Peter Greenberg: Medical Insurance Outside the U.S.
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | Date Posted:
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Q: When traveling outside the U.S., I understand that Medicare does not cover your medical expenses. Are there insurance companies that will provide this coverage at a reasonable cost?
–Francis, Haddonfield, N.J.
A: You’re correct that Medicare generally does not provide coverage while traveling abroad. There are insurance companies that will provide travel medical insurance. However, because coverage plans depend on which state you live in and on your specific needs, it is difficult to provide exact policies or pricing. Some companies to look into, however, are the following: AIG Travel Guard, Access America, and HTH Worldwide.
As an example, with AIG Travel Guard, assuming that your trip is about $2,000, insurance could cost you anywhere from $105 to $226, depending on which plan you choose to get. The lower-end plan provides for emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The most expensive plan also allows you a waiver of the preexisting medical conditions exclusion, as well as prescription replacement and physician referrals.
–Francis, Haddonfield, N.J.
A: You’re correct that Medicare generally does not provide coverage while traveling abroad. There are insurance companies that will provide travel medical insurance. However, because coverage plans depend on which state you live in and on your specific needs, it is difficult to provide exact policies or pricing. Some companies to look into, however, are the following: AIG Travel Guard, Access America, and HTH Worldwide.
As an example, with AIG Travel Guard, assuming that your trip is about $2,000, insurance could cost you anywhere from $105 to $226, depending on which plan you choose to get. The lower-end plan provides for emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The most expensive plan also allows you a waiver of the preexisting medical conditions exclusion, as well as prescription replacement and physician referrals.
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