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Nowadays, we hear lots of confusion regarding the new ACA coverage during this transition. Nothing is more unsettling than traveling abroad and not knowing whether or not you should visit the local doctor because you’re not sure what’s covered and what isn’t. For me and the licensed insurance advisors at GoHealth, the online portal for finding health insurance coverage, it is important to make sure those consumers are in-the-know of their healthcare plan so that they are armed and ready for a safe and protected vacation. Below are seven simple rules to check off your list before you go:
1.Find Out What’s Covered
Before traveling, ask your insurance carrier what benefits are included in the event of an accident or illness during your trip. Many health insurance plans include coverage abroad, but usually only for emergency care. That means unless your life or limb are threatened, you’d likely have to pay out of pocket for medical care.
2.Ask About Exceptions
Many health insurance carriers will not cover medical care for pre-existing conditions, so be sure to ask about all limitations and exclusions. Even if a health insurance plan covers medical emergencies abroad, it may have exclusions for activities deemed as dangerous. Ask your insurance carrier if high-risk activities such as scuba diving or visiting remote areas are excluded.
3.Understand the Payment Process
Medical Care overseas often requires payment when the service is provided. To avoid financial surprises, make sure you understand if the insurance company will pay foreign health care providers directly or if you need to pay upfront and will be reimbursed later.
4.Inquire about Medical Evacuation Insurance
A medical evacuation can cost upwards of $10,000. It can be especially costly if you are traveling in a remote area. Find out if these expenses would be covered in the event you need to return to the United States for treatment. If they are not, you may consider a medical evacuation insurance plan. Should a medical emergency arise, this type of health insurance would provide coverage for transportation back to the U.S. or a location where medical facilities are comparable to those of the United States.
5.Ask about Travel Medical Insurance
Frequent international travelers should consider purchasing travel medical insurance. These plans are designed for global travelers. Plans vary but can offer comprehensive benefits including coverage for pre-existing conditions, medical evacuations and both routine and emergency medical care. If you often venture outside of the United States, consider these types of plans for optimal protection abroad.
6.Purchase coverage or supplemental coverage for overseas travel:
If you want peace of mind knowing that if something happens you’re covered, I recommend purchasing travel medical insurance. If you don’t want to purchase a comprehensive plan for your trip, consider medical evacuation insurance which costs as little as $45. In the event of a medical emergency, this will offset the cost of transporting you back home or to a quality hospital for care.
7.Check In Before You Go:
Travelers can visit their primary care physician ahead of their trip to ensure they’re healthy enough for the activities planned. Some health insurance plans will cover this visit, only charging you the copay for your office visit (generally $20-$40). If traveling overseas, you should also make sure you have the appropriate immunizations and enough of your prescribed medications to last throughout your trip.
Bon Voyage, Baby Boomer!
Mark Colwell: Director of Consumer Marketing; GoHealth Insurance
May 16, 2023
