Read: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travel-insurance
Medical Insurance Before buying a special medical insurance policy for
your trip, check with your medical insurer — you might already be
covered by your existing health plan. While many US insurers cover you
overseas, Medicare does not.
Even if your health plan does cover you internationally, you may want
to consider buying a special medical travel policy. Much of the
additional coverage available is supplemental (or “secondary”), so it
covers whatever expenses your health plan doesn’t, such as
deductibles. But you can also purchase primary coverage, which will
take care of your costs up to a certain amount. In emergency
situations involving costly procedures or overnight stays, the
hospital will typically work directly with your travel-insurance
carrier on billing (but not with your regular health insurance
company; you’ll likely have to pay up front to the hospital or clinic,
then get reimbursed by your stateside insurer later). For
non-emergencies, a quick visit to a doctor will likely be an
out-of-pocket expense (you’ll bring home documentation to be
reimbursed). Whatever the circumstances, it’s smart to contact your
insurer from the road to let them know that you’ve sought medical
help.
Many pre-existing conditions are covered by medical and
trip-cancellation coverage, depending on when you buy the coverage and
how recently you’ve been treated for the condition. If you travel
frequently to Europe, multitrip annual policies can save you money.
Check with your agent or insurer before you commit. The US State
Department periodically issues warnings about traveling to at-risk
countries. If you’re visiting one of these countries, your
cancellation and medical insurance will likely not be honored, unless
you buy supplemental coverage.
For travelers over 70 years old, buying travel medical insurance can
be expensive. Compare the cost of a travel medical plan with
comprehensive insurance, which come with good medical and evacuation
coverage that can otherwise be very expensive. A travel-insurance
company can help you sort out the options. Certain Medigap plans cover
some emergency care outside the US; call the issuer of your
supplemental policy for the details.
Other Insurance Evacuation insurance covers the cost of getting you to
a place where you can receive appropriate medical treatment in the
event of an emergency. (In a worst-case scenario, this can mean a
medically equipped — and incredibly expensive — private jet.) This is
usually not covered by your regular medical-insurance plan back home.
Sometimes this coverage can get you home after an accident, but more
often, it’ll just get you as far as the nearest major hospital.
“Medical repatriation” — that is, getting you all the way home — is
likely to be covered only if it’s considered medically necessary.
Before purchasing a policy, ask your insurer to explain what exactly
what’s covered before and after you get to the hospital. Keep in mind
that medical and evacuation insurance may not cover you if you’re
participating in an activity your insurer considers to be dangerous
(such as skydiving, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving,
or even skiing). Some companies sell supplementary adventure-sports
coverage.
