Some of the hardest-to-reach locations are becoming popular travel destinations. Since the COVID pandemic, travel trends have shifted, with more people choosing to get away from the crowds and immerse themselves in different cultures. However, traveling to remote destinations can create unique challenges, including getting help after an accident or injury. That’s why travel medical insurance coverage for remote destinations is an essential purchase. For a relatively low cost, such policies can ensure you get the care you need, including a medical evacuation back to the United States.
What should you look for when purchasing travel medical insurance to cover travel to a remote destination?
When you purchase plane tickets or a travel package, you’ll likely be asked if you want to purchase travel insurance. That prompt is a great reminder not only to purchase a policy but to make sure it offers the specific coverage you need for travel to a remote destination.
Here are some things to look for before purchasing a policy:
Does the policy include medical coverage? Travel insurance and travel medical insurance policies are different. The most inexpensive travel insurance policies may only cover reimbursement for costs related to lost luggage or trip cancellation. For a slightly higher fee, you can purchase a policy that also includes travel medical insurance.
If the policy includes travel medical insurance, are there limitations? When comparing policies, review the details about pre-existing conditions, covered accidents and illnesses, and exclusions. For example, a travel medical insurance policy may not provide reimbursement for routine medical care or appointments while traveling but will provide coverage for expenses related to “unscheduled” doctor or dentist visits, X-rays, medical equipment, and prescription medicines.
Does the policy include medical evacuation coverage? Medical evacuations are expensive – and the more remote your location, the more they cost. Depending on the severity of your injury, a medical evacuation from a remote area outside the United States can easily cost $100,000. The U.S. government does not pay for medical evacuations and strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel medical insurance when traveling to areas with limited medical facilities, such as remote locations.
What is the maximum amount of coverage for a medical evacuation? Make sure the policy’s reimbursement maximum is sufficient to cover a medical evacuation. A policy that offers $100,000 maximum might be enough for a trip from Mexico City but not from the Arctic Circle.
Are there exclusions or requirements for your destination country? Some policies may not reimburse you for medical care in the country you are traveling to if its “risk level” is considered high. Also, there are a limited number of countries that require you to show proof of travel insurance before you are admitted. Make sure to review a policy carefully for any country-specific details.
Are there exclusions for adventure travel or activities? If you’re planning to scuba dive, bungee jump, or participate in some other adrenaline-fueled activity, make sure your travel medical insurance doesn’t exclude coverage for related injuries. If it does, consider purchasing a supplemental policy just in case your fun day doesn’t go as planned.
At SentinelMED, we always encourage travelers to purchase travel medical insurance policies. Our team members have decades of experience coordinating and supervising medical evacuations, and we’ve seen how travel medical insurance can streamline the entire transport process and give travelers and their families peace of mind.
About SentinelMED
SentinelMED can arrange medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort services for people who need assistance to travel long distances. Our logistics professionals work closely with travel companies, travel insurance providers, and patients to provide a safe and comfortable transport experience.
At SentinelMED, we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
