Travel health insurance questions

[PauletteGoddard]

Has anyone purchased travel health insurance for visits under two weeks to neighbouring countries?
What is the best value for short-term travel health insurance?
Would my existing auto insurance policy cover a short-term visit to a neighbouring country?

[bUU]

Anything is possible, I suppose, but my auto insurance doesn't extend beyond the borders. You'll have to check with your insurer to be sure, though.

The one time I bought foreign travel insurance I used this website to compare my options:

https://www.insuremytrip.com

[YLTL_Dan]

Anytime we've taken trips 2-3 weeks we've used our regular health insurance and it's been ok. Depending on the insurer, I believe they allow you a certain amount of coverage for a certain amount of time oversears. Also, car insurance is usually dependent on the country and type of rental. If you plan on renting, you should probably buy the supplemental policy or check rental protection coverage (supplemental charge) through a company like AmEx if you have their card.

We're on a nine month trip now and we used Seven Corners trip insurance... I know they offered various plans but you may call them to get a consultation. You'll probably have to call your current health care provider as well.

[PauletteGoddard]

followup

Hey I just reviewed my credit cards and my fave card offers $500,000 Worldwide Automatic Travel Accident Insurance. I know that's not health or medical insurance, but I trust the water and food quality of where I'm going. I should have checked the cards before posting.

I did look at InsureMyTrip.com but I am driving my own vehicle and thus will not qualify for protection against lost luggage, trip cancellation, flight or rail mishaps.

My travel tip is to check credit cards for existing protection and insurance policies, and foreign transaction fees.

Thanks for the informative replies.

[DebTravels]

Always check with your current provider

Has anyone purchased travel health insurance for visits under two weeks to neighbouring countries?
What is the best value for short-term travel health insurance?
Would my existing auto insurance policy cover a short-term visit to a neighbouring country?

Whenever you leave your country, you should always check with your provider to see what is covered and what isn't. That's the first step.

Then, if you find that the coverage isn't adequate, check out other travel insurance offers. You always hope you never have to use it but if the unexpected happens you could be out hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The cost of travel insurance depends on many factors and one is the length of time you will be in a given country, total time away. So, for two weeks, it shouldn't be too bad.

[snafu]

Check with your current health insurer to understand their out-of-country medical coverage. Likewise, check with your auto insurance agent to verify they cover you in the country you're visiting. Check with friends, relatives and colleagues about best experiences for travel health insurance. Travel health insurance is so tricky! It's critical to read and understand the fine print.

[DebTravels]

Always get travel insurance

Hi,
Always get travel insurance if leaving your country for any period of time. You can check with your credit card company if you used one to purchase tickets, to see if any travel insurance comes with it. Be sure you have unlimited medical and that it covers repatriation if needed.

In the news recently a 17 yr old was visiting Bali and the railing gave way on the balcony and he fell 3 stories requiring intensive care and the a flight back to his country of origin. Just imagine what the expenses would be if you didn't have insurance.

Things happen and insurance is purchased to protect you just in case.

[GrimJack]

I checked with my medical coverage when I traveled to Paris - they said I was covered for medical emergencies. When my ex and I drove around in Mexico, our auto insurance specifically stated we needed to buy car insurance in Mexico to cover the time we were going to be there. So, ask your agent about your coverage. Also keep in mind that most industrial countries have single payer medical coverage and you will not be billed for medical expenses in those countries but you can choose to use your medical insurance while there if you so desire. Your mileage may vary so check with your insurance.