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Getting the right Insurance before travelling to the US
Insurance before travelling to the US, it is coming to that time of year again when holidaymakers start booking their holidays with the hope of discovering a new city or country, sightseeing, relaxing, exploring.
Usually the last thing you think of is needing medical attention or help whilst abroad, soaking up the sun. However, research shows that 1 in 9 Britons do not organize travel insurance when travelling, even when booking holidays involving extreme activities.
Holidaymakers are being urged to reconsider and ensure they make use of the travel insurance options available to them, particularly if travelling to the US, where health and medical claims have skyrocketed in recent times. What would have been a large initial payout of $15,000 ends up growing into a whopping $90,000 with no travel insurance.
Unfortunately, things can happen that are out of our control while travelling. This shows how important having the proper travel insurance can be when going on holiday. Christian Bennett, the head of travel and mobility at Multi-trip, has pointed out that “many individuals assume that travel insurance is a waste of money.
However, it is imperative, particularly given the recent surge in the cost of medical expenses abroad,” A trip to a hospital in the US can cost thousands a day, even before any further treatment or surgery”.
Importance of Insurance before Traveling to the US: Protecting Your Finances and Peace of Mind
Of course, medical costs vary from country to country. However, Aviva has disclosed that the US stands out as the most expensive country for treatment, particularly in relation to winter sports injuries, with an average claim of around £6,877.
This amount of money is unthinkable to many people and shows just how essential planning and taking these things into account is when booking your holiday.
Travel insurance can cover not only medical expenses when travelling to the US but also can cover other unexpected situations such as your trip being cancelled, whether by the holiday company or the travelers themselves. It is significant when choosing your travel insurance that you pick one that covers the necessary components.
You can purchase travel insurance from various sellers, such as price comparison websites or insurers. It is a wise idea to look around and compare multiple policies before buying, as you may be able to find yourself a better deal or a policy that better suits your needs.
Kelly Whittington: the director of travel insurance with Aviva said, “It’s really necessary to check your policy documents and make sure you have the required level of cover for where you’re planning to travel and the types of things to do lined up.
In some cases, you may need to take out ‘winter sports cover’ as it provides additional security against things like theft, piste closure and avalanche delay, on top of medical treatment.”
What type of cover do I need when travelling to the US?
The first thing you need to do when paying for travel medical insurance, is to make sure the cover you are buying specifically covers the US. Garry Nelson, the head of corporate affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance, noted that UK residents are used to the NHS being available to them freely. It is essential that they take out a comprehensible level of travel insurance when travelling to the US.”.
The majority of providers, including AllClear Travel, offer two variations of travel insurance policies for world-wide trips where the USA is a destination. Nelson points out that “they are Worldwide, which includes the USA (also Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada) and world-wide excluding the USA (Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico)”. This is a direct result of the high medical bills in the US.
He goes further to say that “a one-night stay in a privately operated facility is going to cost about $10,000 a night, whereas long-term stays can see bills run into hundreds of thousands of pounds”. He goes on to say that their company urges people visiting North America to have a generous emergency medical expense limit and should always declare any medical health issues they may have prior to travelling. This is due to the fact that if you do not include something, you will later need to claim for on your trip. The travel insurance company will probably deny some or all of the reimbursement, forcing you to pay the bill.
Travel Insurance for Visiting the US: Essential Coverage and Considerations
Helen Phipps, who works at Compare the Market, said that if you plan to travel to the US, you need to buy travel insurance that covers all the world. A standard policy will normally provide cover for emergency treatment, tests, hospital stays, as well as the cost of repatriation if you need to return to the UK for further medical attention.
A standard policy also most likely won’t cover you for injuries caused by extreme winter sports, like skiing or surfing. At the same time, individuals with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) won’t receive coverage for their visit, so it is advisable to obtain travel insurance before traveling.
What to be looking for in a Travel Insurance Policy?
When looking for a travel insurance policy before traveling to the US, it’s important to consider a couple of key factors. Here are some aspects to look for in a reliable travel insurance policy:
- Medical Coverage: Ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage for medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, and medical evacuations.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Look for coverage that will reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses in case your trip gets canceled or rescheduled because of unexpected circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or travel advisories.
- Baggage and Personal Expenses: Check if the policy offers coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and belongings during your travel.
- Travel Unexpected Delays: Consider a policy that provides compensation for unexpected travel delays, including accommodation, meals, and alternative transportation arrangements.
- Emergency Assistance Services: Look for insurance providers that offer 24/7 emergency assistance services, including access to a helpline for immediate help and support during your trip.
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, ensure that the policy covers these conditions or offers optional coverage for them.
- Policy Exemptions and Limitations: Take time to review the policy exemptions and limitations to understand your policy, such as extreme sports, specific medical conditions, or high-value items, does not cover what.
- Policy Expiration Date and the Geographic Coverage: Make sure that the policy duration aligns with the length of your trip and that it provides coverage specifically for traveling to the US.
By taking into account these factors, you can invest in a travel insurance policy that suits your needs and provides enough coverage for your travel to the US. Always take the time to read the policy documents carefully and compare different insurance options to make an informed decision.