Prevent unexpected medical bills on vacation
Traveling abroad is exciting, but an unexpected health issue can quickly turn a dream destination into a costly nightmare. Sandra Gutierrez experienced this while attending a destination wedding on a Greek island. “When I got to the hospital, I realized it was going to be bigger than what I initially thought,” Gutierrez said. She was diagnosed with leukemia and spent weeks in the hospital. “I didn’t factor in cancer treatment in another country. I didn’t actually even know what my work insurance covered,” Gutierrez added. Unfortunately, Gutierrez isn’t alone. Health issues on vacation are more common than many realize. A 2022 survey found that nearly one in four Americans have faced health problems while traveling abroad. To avoid unexpected expenses, Consumer Reports offers advice on preventing big medical bills while traveling internationally. Getting quick help from your health insurance back home can be difficult, and your policy might not cover you abroad. “Most U.S. insurance providers, including Medicare, offer little to no medical coverage outside the country, which can lead to hefty medical bills if you need care,” said Consumer Reports editor Margot Gilman. Consider investing in travel medical insurance, with some policies costing less than $100 per trip. Websites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth can help compare policies to find the best fit. When choosing a provider, look for those with strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau and AM Best, a credit rating agency for insurance companies. “Before buying, check the policy for exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits. Verify that the plan includes any pre-existing conditions and prescriptions,” Gilman said. For added protection, it’s good to have a policy that covers medical evacuation, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas with limited access to major hospitals. Gutierrez wanted to return to the U.S. after her diagnosis, but a medical transport from Greece would have cost her thousands of dollars out of pocket. She now advises travelers to be prepared with insurance. “If you want the peace of mind, and if you can afford the insurance, get it, it will save you in the long run,” said Gutierrez. When planning an international trip, it’s also important to check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries require a valid passport for at least six months past the date of your trip. Regular processing takes six to eight weeks by mail, but you can speed it up for an extra fee.
Traveling abroad is exciting, but an unexpected health issue can quickly turn a dream destination into a costly nightmare.
Sandra Gutierrez experienced this while attending a destination wedding on a Greek island.
“When I got to the hospital, I realized it was going to be bigger than what I initially thought,” Gutierrez said.
She was diagnosed with leukemia and spent weeks in the hospital.
“I didn’t factor in cancer treatment in another country. I didn’t actually even know what my work insurance covered,” Gutierrez added.
Unfortunately, Gutierrez isn’t alone. Health issues on vacation are more common than many realize.
A 2022 survey found that nearly one in four Americans have faced health problems while traveling abroad.
To avoid unexpected expenses, Consumer Reports offers advice on preventing big medical bills while traveling internationally.
Getting quick help from your health insurance back home can be difficult, and your policy might not cover you abroad.
“Most U.S. insurance providers, including Medicare, offer little to no medical coverage outside the country, which can lead to hefty medical bills if you need care,” said Consumer Reports editor Margot Gilman.
Consider investing in travel medical insurance, with some policies costing less than $100 per trip.
Websites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth can help compare policies to find the best fit.
When choosing a provider, look for those with strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau and AM Best, a credit rating agency for insurance companies.
“Before buying, check the policy for exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits. Verify that the plan includes any pre-existing conditions and prescriptions,” Gilman said.
For added protection, it’s good to have a policy that covers medical evacuation, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas with limited access to major hospitals.
Gutierrez wanted to return to the U.S. after her diagnosis, but a medical transport from Greece would have cost her thousands of dollars out of pocket.
She now advises travelers to be prepared with insurance.
“If you want the peace of mind, and if you can afford the insurance, get it, it will save you in the long run,” said Gutierrez.
When planning an international trip, it’s also important to check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries require a valid passport for at least six months past the date of your trip.
Regular processing takes six to eight weeks by mail, but you can speed it up for an extra fee.
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