your illness and no one would discover. What if your vacation does not go as planned, and you have to deal with unforeseen medical expenses or the necessity to contact the insurance claims or emergency help department?
Someone will be responsible for medical bills and transportation home if a previously silent or unspecified sickness should become acute (or, much worse, cause you to die) while traveling outside the United States. Some people believe that if they are harmed or become unwell while traveling, their consulate or embassy will handle it for them and reimburse the hospital expenses. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll be responsible for your medical and hospital costs. Borrowing money to pay your medical expenses might be very difficult if not impossible. Depending on the situation and the nation, medical bills can be extremely high.
What to do if you Become Sick While Travelling?
If you become sick while traveling, it is critical that you notify the emergency contact number on your insurance plan as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in claims for unauthorized medical expenses being denied. Who needs that?
EU citizens who are visiting any European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland destinations should apply for and keep the free European Health Insurance Card. This, however, should not be regarded as a substitute for travel insurance – you must have both. Why?
The European Health Insurance Card, according to Mr. Asbjørn Fongaas, a Norwegian blogger and travel writer, is “a document that allows you to receive free care in any country that accepts the EHIC.” Unless you or your family has a good insurance policy that covers repatriation, any expenses connected with transporting you (or your body or remains) home are your responsibility. So, be sure to check your insurance policy to ensure it is covered!
It is critical to investigate all aspects of your holiday destination ahead of time, especially health care and medical treatment. The British Foreign Office, Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland), U.S. Department of State, and Smartraveller (Australia) are just a few government websites that provide important and up-to-date travel advice.
If you’re going to Australia and require medical treatment, be sure to examine your travel insurance policy’s coverage for Medicare. It’s especially crucial that you contact the emergency assistance number provided by your travel insurance if you’re admitted to a hospital as an in-patient since this is not covered under Medicare. Checking out the restrictions outlined in your travel insurance policy might save you a lot of worry – and possibly expensive medical expenses.
