Travel Insurance Can Cover Medical Emergencies Abroad

05/11/2010

With the summer travel season approaching, consumers may want to consider a travel health insurance policy.

Such coverage can pay for expenses associated with emergency medical attention abroad or flights back to the U.S. This type of coverage was essential for University of Wisconsin educator Louise Robbins, whose husband was severely injured during their vacation to southwest China last summer, according to a recent report by the Associated Press.

The couple's $250 supplemental insurance policy paid for his emergency evacuation back to America, where he died December 9. Without it, Robbins would have faced more than $100,000 in expenses. Consumers may want to consider similar supplemental policies or stand-alone medical evacuation coverage before traveling abroad, according to the report.

"Americans have the concept that when they travel, their health insurance travels with them," Dan McGinnity, vice president for at one travel insurance company, told the AP.

In addition to emergency medical assistance, travel insurance can also protect against losses following a trip cancellation or luggage damage. Accidental death coverage provides relief if an individual dies while on their vacation, but may overlap a life insurance policy.

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