Foreign travel can be both exciting and challenging. Travel planning calls for a lot of thought and time. Often healthcare needs of travelers are overlooked. This oversight can turn an otherwise great trip into something out of a nightmare. These are some important steps you must take before you undertake any travel:
1. See your primary care physician and discuss your needs during your foreign travel. Ensure everybody is current with immunizations. Many Asian and African nations demand proof or certificate of vaccination. These requirements can be obtained from your travel agent.
2. Study your current health insurance plan to determine if it offers adequate coverage overseas. If it is not clear check with your insurance company about what is covered and excluded during overseas travel.
3. If your current health plan doesn't offer coverage for medical expenses and medical evacuation it is prudent to consider foreign visitor insurance. If your travels are short term then you can consider a visitor medical insurance policy. If you are out on a long trip spanning several years then you can consider a more comprehensive international health insurance plan offering regular pregnancy and preventive healthcare benefits.
The premium for the plan is influenced by your age, the type of benefits and the length of coverage. It is best to speak to an experienced visitors insurance professional. Ask the right questions and ensure you protect your most important asset - health.
About the Author
Author Chiranth Nataraj is a qualified and well experienced health insurance professional. He often writes about visitors medical insurance and visitors health insurance.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Visitors Medical Insurance
International Health Insurance
Traveling or moving to a foreign country is exciting and can be challenging. In both situations it is important to arrange for health insurance for your family. Your current health insurance will not cover you when you are abroad. If you are traveling for a short period, you will need coverage for any sudden sickness or injury. Most travel medical plans offer coverage in such situations. The plans can sometimes include coverage for bringing you back home for treatment.
Some plans can also cover sudden re occurrences of pre existing conditions. Review the brochures of the plans to understand exclusions. Travel medical plans are not designed to offer preventive care and extensive coverage for pre existing conditions and maternity. The plans expire once you come back to your home country or offer limited optional home country coverage. These plans are an inexpensive way to get comprehensive coverage. You can get immediate coverage.
If you are planning on living abroad for a long period of time you may consider the Global health plans. They are designed for international travelers, teachers, missionaries and other professionals who live abroad. They are a comprehensive solution for people who need coverage around the world including their home country. These plans offer preventive care, coverage for pre existing conditions and maternity. Some benefits may have a waiting period. The plans can be renewed for the duration of your stay. Some plans have networks of providers around the world along with assistance services to help you choose a provider. Applicants must fill out a health questionnaire. Plans have guidelines and requirements that must be met before they are issued.
The plan cost or premium will depend on: Your age, maximum coverage requested, deductible, type of coverage/benefits. Select a plan with the benefits you need. Whether you choose a short term Travel Medical Insurance plan or a long term Global Health plan understand the plan coverage, benefits and exclusions. Discuss your requirements with our licensed professional agents to find a solution that works for you.
About the Author
Suchi works in the Global Health Insurance industry. She often writes about International Health Insurance and provides online advice on International Travel Health Insurance.
