Travelling can be a refreshing experience, especially if you are vacationing overseas. But similar to any change in life, travelling too comes with its drawbacks. Common cough and cold or upset tummy is quite normal when there is a change in environment or diet. Moreover, there is the risk of encountering an accident that leaves you physically injured.
In such situations, being hospitalised or getting medical care can be financially exhausting. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, you should get travel insurance before you start your journey.
Despite it not being mandatory to purchase travel insurance online for every country you visit, it would be a wise decision to invest in this policy. A travel policy from a trusted insurer like TATA AIG will pay for any unexpected medical expenses that may arise when travelling abroad.
How to Manage a Medical Emergency Overseas with a Travel Policy
Investing in a travel plan for your overseas trip is worth your time. During a medical emergency or other unprecedented events, a travel policy can help you stay financially secure.
Apart from covering medical costs, it protects your luggage by providing baggage insurance and coverage for trip-related issues. Let us find out how you can handle medical emergencies abroad with a travelling insurance policy.
Make Sure You have Packed Necessary Medicines
While with a travel policy, it is possible to avail emergency health care coverage for Medicare enrollees travelling abroad, you should still consider including over-the-counter medicines for the common cold, flu, etc. in your luggage.
Also, carry a first-aid kit containing bandages, ointments, etc. Furthermore, if you suffer from chronic ailments like diabetes or asthma, you should carry along the prescribed medicines and your doctor’s details.
Conduct Research about Medical Issues
You should find out about the health status of the country you are planning to visit before you decide to book your tickets. Find out if you need to be vaccinated before entering that country or if there is any epidemic prevalent there. This will enable you to be better prepared for what to expect healthwise when you are visiting that country if at all you plan to go.
Seek Coverage If You Fall Ill
If you fall ill while travelling abroad, do not panic and take necessary precautions. Keep yourself hydrated and study your symptoms. If your health does not improve with time, you should use your travel insurance to avail yourself of emergency medical treatment abroad. Your travel policy will provide financial protection as medical costs can be expensive in other countries.
Handling a Medical Emergency with Travel Insurance Coverage
Hospitalisation
You may need to be hospitalised if you suffer from an injury, fall ill or are already suffering from an underlying medical condition. No matter the reason, falling ill while travelling internationally can be intimidating.
It is recommended that you get travel insurance for your overseas trip, especially if you have senior citizens or kids travelling with you on the tour. If you face a medical emergency abroad your travel policy will help you with hospitalisation and medical care.
Medical Evacuation
Again, this medical evacuation insurance policy can help you get evacuated to your country for treatment if your condition worsens over time. If you cannot find a hospital or doctor that your travel policy covers, you should contact your Consulate or Embassy.
They might prove helpful in finding you a health facility or doctor that falls under your travel policy or can even help with evacuation to your home country.
Cover for Personal Accident
Under this travel insurance coverage, you can get hospitalised in case of an accident. Moreover, this policy compensates for permanent disability or death and includes repatriation cover. However, the policy coverage is subject to terms and conditions.
Travel Policy- Exclusions
This travel medical insurance international policy generally does not include the following:
- If you are travelling for the sole purpose of availing medical treatment, then you will not receive coverage under this policy.
- This policy does not cover any medical treatment that can be delayed and does not require urgent medical attention.
- This travel plan does not provide coverage for any dental treatment which can be delayed and does not require immediate attention.
- This policy does not cover hormone replacement therapy.
- This travel policy does not cover the treatment of congenital anomalies, birth defects or elective treatment.
Conclusion
So, it is clear from above that while planning your international trip, researching and investing in a good travel policy is important. Since you cannot predict what kind of situation you may encounter abroad, having this policy by your side can help you in medical crises while ensuring that you are financially protected.