International Medical Insurance -June 7th, 2008
Traveling Overseas
How-to and Where-to Travel Around the World
Travel medical insurance is what you’ll need if you’ll be traveling around a lot. If you are going to become an expatriate and live overseas permanently, then you’ll need some type of permanent insurance.
In many countries, you’ll be able to receive medical services for just a little money, but you will still want to have an option to see the physician of your choice. If you are going into a developing country where the medical science might not be that great, then a medical insurance plan will airlift you to a better hospital in the event of an emergency.
The costs for travel medical insurance vary, but they aren’t as bad as you might think. Travel insurance can start around $700 for a year’s worth of protection. That’s not that expensive considering that it may save your life.
Your policy may be specific to the area you are traveling in. Be sure to do your homework with several different medical insurance agencies before you commit to a plan. Here are a few popular travel medical insurance agencies that can help you get started:
STA Travel – www.STATravel.com
Travel Guard – www.travelguard.com
Air Brokers International - http://www.airbrokers.com/
World Nomads Travel Insurance – http://www.worldnomads.com
Good Health – http://www.goodhealthworldwide.com
Another option instead of using traveler’s insurance is to become a member of the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT). As a member of IAMAT you’ll be guaranteed qualified medical assistance from an English-speaking doctor, at reduced rates. You can get more information at www.iamat.org.
If you are going to be staying in your foreign location permanently, or at least for most of the year, then you’ll need a different type of insurance. Many companies specialize in all inclusive insurance for world travelers. Clements (www.clements.com) for example, has a ProfessionalsAbroad program that can include property, automobile, personal liability and health insurance. For more information on their program.
~Staff Article
