Why purchase medical travel insurance?
The majority of people travelling on vacation do not purchase medical travel insurance. This typically comes down to 2 thoughts, the first is ‘I am young and healthy, I don’t need medical travel insurance’ or ‘My current insurance plan covers me for international travel medical emergencies’. While these may be true, in the long run medical travel insurance can save you money. Here are some reasons why you should always say ‘yes’ to medical travel insurance.
- Less or no out of pocket costs in an emergency situation.
Travellers requiring medical treatment are required to pay up front. Hospitals or clinic will not accept your local medical policy because they are not able ensure payment for services. This means you will need to provide your credit card information, incur the costs, and submit your medical documentation to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Depending on the care needed the cost can be into the tens of thousands.
Purchasing medical travel insurance policies can eliminate this or minimize any payments you need to make upfront.
- Most foreign travel policies do not cover non-emergencies
Foreign insurance policies (from outside of Israel) will often cover individuals for out of country medical and dental emergencies but what happens if you need to see a physician for something that isn’t an emergency? You guessed correctly; you will need to pay the physician directly for the service they are providing. Actual life threatening emergencies are rare, while urgent or routine issues are common.
International medical insurance plans vary but often include:
- Ambulance service
- Doctor bills
- Hospital and operating room charges
- Routine check-ups
- X-rays, examinations, treatment, tab tests and anesthetics
- Drugs and medicines
- Choice of medical providers
Many plans have add on options such as:
- Out-patient treatment
- Maternity care
- Dental care
- Repatriation
- Chronic or pre-existing medical conditions
If you get sick or have an accident while travelling having a piece of mind that you are covered and not asking for reimbursement only to be told ‘no’ by the insurance company can be a big relief.
Foreign Medical Insurance plans have little to no resources in Israel. No local hotline, no local referrals – you are on your own.
- Medical travel insurance is paired with travel insurance
While your medical needs might be covered with your local policy what about other unforeseen circumstances? These can include:
- Cancellation of your trip
- Loss of luggage
- Loss of personal belongings
Situations present themselves at the worst possible times. Travel insurance can get you reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs when you must cancel for a covered reason.
As international travel reopens it is important have travel medical insurance coverage ensuring any issues that arise on your trip will be covered. Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Health requires all tourists visiting Israel to have medical coverage that includes COVID.
EMA Care provides medical travel insurance that meets all the Ministry of Health requirements for entry with extra services for easy healthcare access, telemedicine, medicine management, and concierge services available to help put you at ease. To get EMA Care’s health insurance coverage in Israel CLICK here!