What are the best health insurance plans for traveling abroad this summer?
Those looking into health international insurance plans should consider a few factors before selecting their plan.
Most private insurance policies in the United States do no not cover health issues that occur while traveling outside the country. For that reason, many international travelers opt to purchase an international insurance plan which secures them coverage in the countries they are visiting for a fee. The price offered for the policy will often depend on the person purchasing and the locations that will be traveled.
There are also some countries that require international health insurance before being granted entry to the country. This move by governments has become increasingly popular throughout the covid-19 pandemic to ensure that the state did not have to take on additional costs in treating and quarantine travelers who test positive for the virus.
Which countries require travel insurance upon entry?
- Anguilla
- AntarcticaArgentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Bermuda
- The British Virgin Islands
- Chile
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Israel
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Laos
- Nepal
- Oman
- Panama
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Martin
- Saudi Arabia
- Schengen Countries
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Sint Maarten
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
What do most plans include?
Most plans offered by major insurers will include inpatient care, emergency care, and often will provide specific coverage for travelers who hope to take part in activities that could be risky. Additionally, most policies will provide a 24 hour support hotline so that travelers can be assisted at any time of the day or night, wherever in the world they may be.
Depending on the destination and trip dates, different plans from different companies many be available. Forbes has put together a handy tool called Forbes Advisor, that allows those in the market to compare the benefits of various travel health insurance policies, as well as other goods and services.
AXA Assistance USA
Some of the highest rated companies include AXA Assistance USA which was recognized as the for its coverage of “baggage and personal effects.” This means that AXA was the top rated option for travelers looking for coverage that extends to baggage, in addition to generous healthcare benefits.
GoReady
For frugal travelers the options provided by GoReady are ranked highest. However, those looking into purchasing one of their policies should be aware that plans typically cover up to $50,000 in medical expenses, which for some may be too low. Other policies cover up to $500,000 in medical bills. Plans by GoReady also often require that a deductible be paid each time that the policy is used. With other options, deductibles will not have to be paid but the policy itself will be more expensive. GoReady is able to offer lower cost policies because they will require payments if the policy is used. Forbes sees the GoReady policies as great value for money, meaning that many of the plans are “superior pricing for the benefits included.”
HTH Worldwide
HTH Worldwide is a great option for those who may be taking a riskier trip or will be out of the country for an extended period of time and expect to need medical attention. About the plans offered by HTH Worldwide, Fobres said that they offer “top-notch coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation.”