What Does International Travel Insurance Cover?

No one ever plans to lose baggage or break a bone on that long-awaited overseas trip, yet it happens. When it does, having international travel insurance coverage can mean the difference between a good or unexpectedly expensive vacation.

What Does International Travel Insurance Cover?

Simply put, travel insurance offers insurance benefits and assistance services for just about any imaginable situation such as food poisoning, car accidents or even medical evacuation services that can easily cost up to $50,000.

Why Buy It?

Most U.S.-based health insurance plans will not cover travelers once they leave the country. Purchasing travel insurance allows peace of mind in case of a possible medical emergency, lost luggage, stolen passports and trip cancellations due to hurricanes or cruise ship bankruptcy.

Are Pre-Existing Conditions Covered?

Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered under travel insurance plans.

How Much Does It Cost?

Travelers can generally expect to pay a premium ranging between 5 percent and 7 percent of their total trip cost. However, the final bill depends on the type and amount of coverage selected. For example, a student studying abroad might want only basic coverage, while a Himalayan trekker would certainly want medical evacuation coverage.

How Can I File A Claim?

Most travel insurance companies allow online claim filing.

References

• Travel Guard: Ten Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance
• "The Seattle Times": How to protect yourself when a cruise line, tour operator is on shaky ground

Resources

• Travel Insurance Review