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Americans are dusting off passports and planning foreign travel at a rate surpassing pre-pandemic levels. A recent survey conducted by the International Medical Group confirmed that this trend is up 11% among those who've already traveled outside the US.
As Americans pack their suitcases for overseas travel, many are often unprepared when it comes to having proper health coverage should a medical emergency occur. According to a survey published in May by travel insurer InsureMyTrip, nearly half of the survey respondents (1,329 Americans ages 18 and older) said they didn't know if their health care policy would cover a medical emergencies incurred in a foreign country.
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Sonja Bell, a resident of Dallas, Texas, was visiting Bratislava in the central European country of Slovakia in 2012 when she started feeling ill. On her way to the hotel, she stopped at a small clinic. "When we arrived, I was told I was so dehydrated that they would be keeping me overnight," Bell toldZDNet. She was ultimately diagnosed with pneumonia and bronchitis. The experience produced another surprise as the doctor returned with her health insurance cards. "She said that I would have to pay, upfront, about$2,000 until my insurance made a payment," Bell added. "If I was due a refund, they would send it to me."
Medical emergencies may not be at the top of your mind when dreaming of overseas adventures, but accidents happen. "While people are more aware of the need for travel insurance, there's still a lot of confusion around what would and wouldn't be covered by their own health insurance," said Suzanne Morrow, Senior Vice President of InsureMyTrip.
"When you file the expense, it may be shocking to find out how little your health insurance will [pay] towards it," Morrow added.
Chandrea Brown, a data analytics professional in the health care industry, is embarking on an extended excursion that will begin in Rome later this year. Over the next few months, she intends to explore additional Italian cities and then make her way to Lisbon, Portugal. Asked whether she knew if her current health care policy would cover medical issues abroad, she toldZDNet, "I don't know yet, but that's one of the points I want to check."
Don't fly blind when it comes to health insurance coverage overseas. Before embarking on an international voyage, take the time to evaluate your health care options. Reach out to your health insurance provider, and research how your credit cards can help cover your expenses in an emergency.
Travelers should contact their health care providers to ask:
(Older adults with Medicare should be aware that foreign medical expenses aren't covered and that supplemental plans must be purchased separately.)
"Credit card travel rewards typically offer trip interruption benefits that kick in before travel occurs. Travelers should first understand what benefits are available through their credit card providers. Then, purchase a travel policy that covers everything else," Morrow toldZDNet.
Using sites such as InsureMyTrip can help would-be vacationers compare travel insurance rates and coverage to determine the best fit for their budget.
ZDNet has compared five of the best international travel rewards credit cards, which offer anything from generous bonus point offers to$0 foreign transaction fees on purchases. The following credit cards (drawn in part from the list mentioned above) additionally offer travel-related programs that can assist with unexpected events that arise before and during international trips.
card highlights intro bonusEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend$4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's$750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards?.APR21.49% - 28.49% Variablerecommended creditExcellent/Goodreward rates The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers standard travel protection benefits for any travel expenses paid for with the credit card.
Travel benefits include:
card highlights intro bonusEarn 60,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend$6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.APRSee Pay Over Time APRrecommended creditExcellent/Goodreward rates This card grants access to the American Express? Global Assist Hotline, which offers emergency medical coordination and referrals 24/7. This service can help international travelers navigate emergency services when dealing with the unexpected, but card members are responsible for costs incurred by third-party service providers.
Travel benefits include:
card highlights intro bonusReceive 60,000 online bonus points - a$600 value - after you make at least$4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.APR20.24% - 27.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfersrecommended creditExcellent/Goodreward rates The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card requires a$95 annual fee, but it's worth it for the travel protections it provides for card members.
Travel benefits include:
Read more: The Best Bank of America Credit Cards
card highlights intro bonusN/AAPR30.74% (Variable)recommended creditLimited, Badreward rates This Capital One credit card provides a separate accident travel insurance policy. The policy is managed through the card network, and it can be accessed through the card member's online account.
Travel benefits include:
card highlights intro bonusEarn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend$8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.APRSee Pay Over Time APRrecommended creditExcellent/Goodreward rates At$695, the American Express Platinum Card has a higher annual fee than every other card on this list. Avid international travelers may still find it valuable, however, given the premium travel insurance perks it provides.
Travel benefits include:
These services can cost up to$10,000 or more depending on the travel destination. "Essentially, you are getting a private jet with medical attention. It can get expensive pretty quickly," Morrow warned.
Medical evacuations are rarely covered by domestic health insurance policies. Travel insurance policies, however, typically cover medical transport to the nearest medically-equivalent hospital that can offer lifesaving services.
Travel insurance companies have largely removed pandemic exclusion clauses from their policies. "Companies that had pandemic exclusions are taking that wording out," Morrow said. "Insurance companies are now treating Covid like any other unforeseen illness."
If you haven't contracted the virus before booking the trip, it will now be considered a covered illness. "I don't know any company that still has kept in the pandemic exclusion," she added.
Travel insurance prices can vary based on the age of the travelers and the overall cost of the trip. "It tends to be anywhere from 5% to 10% of the trip cost if you're getting the package plan," Morrow said.
An insurance package plan will likely include trip cancelation or trip delay insurance. Post-departure benefits -- health insurance coverage in foreign countries, medical evacuation coverage, etc. -- will cost even less than non-package plans, and they can be an effective way to save money.
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