Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind
When you're vacationing overseas medical emergencies are rarely on your radar. However, medical emergencies while on vacation are surprisingly common among international travelers.
In fact, USA Today reports that one in four Americans experience medical problems while traveling internationally. It's important to plan for potential medical problems and make sure you'll be taken care of. The best way to do this is by purchasing global medical evacuation travel insurance before leaving the country.
What is Global Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance?
Global medical evacuation travel insurance, also known as Medical Evacuation and Repatriation (MER), is a type of insurance that can help cover medical costs while traveling.
More specifically, MER cover transportation costs during medical emergencies. This can include an ambulance ride in a foreign country, emergency life flights to a higher-level medical facility or even transportation back home to the US for additional treatment.
You can purchase global medical evacuation travel insurance by itself or as part of a larger travel insurance policy. Depending on how much coverage you purchase, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected medical bills.
What's Covered by Global Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance
There are many different MER insurance providers and they can cover different things with their policies. In general, however, this type of insurance can cover the following expenses.
Transportation to Local Medical Facilities
The main purpose of MER insurance is to cover emergency transportation costs to nearby healthcare facilities for medical care. Whether you need to be airlifted or transported in an ambulance, medical travel insurance can pay for those expenses.
Travel Charges Returning to the United States
If your medical emergency forces you to return to the U.S. earlier than you intended and you need to change plane tickets, MER insurance can cover the cost. New plane tickets alone can cost $1,000 to $3,000, making MER well worth the investment.
Companion Costs
In addition to covering your personal expenses, global medical evacuation travel insurance can also cover the expenses of one or more travel companions. This includes their airfare or tickets, as well as potential housing costs if they're forced to stay at a hotel during your hospital stay abroad.
Companion costs can also cover round-trip tickets for a friend or family member if you're traveling alone and want someone to stay with you at the hospital.
Child Coverage
Suppose you're on a family vacation with your spouse and children. Depending on the type of MER coverage you purchase, it will cover the cost of changing their tickets. That will take a load off your mind if you're unable to travel with them back to the states.
Return of Remains
Medical evacuation travel insurance can also bail out your family in the event of a worst-case scenario: you pass away while on vacation. Even though it isn't something you want to think about, the cost to transport your remains from a foreign country to the U.S. can be astronomical.
As such, MER insurance can offer financial assistance and peace of mind for your loved ones when they need it most.
When Do You Need Global Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance?
There aren't any laws requiring international travelers to have global medical evacuation travel insurance. Instead, it's completely optional, similar to other types of travel insurance.
However, even though it isn't required by law, MER insurance is an excellent idea for anyone traveling internationally. That includes those going on vacation, traveling for work or leaving the country for any other reason.
Best Medical Travel Insurance Providers
The good news about medical travel insurance is that you have plenty of options. There are numerous providers offering a wide range of coverage and packages.
- Aegis. $250,000 to $500,000 in coverage, including emergency evacuation and return of remains in the event of your death.
- Arch RoamRight. Either $250,000 or $1 million in coverage, depending on your plan, which includes medical evacuation and return of remains, as well as companion and children costs.
- Berkshire Hathaway. A variety of plans offering between $100,000 and $1 million in coverage, including emergency evacuation and return of remains.
- Detour Insurance. Up to $1 million in coverage, including companion costs, emergency evacuation and return of remains.
- IMG. Up to $2 million in coverage, including emergency medical evacuation, companion costs, children transportation costs and return of remains.
Regardless of which provider you choose, it's recommended that you purchase at least $250,000 worth of insurance. That way, you can cover medical air evacuations, airfare, companion costs, return of remains and other unexpected expenses.
Protect Yourself With Global Evacuation Travel Insurance
Purchasing MER insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones while on vacation. It will offer peace of mind and ensure you don't break the bank in the event of a medical emergency while traveling abroad. Make sure to do your homework and read the fine print before purchasing your insurance to ensure you make the right choice!