Travel Insurance

There was a time when organizations are only concerned about improving their profit margins. But, when it grew stiff competition in the global marketplace, organizations shifted their focus from making profits for client satisfaction. Almost every insurance company’s efforts today to satisfy the client and this goal can be achieved by offering customized services. In fact, this is the reason why there has been a result in a number of products offered by the industry for customers around the world.

In the beginning, companies used to offer insurance policies like health insurance, life insurance, and travel insurance that were all comprehensive in nature. The benefits included in one type of insurance were more or less similar and did not cater to individual differences.

However, today the scenario is completely different and every insurance company offers numerous policies for the consumers. With availability of so many policies, sometimes it becomes confusing for buyers to find out the desired product. The kind of doubts people generally have while buying insurance vary but here we have put together some FAQs that might help readers in one way or the other.

What is the difference between Comprehensive & Emergency Travel Medical Insurance?

Before telling our readers about the difference between both these types of insurance programs, it is critical to mention that a general health insurance policy is not valid abroad. It only covers medical expenses incurred while one is living in his homeland and this is why one has to buy special travelers health insurance while going to some foreign country.

Now, let us highlight the difference between these two types of insurance policies. Comprehensive travel insurance is for those people who do not have any medical policy otherwise. On the contrary, emergency policy is for those travelers who possess a health insurance policy at home but need to buy a policy for emergency cases in foreign countries.

Does Global Travel Insurance Cover Medical Evacuation As Well?

The service of medical evacuation has become quite common and many people believe their insurance company would offer this service under medical insurance. But, it does not hold true in every case and the buyers should check with the company before finalizing the deal. Also, medical evacuation is an expensive service and inclusion of this service might raise your premium amount. Continue reading "Put an End to All Questions Related Travel Insurance Here" »

Travelers  with health problems are sometimes inadvertently, or even deliberately, failed to declare existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance. For those new to this travel insurance is a very important and worth taking the time to research and understand.

When you purchase travel insurance, which is often done online these days, you will be asked to declare any pre-existing medical problems. Obviously, serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer have to be declared. However, it may or may not be obvious that pre-existing medical problems also include many more common ailments and conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as any recent investigations, diagnosis or hospital stay.

Younger people heading off on gap-year adventures or round the world trips may not think that this section applies to them because they are young and in good health. However, no matter what age the traveler the rules are the same. Declaring pre-existing medical conditions applies to everyone, no matter how healthy they may be at the time they book travel and purchase insurance. A good basic backpacker policy should also include cover for medical expenses, air ambulance and medical repatriation – but all pre-existing conditions must be declared.

The bottom line is that if you fail to declare a medical condition and then experience a medical problem related to that condition while overseas your insurance provider is very likely to refuse to cover your claim – and this could become very costly indeed. Some people may decide not to declare a condition when they purchase insurance because they fear it will make the premium too expensive, but this is false economy.

In some cases there may be an increase in the premium to purchase travel insurance to cover a pre-existing medical condition, but it is better to be honest and pay a bit more than face having to pay for hospital treatment abroad if the worst should happen. Paying a bit more for your policy and having the peace of mind of knowing you are covered is crucial, and could save you a bundle if you experience a problem. Wouldn’t it also be nice to know that with insurance you have a lifeline to call if disaster strikes, and a helpful voice to reassure and guide you.

It is vital that you declare all pre-existing conditions, and not just the ones that you think are more serious. Less serious medical conditions may not seem to be important but sometimes when they are present in combination with other conditions an insurer considers the risk greater and additional payment may be required.

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and are travelling to another EU country you may falsely believe that travel insurance is not necessary, or that the embassy will pay your bills. While a valid EHIC should cover most of your hospital expenses, this can vary from country to country and the EHIC does not cover treatment for non-urgent or ongoing treatment, nor does it cover medical repatriation. Continue reading "Travel Insurance: Reminder for Submitting All Health Problems" »