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The Importance of Medical Expenses Insurance When Traveling
When we plan a trip, we often focus on the exciting destinations and the experiences we will have. However, there is a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked: the importance of having medical expenses insurance. This article explores the fundamental reasons why this insurance is essential and the available options.
1. Immigration Requirement in Many Countries
In several destinations around the world, presenting medical expenses insurance is an immigration requirement. Just as a passport or accommodation reservations are requested, many countries require proof of medical insurance for both visa application and entry into the country. This requirement is a measure of responsibility, indicating that travelers must cover their own medical expenses.
2. Protection During the Trip
Travel insurance not only covers medical expenses but also offers additional protection. This includes care for your luggage, coverage in case of flight changes due to health or work reasons, and assistance if problems arise with flight connections. These additional coverages are vital for a peaceful and safe travel experience.
3. Cost of Medical Services Abroad
The cost of medical care varies significantly from one country to another. While in some countries, like Thailand, the cost may be lower, in European destinations, medical expenses can be exorbitant. Acquiring medical expenses insurance is an investment that can save unexpected and significant expenses.
Types of Medical Expenses Insurance for Travelers
Convertible Private Insurances to International: Some national private insurances offer international options, ideal for frequent travelers. However, they can be expensive and less personalized.
Insurance Offered by Bank Cards: Many credit cards include travel insurance if you purchase the trip with them. Although convenient, these insurances can have limitations in terms of who they cover and the duration of the coverage.
Specific Insurance for Travelers: Companies specialized in travel insurance offer policies specifically designed for the needs of the traveler. For example, Intermundial offers an easy-to-use platform and competitive prices. With customizable options, these insurances adapt to the specific needs of the trip.
Our Recommendations
From planetrip, we recommend the following travel insurances:
Intermundial
Intermundial is a company specialized in travel insurance. With more than 25 years of experience, Intermundial offers travel insurance for all types of travelers and destinations. With coverages that include medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more, Intermundial is an excellent option to insure your trip.
Planetrip offers you a 10% discount on your travel insurance with Intermundial using our coupon PLANETRIP10.
See more
IATI Insurance
IATI Insurance is a company specialized in travel insurance.
One of the main strengths of IATI Insurance is its ability to offer travel insurance tailored to the needs of each traveler.
Whether you travel for business, tourism, or adventure, IATI Insurance has a wide range of coverage options to ensure you are protected at all times.
Planetrip offers you a 5% discount on your travel insurance with IATI
See more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected problems and expenses that can arise while you are traveling, whether for vacation or work. This includes situations like:
- Getting sick
- Having an accident
- Your trip being canceled or delayed
- Issues with your luggage, such as losing it or it getting damaged.
- Medical coverage and assistance at the destination.
- No need to advance money.
- Interpreter service.
- Protection of luggage and other personal effects, whether due to loss or delay.
- Civil liability.
- Provides protection and assistance throughout all stages of any international trip due to unforeseen health setbacks that could affect your budget.
- Financial Protection against Medical Emergencies: The cost of medical care abroad can be exorbitant. Travel insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses due to illness or accidents.
- Coverage for Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: In severe cases, insurance can cover the costs of emergency medical evacuation or repatriation to your home country.
- Coverage for Trip Cancellations or Interruptions: If you need to cancel or shorten your trip due to personal emergencies, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, insurance can reimburse non-refundable expenses.
- Luggage Protection: Insurance can cover the loss, theft, or damage of your luggage and personal belongings during the trip.
- Assistance in Emergency Situations: Many travel insurances offer 24/7 assistance services, providing support in emergency situations, such as loss of documents or legal advice.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are covered in case of unforeseen events allows you to enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
- Legal or Visa Requirements: Some countries require visitors to have valid travel insurance to enter, especially in the Schengen Area.
- Personal Liability Coverage: If you accidentally cause damage to a person or property, insurance can cover your legal liability.
The countries in the Schengen Area are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The European Union countries that are not part of the Schengen Area are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania.
A Schengen visa insurance is mandatory when traveling to a Schengen country from a nation whose citizens require a visa. The insurance for the Schengen visa is obtained through insurers whose policies are valid in the countries of the Schengen Area.
If you are looking for a cheap Schengen insurance, we recommend Intermundial, which offers travel insurance starting from 17.34€.
Trip cancellation insurance not only protects your investment in case you need to cancel your trip for unexpected reasons, but it also offers peace of mind. Depending on the plan contracted, you might be reimbursed for:
- Airline tickets
- Hotel reservations
- Car rentals
- Excursion expenses
- Cruise tickets
Common causes for cancellation
Although each policy has its terms, generally accepted reasons for canceling a trip include:
- Health, serious illnesses or accidents, either of the beneficiary (Surgical intervention, Pregnancy, Positive for Covid-19) or a direct family member.
- Death of a close family member that makes the trip impossible or not advisable.
- Legal commitments such as unexpected judicial summons.
- Job dismissal.
Both Intermundial and IATI Insurance offer cancellation coverage in their travel insurance.
Most travel insurance covers medical expenses for COVID 19.
Both Intermundial and IATI Insurance offer COVID 19 coverage in their travel insurance.
IATI Escapadas is a travel insurance for road trips in Spain and Europe, covering theft inside any vehicle, replacement vehicle, and even a professional driver if necessary.
Now, if you have a camper, motorhome, or converted van, the ideal choice is IATI Camper. It is a special insurance for your vehicle, third-party or comprehensive, which also includes travel insurance for you (medical expenses, repatriation...), for your pet, and even for your luggage (covering even theft of sports or technological equipment), all year round.