Every travel agent suggests you buy travel medical and trip cancellation insurance if you're leaving the U.S. But do you really need it? For those with U.S. Medicare or Medicaid, the answer is a resounding yes. Both government insurers provide no overseas medical protection, and trip cancellation coverage is a must have for everyone. But read the fine print -- policies have different requirements, some very stringent.

If you have a normal medical policy, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, you may be covered for illness, emergencies or prescription drugs while traveling abroad, including treatment for preexisting conditions, which is usually excluded by travel medical policies. If you're not covered, you may be able to buy supplemental insurance as part of your current policy. Most policies do not cover medical evacuation, so add this to your list of "required purchases." Medical evacuation can cost up to $50,000.

I recently recovered from what was eventually diagnosed as a garden variety virus while traveling. My U.S. insurance covered medical care and tests.

To get approval for treatment or to file a claim, prior to leaving the U.S., obtain: the international pre-authorization number blank claim forms a summary of coverage.

Most insurers require you file your claim within 30 days. Some will pay the hospital or doctor directly, others make you pay upfront for reimbursement. Since many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service, no matter the type of insurance, always travel with extra traveler's checks.

Consider picking parts of a travel policy rather than the whole coverage. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas can face difficulties with language, quality of service and access to specialists. Some travel insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Above all, read any travel policy carefully to avoid duplicating benefits. Check the pre-authorization number to see how well they respond. Does the carrier have a 24 hour access number answered by a live person? How do they arrange for medical evacuation? Is the policy renewable? How long is the policy active? Some policies are good for one year but are not renewable. Or there are yearly policies, which are renewable, similar to standard medical coverage but for use outside the U.S. If you travel extensively, the yearly policies may prove cheaper and have better benefits like prescription drug coverage and cosmetic surgery coverage. Some also allow for treatment of pre-existing conditions. Before purchase, compare policy costs and reputation for service.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available online at www.travel.state.gov or by fax: (202) 647-3000.

Reputable companies offering travel medical, evacuation and trip protection:

Access America www.etravelprotection.com

Insurance Services of America and Atlas Travel Medical www.worldwidemedical.com or www.atlasmedical.sphosting.com P.O. Box 1617 Chandler, Ariz. 85244-1617 (800) 647-4589 or (481) 821-9052 Fax: (480) 821-9297 e-mail: health@worldwidemedical.com

International Medical Group www.imglobal.com 407 Fulton St. Indianapolis, Ind. 46202 (800) 628-4664 or (317) 655-4500 Fax: (317) 655-4505 e-mail: insurance@imglobal.com

Medex Assistance http://www.medexassist.com 8501 LaSalle Rd. Suite 200 Towson, Md. 21286 (410) 453-6300 Fax: (410) 453-6301 e-mail: info@MEDEXassist.com

Specialty Risk International www.specialtyrisk.com 9200 Keystone Crossing, Suite 300 Indianapolis, Ind. 46240 (800) 335-0611 or (317) 575-2652 Fax: (317) 575-2659

The Travel Insurance Comparison Web site compares prices of 80 plans and major companies: http://insuremytrip.com .

As an aside: For those with pre-existing chronic conditions or allergies, a Medic Alert Foundation ( www.medicalert.org ) necklace, bracelet or card should be with you at all times. These contain a toll free number, the registration of your medical history, physician contact information and medications -- which could save your life in an emergency.

Cruising? Read the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2002 by Douglas Ward. Ward, the cruising guru, rates ships with a 2,000 point system. The top-rated ship is Hapag Lloyd's 450-passenger Europa. If you're a cruise fanatic, this is the guide to purchase.

Alexandria Berger is a widely published travel writer who is writing an exclusive weekly version of her The Imperfect Navigator column for iCan. Contact her at imperfectnav@icanonline.net Although it isn't always possible to answer every e-mail, we'll do our best to respond to your concerns, either directly, or through iCan!'s Q&A columns on iCan.com. Related iCan stories More Imperfect Navigator columns

E-mail this article to a friend

Top of page

Comment on this article...

From Ican.com.