When reviewing insurance coverage before traveling, comnsider these questions. The questions can be applied to individual, family, or supplementary travel insurance policies.

1. Is there a booklet or resource explaining my coverage in detail?
2. What do I use as proof of international medical coverage (if I need to use the insurance or if the host government requires documentation)?
3. Are there any deductibles? If so, what are they?
4. Is there a dollar limit to the amount of coverage provided for various services?
5. Will the plan cover ambulance costs and emergency room expenses?
6. Are there multi-lingual staff members available for translating if needed while I am abroad?
7. Does the plan include hospitalization coverage for accidents and illnesses for the entire period while I'm abroad? (Some policies provided by a parent's employer may cover medical expenses for brief stays abroad but not for the full term of a longer program.)
8. What do I do under the plan if I have to pay cash upfront and I don't have any money or don't have enough money?
9. Does the plan cover visits to the doctor or medication prescribed while abroad?
10. Does the plan assume it is the primary or secondary carrier? If it is the secondary carrier, when does the coverage begin?
11. In the case of a serious illness or accident, is the coverage for a family member or close friend to travel to the country to be with the injured or sick insured individual?
12. What is the coverage for medical evacuation?
13. In the case of death, what is the coverage for repatriation?
14. If you obtain medical assistance while you're abroad, when and how should you inform the agency?
15. What are the procedures for filing a claim, and how long does it take to get reimbursed after filing the claim?
16. Do I need to pay expenses up front and then submit receipts to the insurance company for reimbursement? (Make sure that you get information from your policy about how to arrange for routine treatment, medical emergency procedures, and what is required to pay for or be reimbursed for a claim.)
17. What documentation of expenses is required? Does the bill need to be in English and the amount of the charges in US dollars?
18. Students should consider purchasing liability insurance prior to departure, which will cover them for any damage to property and lost or stolen items while overseas. Your family's homeowner's insurance or rental insurance may also provide coverage.

When Selecting & Purchasing a Travel Insurance Plan

1. What is the process for enrolling in the plan?
2. If you find it necessary to use your insurance, what do you show as proof of worldwide recognition?
3. How do you contact the insurance company while abroad?
4. How do you find out where the closest medical facility is?
5. How do you find out who your insurance company works with locally in the city in which you are traveling?
6. If you are not a US citizen, will you be covered by your plan?
7. What are the premiums? How are the premiums determined? By length of time abroad or by cost of trip?

Notes

• The local US Consulate or Embassy at your travel destination is the best source of local information.
• Many overseas health providers will not process American insurance claims and will expect payment at the time of treatment. Travelers should have access to a minimum of $400 (either by credit card or traveler's checks held in reserve for emergencies) in the event that medical treatment is required abroad. Be sure to obtain a receipt to submit with your insurance for reimbursement upon your return to the US.
• If you will be doing any extreme sports or activities (such as scuba diving or horseback riding) while traveling abroad, ask the insurance provider if you will be covered under the plan in the event of an accident or injury while participating in the extreme sport or activity. Some insurance providers will offer an additional hazardous sports option. Take advantage of this option especially if you think that there is a possibility that you will be participating in any sport involving a risk of accident.
• Some credit cards may include insurance coverage—check terms and conditions.

Last modified on June 25, 2008