Travel Insurance Considerations

If you are planning a vacation there are many considerations you will make before you travel. While you figure out all the fun details of your vacation, you’ll also want to consider insurance coverages to give you peace of mind and ensure you’re protected.

Travel Medical Insurance

Most health insurance plans offer emergency coverage within the United States, should you happen to be traveling outside your coverage area for a short period of time. But what about when you travel abroad? Medicare does not pay for medical expenses incurred outside the US and its territories. Even if you’re under 65, your health insurance may be limited to emergency care only when you travel. How can you ensure that you’re covered if you’re ill or injured in a foreign country and need to see a doctor?

If you’re planning a vacation or business trip overseas, you can purchase a one-time travel medical insurance plan for yourself, your family, or a group you are traveling with through International Medical Group (IMG). These plans provide coverage for doctor visits, emergency room and transportation costs, and hospitalization, as well as some costs related to political evacuation and natural disasters (limits and deductibles apply). In addition, you can purchase special coverage for skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, mountain biking, and other sports activities you may take part in while you travel.

Have A Student Who’s Traveling Abroad For A Semester? Hosting An Exchange Student Who Needs Coverage?

IMG offers Patriot Exchange and Student Health Advantage plans for students traveling to and from the US.

Over 65 And Planning To Travel More Frequently?

IMG now offers specially designed travel medical plans for Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans. You can purchase GlobeHopper Senior coverage to cover Medicare-eligible expenses for short trips, long trips, or even multiple trips within the same 12 months.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

If you’ve ever had to cancel a long-anticipated vacation because of a family emergency or had a scheduled flight canceled or rerouted when a hurricane came ashore at your final destination, chances are you’ve had to absorb some or all of the costs. These types of unexpected travel losses can be covered by purchasing a trip cancellation policy.

Unlike travel medical insurance – which covers medical costs you incur while traveling – trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of the trip itself. Travel costs include:

• Deposits
• Airline and cruise fare
• Hotel and lodging
• Any other part of the cost you pay up front

Trip cancellation coverage can reimburse you up to the entire cost of your trip if you have to cancel due to any of the following:

• Injury or illness
• The death of a family member
• A flight cancellation due to inclement weather
• Jury duty
• An unannounced strike
• A natural disaster at your destination

In addition to trip costs, trip cancellation coverage can also pay for replacement travel documents, lost luggage, unexpected hotel expenses, and emergency evacuation costs while you’re traveling.

If you are planning a trip and want to ensure that you’re fully covered, IMG offers three levels of coverage for trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Purchase your policy months in advance or shortly before your departure date. Depending on the cost and length of your trip, you may be able to get covered for less than $100.