Falling sick or getting injured during an international trip is not something you plan for, but it can happen. Medical care abroad is often expensive and dealing with hospitals in a new country can be stressful. That is why you should have travel health insurance. It covers emergency medical costs while you are overseas. Understanding how travel health insurance works is crucial if you plan to travel abroad.
What is travel health insurance?
Travel health insurance is also known as international travel medical insurance. It is a type of policy that offers coverage for medical emergencies when you are travelling outside your home country. This type of insurance helps cover costs, such as hospitalisation, emergency evacuation, doctor consultations and sometimes even dental treatments.
There is often confusion between travel insurance and travel health insurance. While travel insurance may include benefits such as trip cancellations, loss of baggage or flight delays, travel health insurance focuses on providing medical coverage. It is specifically designed for medical-related issues that may arise while you are abroad.
Some common terms associated with travel health insurance are:
- Travel medical insurance international
- Health insurance for overseas travel
- Travel healthcare insurance
Why do you need travel health insurance?
Healthcare in many countries is expensive and your standard health insurance usually won’t cover treatment overseas. Travel insurance health coverage ensures that you receive the necessary financial support in the event of a medical emergency abroad.
It is worth having because of:
- High medical costs: Treatment abroad can cost thousands; insurance helps cover these bills.
- Unexpected emergencies: Illnesses, injuries, or hospital visits can occur at any time. A good policy keeps you protected.
- Evacuation and return: Your insurer can arrange transport to a good medical facility or fly you back home if local care is not enough.
How does travel medical insurance work?
Travel medical insurance is simple to use once you know how it works. You will need to purchase the policy before you travel, by selecting your destination, travel dates and the type of cover—either single-trip or multi-trip.
You will get the policy details and emergency contact numbers after purchase and you should keep them handy throughout your journey. You can call the insurer’s helpline if you need medical help while abroad and they will guide you to a nearby hospital.
The treatment may be cashless if the hospital is part of the insurer’s network. Otherwise, you can pay the bills yourself and apply for reimbursement later by submitting your medical reports, bills and prescriptions once you are back.
Inclusions of travel health insurance policy
Coverage may differ slightly between insurers. However, most plans usually include the following:
- Medical treatment and hospitalisation during your trip
- Accidental injury, disability or death
- Emergency dental care in specific cases
- Medical evacuation to a better facility or back home
Some policies also offer add-ons or tailored plans for students, senior citizens or frequent travellers.
Exclusions of travel health insurance
Most travel health insurance plans also come with a few standard exclusions. These include:
- Travelling against medical advice
- Pre-existing conditions, unless it is clearly stated in the policy
- Injuries from high-risk or adventure activities
- Health issues caused by alcohol or drug use
- Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression
- Self-harm or suicide attempts
- Situations involving war, terrorism or civil unrest
- Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS
Eligibility criteria for travel medical insurance policy in India
Eligibility for travel medical insurance depends on the type of policy you choose. Different plans cater to different needs, so you can choose one that matches your travel purpose and age group. Let us take a closer look:
- Student plans: These are usually designed for Indian students aged 16 to 35 who are pursuing higher education abroad.
- Family plans: They typically cover one to six members, starting from six months of age. Some plans come with no upper age limit.
- Senior citizen plans: These are available from age 70 onwards.
- Individual plans: You may need these if you are travelling alone or with friends, but not as a family unit.
Conclusion
Dealing with a medical emergency in another country can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. Travel health insurance gives you access to better medical care when you need it most, without the added stress of unexpected bills. It is worth reviewing your options and choosing a plan that suits your destination and needs before your trip.
FAQs
1. What is travel health insurance?
Travel health insurance meaning is simple. It covers medical costs if you fall ill or get injured while travelling abroad.
2. What is single-trip travel insurance?
Single-trip travel insurance is useful when you don’t travel frequently. It covers one specific trip abroad.
3. Is travel medical insurance international the same as health insurance back home?
Travel health insurance international only covers you while you are outside India. It does not replace your regular health policy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.