Health insurance for international travel

We always purchase GeoBlue, and had never had to use it until we just had a foot injury while in France in April. It required a little attention similar to urgent care equivalent in the US. Anyway, we paid all of the charges which were not expensive as we went along (doctor, clinic, pharmacy) and kept all detailed receipts; filed a claim when we returned home, and received the refund rather quickly. Of course buying the plan was more expensive than our medical expenses, but if had been a big event we certainly would have appreciated having the policy. I think Medjet from my research is more of an evacuation only kind of insurance, but I have no experience other than looking into it.

Medjet’s evacuation only, not medical. Advantage is they will evac you to the hospital of your choice when you are stable enough to travel, either by commercial flight or ambulance flight accompanied by a nurse.

When I called GeoBlue about a pre-existing condition (yes they cover), the phone rep said the little bit of evac they cover is to nearest facility only.

Allianz has the standard purchase within 14 days pre-existing condition clause. They are the only one of the three that covers cancellation/trip interruption, standard trip insurance with medical and evac.

So if it sounds like I really want to cover most contingencies, I should stick with my GeoBlue policy and add Medjet for evacuation back home.

Am I correct that the insurance on my credit card -- Chase Sapphire Reserve -- should cover trip interruption expenses that are not medical related?

Also, what is the "14 days pre-existing condition clause?"

Can’t answer about your credit card. Maybe someone here with the same card will know. Or call the card company for clarification.

As for comprehensive Travel insurance, most will only cover pre-existing medical conditions if you purchase a policy within 14 days of your first non-refundable trip payment or purchase.

The 14 day pre existing clause is related to travel insurance not medical insurance like GeoBlue. Personally, I think the clause is a way to get your $ up front with a threat not to cover preexisting medical conditions unless you buy within 14 days of your initial trip payment. And we have Chase Sapphire Preferred and again what exactly they'll cover for cancellations...there's probably a host of reasons why a certain type of cancellation they won't refund, etc. Read the fine print. But I digress...

Something that works well for folks who are in any kind of international outdoor recreation endeavor should look into Global Rescue for travel insurance. It's an annual program and includes access to supplemental travel insurance though IMG. They'll do full evacuations with medical support, if necessary.

It's not cheap, but it is useful if you're into outdoor adventure. Might be overkill here, just wanted to present it as an option.

MedJet Coverage

BASIC POLICY

• Hospital to Hospital Medical Transfer for member regardless of Medical Necessity
• Members determine to which Medical Facility to be moved
• All-Expenses-Paid Air Medical Transport in the United States as well as Internationally
• Covers both business and personal travel
• Travel Medical Emergency Referrals, Monitoring, Telephone Interpretation and Message Relay
• Transfer of Mortal Remains (big selling point for me)

EXPANDED POLICY ALSO COVERS

• Emergency Medical Cash Advance
• Ground Ambulance and Specialty Hospital Transfer (under 150 miles)
• 24/7 Travel Security Response and Evacuation Services due to Political Threat, Terrorism, Natural Disaster, Pandemic and Violent Crime
• 24/7 Crisis Response to Kidnap for Ransom, Disappearance, Wrongful Detention, Blackmail & Extortion
• Trip Intelligence and e-Alerts
• Legal Referrals

https://medjetassist.com/membership-options