The Complete Guide to International Health Insurance for Travellers

If you're planning to travel internationally, you may be wondering, "Do I need international health insurance?" The short answer is yes. You need health insurance in foreign countries the same way you need it back home.

International health insurance will help you stay safe while abroad. You never know when you might need medical attention or medication, and proper healthcare insurance will ensure you get the care you need. It can also save you from hiked-up costs and through-the-roof medical bills.

Additionally, you'll likely need the right international insurance to secure a travel visa.

Some domestic medical insurance plans will cover international trips. However, this level of coverage typically only applies to short-term travels abroad. If you visit a foreign nation and face emergency medical issues, you probably will have to pay significantly more than you would at home. Different health insurance providers offer varying coverage options. You'll want to compare insurance companies to find the best option for you.

If you've done some research, you'll probably come across different types of insurance, such as travel and medical insurance. Each of these insurance policies covers various aspects of your international trip.

• Travel Insurance. Also called travel cancellation insurance, this type of insurance covers your travel itself. You want this insurance if you face lost or damaged baggage, cancelled flights, or a sudden change of plans.
• Medical Insurance. Medical insurance refers to emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, access to private healthcare, evacuation, and repatriation. This insurance prevents you from paying exorbitant medical bills and other healthcare-related expenses.

Different countries require different health insurance coverage. You want to comply with all insurance regulations before entering a country to avoid legal complications and possible detainment. So yes, your travel destination does matter.

Many visa applications require you first to have proper international health insurance coverage. Certain travel visas may also require certain levels of coverage.

Don't just go with a basic health insurance policy before travelling abroad. You'll want to do a little research and meet all the requirements of your soon-to-be host country.

Not all international health insurance policies are equal. You'll want to read through them carefully and determine the coverage you can expect from each. The last thing you want is to purchase insurance that won't provide adequate coverage when you need it most.

Health insurance providers will give you all the documentation you need to make an informed decision. You'll have full access to their policies and products, so take your time and sift through them. For a full rundown on insurance products, visit HealthRates.ca.

What covered medical expenses can you expect from international health insurance? It depends on your policy's specific terms, conditions, benefits, and available coverage. However, you can generally anticipate coverage for the following:

• Prescription drugs
• Regular check-ups
• Medical treatments
• Hospitalization
• Emergency medical care
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation
• Healthcare provider options

Your international health insurance should cover these fundamental areas by default. However, depending on your unique needs, you can add benefits to a plan. For example, you can include dental or eye care after securing a policy.

Medical evacuation and repatriation refer to leaving a country due to emergency health circumstances. Some countries may not have the medical staff, equipment, or facilities to treat certain conditions and deal with specific, life-threatening emergencies. If they need to airlift you to a different location, you'll want medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.

Repatriation and evacuation coverage ensures you get the care you need without making dents in your bank account. You shouldn't have to worry about making it to the nearest medical facility because of a lack of finances.

One of the biggest questions most people have is, "How much does international insurance cost?" It might be more cost-effective than you think. International insurance costs vary depending on a few factors:

• Level of coverage (e.g., boat insurance, which will cost you more to add on)
• Policyholder's age (younger clients typically pay less than seniors)
• Travel duration (short-term trips will cost less than long-term ones) 

As you browse for insurance abroad, remember that cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better. Low-priced policies often lack the broad coverage you'll need for a safe, successful trip. But overpriced insurance plans don't always indicate credibility and comprehensive coverage.

Compare international insurance packages to find the one that's right for you. Do the research, read through the policies, and ask questions. Before signing the dotted line, you'll want to understand different plans and available coverage options thoroughly.

Purchasing international health insurance means you can stay safe and save money abroad. An insurance plan ensures you get high-quality medical attention and treatment no matter where you live. You can rest easy knowing your health insurance will cover any medical expenses you might face.

Finding available health insurance plans for your upcoming trip doesn't take long. Search online for international health insurance providers, and you'll quickly discover you have a long list of options. To determine which is right for you, you should read the policies thoroughly and understand the services and coverage provided.

A common reason to travel is for educational opportunities. Your education may lead you to spend a few weeks or even several years in a foreign country. You'll need different international health insurance coverage depending on the type of education and how long you plan to stay.

Different types of education abroad opportunities include:

• Studying abroad for weeks, months, and perhaps an entire academic year.
• Finishing a degree abroad, which may take several years in one location.
• Attending a language school is typically a short-term, tourist-level trip.

Many people travel to a foreign country for business purposes. The location and duration of your stay might vary depending on the type of business, but you still need proper insurance coverage. Business trips abroad may include:

• Interning with a company or organization which should already have an insurance policy in place for you.
• Working abroad can go for various lengths of time and will require a high level of insurance coverage from your employer.

Business and education are the two main reasons people travel. However, many travellers visit foreign nations for other reasons. These require proper international health insurance, too, and might include:

• Volunteering in remote locations where evacuation and repatriation would be your only option should you face a medical emergency.
• Adventure travelling to experience new thrills in exciting, potentially dangerous environments.