Health Insurance for Worldwide Emergency: Benefits & Coverages

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If you want a policy that will cover you in the case of a medical emergency while travelling overseas, you should check into independent travel medical insurance. Many comprehensive travel insurance plans offer emergency medical coverage, which can also be purchased separately. Travel health insurance coverage is useful not only for medical crises in which one must seek medical attention or be hospitalised but also for urgent evacuations or withdrawals abroad.

Checking all of the different types of policies can be difficult, and it's possible to misinterpret what type of health insurance you have when travelling or to mistakenly repeat your coverage by buying a policy that already covers those benefits from another source. So, here's everything you should know about medical coverage for international travel so you can make the best decision for your trip.

Why Do You Need Medical Coverage for Your International Trips?

Imagine you are exploring the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu or marvelling at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and suddenly you fall sick or get injured. Without a proper insurance policy, getting medical help could be a nightmare, draining your finances and adding stress to an already challenging situation.

Travelling abroad can be extremely expensive, but you may be unable to avoid the trip. During your journey, any additional expenses can be a significant financial hardship. As a result, here are some key scenarios that explain why you need travel health insurance when visiting abroad:

Illness and Sickness Coverage

If you become ill, have a medical emergency, or are involved in an accident that requires you to be hospitalised, your expenses will be covered. Furthermore, if the policy expires while you are in the hospital, you will be covered for the next 60 days or until you are discharged, whichever occurs first.

Emergency Evacuation

Medical insurance can be useful if you need to be transported to a hospital while vacationing abroad. Not only that but if you need to return to India for further medical care, your travel health insurance will cover that as well.

Loss of Valuable Things

It's not unusual to lose your luggage or misplace your passport while travelling. However, travel health insurance can assist in alleviating both emotional stress and financial loss in such a case. In the event of a lost passport, the insurance coverage will cover the cost of a duplicate or replacement passport, while some crucial personal items from your lost baggage may be repaid financially.

Real-life Examples

Ms Dasgupta, an avid traveller, ventured into the jungles of Thailand. While trekking, she slipped and sprained her ankle. Thanks to her worldwide emergency health insurance, she received prompt medical attention and was able to continue her journey after a brief rest.
Prakhar planned a backpacking trip across Europe. Unfortunately, he fell ill with a severe case of food poisoning in Italy. His insurance covered his hospitalisation and medication, easing the financial burden during a stressful time.

What are the Features of Travel Health Insurance?

Travel health insurance options are quite versatile and provide comprehensive coverage based on your specific needs. The following are a few key features found in travel health insurance policies in India:

Cashless Hospitalisation

If you are covered by travel health insurance in India and require hospitalisation due to a medical emergency, you do not need to be concerned about paying for the expenses out of your pocket. The insurance plan will give a cashless hospitalisation feature, in which the insurance cover will settle medical bills directly with the hospital.

All-Day Medical Help

Regardless of where you are visiting, the insurance coverage assures that you can be protected for 24/7 medical care if such a medical crisis arises.

How Can Travel Health Insurance Save You in Case of Worldwide Emergency?

You will be paid for unanticipated, emergency medical expenses incurred during your travel. Typically, travel insurance protects the following:

Coverage	Examples
Emergency dental expenditures	Seeing a dentist if you are in agony after chipping your teeth.
Medical evacuation	You have a head injury and need to be flown to a neighbouring medical institution. A doctor must order the evacuation.
Emergency medical expenses	After a nasty fall, you need X-rays at the hospital and also the doctor has suggested going through some tests.
Accidental death	Some things go horribly wrong and you die, or lose a limb.
24x7 Assistance	You are in an unfamiliar country, don't speak the language, and need to look for a doctor. If you call an emergency line, the insurance company will assist you in finding a doctor.
Trip Interruption	You were transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical care. The healthcare process has been completed, and you must be flown back to the place from which you were evacuated or home.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for International Travel?

When selecting a health insurance policy for international trips, consider the following factors:

Coverage Limits

Review the coverage limits for medical expenses, evacuation, and other benefits to ensure they meet your needs and the potential costs of healthcare in your destination country.

Exclusions and Limitations

Understand any exclusions or limitations in the policy, such as high-risk activities, pre-existing conditions, or specific destinations not covered.

Network of Providers

Check if the insurance plan has a network of healthcare providers or facilities in your destination country, which can streamline the billing process and ensure access to quality care.

Cost and Deductibles

Compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses to find a policy that offers the best value for your budget.

Travel Duration and Frequency

Choose a policy that aligns with the duration and frequency of your international travel, whether it's a single trip or multiple trips within a specified period.

Reviews and Reputation

Research the insurance company's reputation, customer reviews, and claims process to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.

Wrapping it Up!

Overall, do not let the excitement of international travel overshadow the importance of protecting your health and well-being. Investing in health insurance for international trips is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it offers.

Before embarking on your next adventure, take the time to research and select a worldwide emergency health insurance plan that meets your specific needs and ensures you're prepared for any unforeseen medical situations that may arise during your travels. Your health and safety should always be your top priority, no matter where in the world you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers on health insurance policy for worldwide emergencies.

Can you purchase only medical travel insurance?

Yes, you may only purchase medical travel insurance if you are travelling overseas and want to be covered for medical emergencies. However, many travel health insurance plans cover additional emergencies such as passport loss, baggage loss or delay, and so on. As a result, you can choose between travel medical insurance products that give more comprehensive coverage.

How much does medical insurance for travelling cost in total?

The cost of your travel medical insurance will be determined by factors such as your age, the objective of your trip, the kind of coverage, etc.

Is mental health coverage included in international travel health insurance?

Mental health coverage may be included in some health insurance policies for international travel, offering benefits such as therapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and prescription medications for mental health emergencies. Check the policy for details on mental health coverage.

Can I purchase travel insurance for a one-way trip?

Yes, you can get travel insurance for a one-way journey. However, your plan will need to be tailored to provide coverage for the amount of days you spend outside of the city or nation.

Is travel insurance the same as health insurance?

No, travel insurance is designed to protect you from a variety of situations and emergencies, including but not limited to medical emergencies while travelling to another city or country, whereas health insurance specifically covers medical emergencies and their associated costs within one's own country.

_Disclaimer:_{The plans, services, features, processes, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to availability and changes. Please check the applicable policy wordings before making any insurance-related decisions. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for any queries.}