How to Handle Injuries or Illness While Traveling
Travel can sometimes take a turn for the worse. You might sprain an ankle, fall ill, or face a serious medical emergency—potentially requiring a visit to a nearby clinic or hospital. As with many situations, being prepared ahead of time is crucial, since dealing with emergencies can be stressful and complicated, even with travel insurance. Here’s essential information on what to do and whom to contact if you find yourself unwell or injured while traveling.
What type of insurance do you have?
The benefits of your travel insurance depend on the policy you selected (and it's important to invest in travel insurance). If you opted for a 'comprehensive policy,' it generally covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and interruptions to some extent. However, if you chose only emergency medical coverage, your policy will handle medical costs but won’t compensate for lost hotel nights, altered flights, or trip cancellations.
According to Jenna Hummer from Squaremouth, an online platform for comparing travel insurance, 'The majority of claims we receive, and the claims we pay out the most, are related to illnesses and injuries during travel.' She adds, 'Travelers often want to file a trip interruption claim to avoid paying for their resort or remaining trip expenses. That’s where having a comprehensive package becomes extremely beneficial. You certainly want medical coverage to avoid hefty bills, like a $50,000 hospital charge, but also protection for your trip expenses, which a comprehensive package provides.'
What kind of coverage does your insurance offer?
All medical coverage options function similarly, but the extent of coverage varies significantly based on the policy and the amount you choose. 'To put it plainly, aim for at least $50,000 in medical coverage and $100,000 for medical evacuation,' advises Hummer. 'Premiums can be quite affordable depending on your age.' If you're cruising or heading to a remote area, Squaremouth suggests increasing those amounts: at least $100,000 for emergency medical coverage and $250,000 for evacuation.
While those figures might seem daunting, keep in mind that the coverage amount doesn't reflect the policy cost. Squaremouth estimates that travel insurance generally costs between 5 and 10 percent of your insured trip expenses. Different insurers use various formulas to calculate this price, usually factoring in age, trip duration, policy type, total trip expenses, and coverage amounts. Hummer emphasizes that a pricier policy doesn’t necessarily mean better coverage. 'Many travelers dismiss a policy simply because it’s the cheapest, but often, the lowest-priced policy can offer the same coverage as a more expensive one,' she explains. 'When choosing a policy, first determine how much coverage you need for your trip, then compare plans to find the most affordable option with the best coverage for your situation.'
Regardless of the insurance you select, take the time to examine the coverage, requirements, exclusions, and emergency procedures before your trip (and don’t hesitate to call for clarification if needed). Keep a copy of the policy with you, either printed or saved on your phone for offline access, and write down the policy number along with the 24/7 hotline number to carry in your wallet. Share a copy of this information with a travel companion, and if you're on a guided tour, provide a copy to the tour company as well; if you find yourself injured, someone else may need to communicate with medical services and your insurance provider on your behalf.
How can your insurance assist you in the event of injury or illness while traveling?
As soon as you're able, reach out to your travel insurance provider or ask a companion to do so. Hummer advises, “All the policies we offer, and most reputable ones, include a 24/7 emergency hotline that can assist you in various situations—primarily medical emergencies, but they can also help if you misplace your wallet or passport. Have your policy number handy, explain your situation, and ask, ‘What does my policy cover?’”
The representatives will inform you about your coverage and the documentation required to file a claim. Typically, this includes statements from doctors detailing your condition, the treatment received, and the associated costs; an accident report or police report if law enforcement was involved; and all relevant receipts. This is why it's crucial to call as soon as possible; it's easier to gather that information while you're still in the clinic or hospital rather than after returning home.
Many travel insurance providers maintain a network of preferred medical professionals and/or offer telemedicine services.
What additional assistance can insurance provide beyond medical expenses?
Financial concerns aren’t the only reason to contact your travel insurance immediately after an incident. Some insurers have a network of preferred medical facilities and/or provide telemedicine services. In a recent email, Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA, noted that for Global Allianz clients, “Travel insurance medical assistance may involve the Assistance team coordinating directly with healthcare providers, arranging transportation, and/or helping customers find medical services at their destination. Concierge services can also be beneficial for locating accommodations and transport for customers while they, or their travel companions, receive treatment.”
Keep in mind that not all insurance providers offer a network of preferred medical professionals (feel free to inquire about this while selecting a policy), but nearly all will have a 24/7 hotline available to assist you during emergencies. Avoid purchasing a policy that lacks this feature.
When contacting an insurance company, clarify what is included in your coverage. While this information will be detailed in your policy, representatives can help explain the fine print and resolve any uncertainties. As Hummer points out, most policies specify a coverage limit and outline the circumstances under which it applies: “So generally, if you visit a hospital for an emergency, there should be a predetermined amount you are aware of in advance.”
However, preexisting conditions are typically not covered (unless you specifically include them in your policy). Additionally, she notes, “There are common exclusions, such as if you were intoxicated when you sustained the injury. If a doctor indicates that you appeared to be drinking and records it, that injury may not be covered. However, if the reason is covered, then it qualifies for coverage.”
What does medical evacuation coverage entail, and how does it function?
Medical evacuation is a critical component of travel insurance that travelers should carefully consider when developing their insurance and emergency strategies. The primary thing to recognize is that, in the context of travel insurance, 'medical evacuation' does not always imply being transported to your home country—or even to a hospital of your choosing in the place where the injury occurred.
“Medical travel insurance primarily ensures your transport to a facility capable of treating you,” states Sheri Howell, vice president of communications for Medjet, a global air medical transport and travel security membership program. “If that facility is located in a foreign country, they will only transfer you further if you can demonstrate that it’s medically necessary. Unless you can prove that your home hospital is the sole facility equipped to treat your condition, they won’t fund your transport.”
That’s why MedjetAssist is an essential addition to your travel safety toolkit. It’s a membership program, not traditional insurance, designed to get you home. Essentially, if you find yourself hospitalized overseas (or more than 150 miles from home), MedjetAssist has a network of air ambulances and medical personnel to transport you to your preferred home hospital. They handle all logistics, paperwork, and hospital communications, covering transportation for you and a companion as well.
It's important to understand the distinction between Medjet and travel insurance. They do not replace each other, and having both is beneficial for any trip. Travel insurance encompasses medical treatments, trip interruptions, and cancellations, and it involves premiums, claims, and deductibles. Medjet, on the other hand, is a membership service focused on getting you home: Once you pay the membership fee (starting at $315 for an annual individual membership; short-term options and family plans are also available), there are no extra costs. As Howell explains, “The 'nearest acceptable facility and medical necessity' clause in most travel insurance policies regarding their medical evacuation benefits is why you hear stories of individuals stuck in foreign hospitals even though they have solid travel insurance. Their families often need to raise $100,000 to $200,000 to hire an ambulance to bring them home.”
According to Hummer, “Medical evacuation costs usually range from $100,000 to $1 million, which is typically the amount covered if you have med-evac coverage included in your insurance policy.” Squaremouth advises that travelers going abroad should secure a travel insurance policy with at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage; those going on cruises or traveling to remote locations should consider at least $250,000 in coverage.
For travelers concerned about security-related emergencies, Medjet provides an extra layer of coverage known as MedjetHorizon, which includes 24/7 crisis response benefits, such as evacuation in the event of non-medical emergencies like political unrest, riots, natural disasters, or pandemics.
Medical evacuation is a crucial aspect of travel insurance that travelers should carefully consider when planning their insurance and emergency strategies.
What exactly does your credit card cover?
Don’t take for granted that your credit card will cover everything you might encounter; review the policy thoroughly and ask questions prior to your trip. “If you face a medical emergency, travel insurance can provide coverage of up to a million dollars depending on your needs,” Hummer explains. “If your credit card includes medical coverage—which is uncommon, as they usually cover interruptions—they typically offer limited coverage, with $5,000 being the highest I’ve encountered in my research. And that’s very rare.”
Remember that for trip interruption coverage, credit cards usually only reimburse expenses charged to that card. In contrast, travel insurance can cover up to 100 percent of your nonrefundable expenses regardless of how many cards you used.
“Cancellations due to a family member’s illness or natural disasters—those typically aren’t covered by credit cards,” Hummer states. This is where comprehensive travel insurance, or an emergency-assistance membership like Medjet, becomes invaluable.
What services can your airline provide?
If your health issue requires you to return home sooner than planned, you’ll need to modify your flight arrangements.
“In certain situations, you might need to reschedule your flight, but at other times you may just seek additional space or alternative accommodations,” explains Brett Snyder, president of Cranky Concierge Travel Assistance, which focuses on urgent air travel needs (like canceled, rerouted, or delayed flights).
“Generally, airlines are not very accommodating about allowing free changes simply because of an injury or situation,” he notes. “You can always try your luck, as some airlines might be more lenient than others, but typically, they’ll respond with a change fee and any fare differences.” If you’re injured and require extra room due to something like a broken leg, you might inquire whether the airline has two adjacent empty seats, but, Snyder warns, don’t expect them to offer that extra seat for free; it’s likely you’ll need to pay for it.
The silver lining is that if you have trip interruption coverage with your travel insurance, the expenses associated with changing or rebooking your flights could be covered. Additionally, regardless of insurance, the airline might provide preboarding, and you can always request a wheelchair, so it's worthwhile to contact the airline to see what options are available to you.
Howell agrees: “If you have insurance (which is essential), trip interruption coverage will help pay for your journey home, and they might even arrange for a nurse escort. However, that’s different from what Medjet offers. If you need an air ambulance, we provide what essentially functions as a flying ICU. If we can get someone back home on a commercial flight, we send a critical care nurse and book a business class flatbed. We also cover the cost for a spouse or travel companion in economy.”
What role can your travel advisor play?
The individual coordinating your travel can be a valuable resource during emergencies. It’s wise to make it a routine part of your trip preparation to inquire how these planners handle medical situations. “I believe this will become an increasingly significant concern in the future. Many people aren’t currently asking about it, but it’s likely to become a more pressing issue,” says Cari Gray, CEO and owner of Gray & Co. (who also sits on the Dinogo Travel Advisory Council). The best travel advisers and agents have extensive connections in their operating regions and should be knowledgeable about emergency services and providers. “It’s up to the company to take their responsibilities seriously and to be aware of clinics and English-speaking doctors at their destinations. In our trips, we thoroughly vet all that information before anyone arrives—especially since we organize biking and hiking trips,” Gray explains.
On a recent journey to Argentina, a friend sustained an injury and needed to visit a remote clinic where she couldn’t communicate in the local language. I quickly reached out to travel advisor Maita Barrenechea, founder of the luxury travel-planning company Mai10, who was well-acquainted with the facilities in the area. She recommended a specific clinic, provided the name of a doctor to consult, and even sought a second opinion from a specialist she knew in Buenos Aires.
To facilitate assistance, your travel advisor might request your insurance details and medical history prior to your trip, as Gray’s company does. Her suggestion: Share that information. “Having your medical history is crucial, including details about any medications, supplements, and vitamins you take,” Gray advises. “If you’re unable to communicate for yourself or if family isn’t present, it’s important that those you’re traveling with have access to that information.”
Lastly, as Mister Rogers wisely advised, seek out the helpers. When my friend severely injured her ankle to the point of needing surgery—and required a few days to recover and get organized before returning home—our Airbnb host became an essential ally, going above and beyond. She acted as a translator, drove my friends to and from the clinic, and even stayed in touch after we returned home to ensure that my friend’s recovery proceeded smoothly.
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