10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying International Travel Insurance

Sights like Machu Picchu or Norway's glowing Northern Lights tend to be at the top of everyone's bucket list, and for good reason. Increasing transportation connectivity makes travelling between continents tempting, whether for a much-needed vacation or to fulfil a lifelong dream.

Flying halfway around the world, losing your luggage, getting unexpectedly ill, or encountering other obstacles can result in a lifetime of financial hardship or worse if you don't properly prepare for your trip.

That's why, in addition to booking flights and hotels, getting comprehensive international travel insurance for your specific trip is a top priority before you go.

For a smooth trip, asking the right questions upfront is essential to avoid potential coverage gaps or exclusions that may surprise you later.

Before purchasing international travel insurance, let's examine the ten most important questions that every intelligent globetrotter should answer.

Question 1: What coverage limits do I need?

If you become ill or injured abroad, the costs can add up quickly – have you checked the price of air ambulance transport lately? This does not consider any destroyed transport plans, property or expenses to insurance companies.

Set realistically high coverage limits based on travel location, duration and planned activities that require extra protection. Remember to factor state-of-the-art area healthcare options, cancellation reimbursement, property protection and other benefits into your overall insurance needs.

Don't market yourself as a ceiling to reach your limits quickly in a crisis. It is better to have additional monthly premium protection than unmatched risk!

Question 2: Are pre-existing conditions covered?

When purchasing international health insurance, it is essential to be clear about your existing coverage. Do not assume that all policies define or address these issues similarly.

Ask targeted questions such as:

● How exactly is past medical history defined? Ensure less obvious issues, such as controlling high blood pressure or treating anxiety, qualify so you know whether they're covered.

● Will my medication plan or period of stable disease affect eligibility? Provide your complete medical history to get an accurate coverage gap.

Question 3: What triggers trip cancellation and trip interruption payments?

A foreign adventure that is ruthlessly cancelled or interrupted mid-flight can cost hundreds or even thousands of lives. Have the insurance company detail what specific covered events will trigger reimbursement if the plan goes wrong, such as:

● Will hospitalization due to unexpected surgery qualify for reimbursement of forfeited travel expenses under cancellation/interruption insurance?

● If a terrorist threat or political coup breaks out in the country and forces an evacuation, will I receive a refund for vacated hotel rooms, travel, etc.?

Knowing the exact coverage triggers that result in a payout will help you evaluate whether your coverage is appropriate for everyday disruptive factors.

Question 4: Does my plan include an emergency medical evacuation home?

You are admiring the sunrise over Angkor Wat when you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your abdomen. Or a motorcycle accident on the winding streets of Hanoi that leaves you with a severely broken leg. Medical crises can strike anyone, even the most experienced travellers.

● What level of medical severity would justify my evacuation only if a life-threatening crisis is imminent?

● If I am evacuated to a closer medical centre for initial stabilization, will ongoing costs be covered when I return home?

If injured or sickened abroad, the cost of evacuation home on a medically equipped plane can easily exceed $100,000. Check whether this expensive transportation is included by asking the following questions:

Question 5: What does luggage and personal belongings loss insurance cover?

Theft or lost luggage happens - make sure your valuables are protected! Question:

● What categories of items are covered by loss/damage insurance? Check that electronics, business supplies, cash and clothing/toiletries are included.

● What dollar limits apply to each category? Look for sub-limits on expensive items like cameras, laptops, etc.

Question 6: Does insurance also cover my planned adventure?

If your schedule includes exciting adventures like bungee jumping, skydiving, or climbing a volcano, ensure your insurance covers the cost of the injury. Question:

● Does my plan automatically cover recreational sports/adventure activities, or does a waiver apply? Learn what's excluded.

● If the exemption is mandatory, what evidence must be provided and when? Don't risk your claim being denied later!

Question 7: What are the main exclusions or policy limitations?

Please note exclusions for existing medical conditions, pregnancy, mental health, alcohol-related injuries, or specific areas/types of travel (such as missionary or disaster relief). Question:

● If I develop complications while abroad, will my high blood pressure be entirely ruled out?

● Does the policy cover emergency dental expenses abroad or only medical issues? Tooth infections can be painful!

Question 8: Can I get 24-hour emergency assistance abroad?

Make sure your plan includes 24/7 assistance from multilingual assistance professionals to coordinate medical logistics, flight changes, and even emergency cash transfers. Question:

● If necessary, will you communicate directly with medical staff by phone?

● What mechanisms are there to contact support for minor issues such as replacing a lost passport?

Question 9: What is the procedure for filing an international lawsuit?

When luggage is lost, or a medical crisis occurs far away from home, dealing with international claims documents and processes creates additional challenges. Save yourself the extra stress by asking these questions:

What documents or evidence are required as evidence for different types of claims, such as:

● Medical claims: detailed billing and provider contact information? Writing recipes?

● Cancellation claim: Cancellation of invoice, reason?

● Lost baggage information: Written catalogue with estimated value and date of purchase? Do you need more evidence?

Question 10: Can I extend or upgrade my plan if necessary during my trip?

If your round-the-world travel plans change unexpectedly, ask the following to make sure your coverage changes too:

● How can you extend your existing travel health insurance during your trip if my international adventure extends beyond its original end date?

● Some adventurers take detours into dangerous terrain during their travels. There would be a new liberation if I suddenly added paragliding or mountain climbing.

When purchasing international travel health and evacuation insurance, travellers need to ask ten key questions.

If a minor mishap turns into a significant misfortune due to foreign program restrictions, comparing answers can prevent financial disaster.

Safe travel starts with in-depth research!