Help! I am to leave for Prague/Berlin/VIenna Monday of next week (May 9) and I don't know a thing about Travel Health Insurance. I have Medicare....no help over there, I think.... Could some knowledgable and kind soul advise me about this...I need to purchase some health insurance, right?? My trip is for 3 weeks... THANK YOU!!
Elle
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I always purchase travel insurance through Travel Guard -- trip cancellation and medical. Have never had to use it, but personally, I wouldn't go to Europe without it. If you type "travel insurance" in the search box, you will see a lot of previous postings about this subject.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3207 posts
As a result of Medicare, my husband always makes sure he has $100,000 for medical coverage and also good coverage on the medical transport coverage, incase he needs to be flown back to the US. It is not too expensive for the peace of mind it provides. He also uses Travelguard.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10244 posts
You should definitely get the insurance. I go to insuremytrip.com and compare the policies. If you aren't worried about anything besides medical coverage, put the cost of the trip at $0. That should give you the best price. Last year I had to see a doctor in Germany. It couldn't wait until I got home. That trip my insurance was with Access America. I paid cash for my expenses (I forgot to take the insurance info to the doctor with me and it wasn't THAT expensive anyway), and the insurance promptly reimbursed me. Don't forget to keep all receipts and something explaining what you were treated for. Have a great trip!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Lezlie, I would definitely suggest getting travel health insurance! In addition to TravelGuard, you could also check with your local Travel Agents or Insurance firms, as they will likely also offer Insurance. Happy travels!
Posted by
Baton Rouge, LA, USA
16 posts
I just enrolled in medical travel insurance with AMEX. It is very reasonable and easy to enroll if you already have an AMEX card. You can learn about it on the AMEX website. I know it is secondary if you have other health insurance coverage and primary if you don't.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Another vote for checking out "insuremytrip.com" for lots of information. And no, your Medicare does not cover you in Europe, at least that is what I was told when I asked them.