Have you ever fallen sick when visiting a foreign country but shied away from getting the right healthcare because of the exorbitant fees towards healthcare services despite having visitor insurance? Does this sound familiar? If so, read on.
Choosing a visitor insurance plan is foundational when visiting any foreign country. Yet, we often see travelers incur unexpected medical service fees due to inadequate coverage or simply failing to read the terms and conditions. Here are some of the top common mistakes we see travelers make when choosing the right travel health insurance.
What is Visitor Insurance and its importance?
Before we delve further into the top mistakes, let’s try to understand Visitor insurance and why a good plan is important for any traveler. Visitor Insurance is a special travel medical insurance covering unforeseen costs that occur during medical emergencies.
- It ultimately provides peace of mind knowing you are financially protected and not burdened with sky-high medical bills.
- You can receive specialized medical treatment and access an extensive network of healthcare professionals and services.
- Some countries may have specific requirements as part of their visitor visa process, and visitor insurance helps meet the requirements.
Top Common Mistakes When Choosing Visitor Insurance
Incomplete Research
There is nothing worse than purchasing a visitor insurance plan and not being able to use it when needed. An unsuitable plan can make it hard to get the right medical treatment. Talk to our agents to understand the various coverage options, ensuring thorough research before decision-making.
Failing to read the terms and conditions
The fine print can be intimidating, but it is the most critical part of a policy. Read the terms and conditions to understand how to use your travel medical insurance effectively and get the most out of your policy. Doing so can avoid unnecessary complications when applying for the benefits. Take note of what is included – coverage, exclusions, limitations, cancellations, coverage dates, deductibles, premiums, and more.
Insufficient Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
Since policies have varying levels of coverage and support, or the lack thereof, for pre-existing conditions, it is crucial to ensure your policy can cover your pre-existing condition before you purchase it.
Limited Availability/ Access to Network of Providers
When you visit a foreign country, you want to ensure you have access to the right healthcare services in an emergency. Check your policy’s access to healthcare professionals. A lack of access can make it harder to find the right medical treatment when needed.
Quick Access for Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains
No one wants to be stranded in a situation where they cannot find the right healthcare at the right time. Find a visitor insurance plan that can evacuate you to a nearby facility for essential treatment. Ensure your policy has an easily accessible support system to access these services and can be easily coordinated with insurance companies.
Confusion over Policy Cancellation Terms and Conditions
Many travelers skip this part and are surprised by their policy’s cancellation terms and conditions. This can be extremely frustrating if they are having to change their plans at the last minute. Failing to read the policy cancellation terms and conditions can cause unnecessary confusion and hassle. Remember, not all policies are the same, which means that the cancellation terms of one may not apply to another.
Delay of Purchase
When planning your trip, plan to purchase your insurance policy. We recommend purchasing your policy per your agent’s recommendations, usually a week before the travel date. Waiting until the last minute to buy your policy can lead to higher costs.
Minimal Assistance
Some policies offer support and assistance to help you get the most out of your policy. However, some policies have limited support professionals and systems, making it hard to resolve issues immediately, especially when time is of the essence.
These common mistakes can be easily avoided if we take a little extra care in reading the terms and conditions and ensuring the policy checks all our boxes to make our trip extra comfortable. After all, the last thing we want to do on vacation is be hassled trying to get the proper medical care and burdened with unnecessary fees that eat into our budget.
Ultimately, no two plans are alike. Treat each policy differently and expect them to have differences in everything from coverage to cancellation rules. If the fine print seems complicated, simply contact our insurance agent at VisitorPLANS, and we’ll help you find the suitable plan for your needs. Happy Travels!