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Step 1
If you are covered by Medicare, and you get sick during the trip, it will only pay if you are ill inside the United States. If your trip takes you out of the country, you most likely will be required to pay for your care up-front. And medical evacuation, alone, can run into thousands of dollars.
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Step 2
If you are insured by an HMO, be sure that it covers costs outside of its area. It would be a good idea to have travel insurance to supplement your health insurance coverage if you have any doubt about your policy.
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Step 3
If you must prepay the cost of your trip, you may have to pay a stiff penalty if you cancel. Though the premium on your travel insurance may be high because of your age, it probably will be less than that penalty. Also remember, you must contract for travel insurance BEFORE you sign the papers for your trip, or you may not qualify for many of its benefits.
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Step 4
Shop for travel insurance to get the best price. Here is how you start.
1. See if your regular insurance agent sells that coverage.
2. Ask your travel agent who probably has a relationship with a number of carriers.
3. Contact your travel insurance trade association for the names of companies that issue those policies.
4. Go online, if you have access to the Internet. There are several websites that let you compare coverages and costs.
