Make up your mind before buying travel insurance

Make up your mind before buying travel insurance

Travel insurance is a necessity for all travelers, but not a requirement. The type of policy depends on the length and location of your trip, with different options. There are also specific types of insurance for travel abroad, for example for business travel. But whatever choice you make, you will always need travel accident coverage so you don't end up without financial assistance following an unfortunate incident on the ground.

Is international insurance necessary for people with social security coverage?
The European Health Insurance Card is a payment card that can be used in various countries in Europe and outside of Europe to cover medical costs. When traveling within the EU, it is possible for people with legal insurance to benefit from all the benefits without incurring additional costs when traveling to other Member States and certain other countries.

While some countries offer free medical care, others require large payments. In addition, many doctors, especially in tourist areas, are not “group doctors” and still bill privately.

Finally, compulsory insurance does not cover return transport. Moreover, because of its low cost, consumer protection authorities suggest purchasing travel insurance for any trip abroad.

What is the estimated cost of international health insurance?
International insurance costs less than one euro a day for holidays. The cheapest insurances are the annual plans which cover all your trips and cost between 10 and 20 euros for individuals and up to 35 euros for families (be careful, this is indeed multiple trips and not a long journey of 1 year).

A three-month insurance costs around 200 euros, and between 300 and 500 euros for visits to North America (visit the website 29janvier2009.fr if you want to know more about the USA). People who travel abroad for a full year spend between 400 and 900 euros (excluding North America) and between 600 and 2000 euros with the United States and Canada included.

Persons 65 years of age and over are subject to a fee. The expenses indicated above are estimates, the price of specific tariffs may vary.
What are the reimbursable medical benefits?
A travel insurance policy guarantees coverage of the cost of medical treatment during the trip. Treatments that were planned before the trip or for which a medical diagnosis was made before the vacation are often not covered. Treatments deemed necessary and unforeseen must always be compensated.

In addition, there should be no limits in the terms of insurance for “treatments that cannot be postponed”. Injuries sustained while playing sports should be covered. In addition, the costs associated with the use of a wheelchair, a walker or any other type of assistance must be covered.

Is repatriation coverage provided in the event of illness?
Travel insurance includes reimbursement for repatriation in the event of illness in a country where care is not available. However, repatriation should be covered if medically necessary. It is also beneficial to have repatriation coverage when hospital treatment abroad exceeds 14 days. Transport costs must be fully reimbursed.

The traveler must be covered for the additional costs if the treatment exceeds the planned duration of the trip.
Is medical check-up essential?
In general, it is possible to purchase travel insurance without a medical examination. In addition, it can be combined with other insurance. Travelers with chronic illnesses should be aware, however, that most of the time, travel insurance does not guarantee the treatment of recognized pre-existing conditions.

Is the duration of the trip correctly specified in the event of an extended stay?
Before traveling, you should purchase travel insurance. In general, it is not possible to make any changes during the trip. Therefore, the duration of the trip must be indicated precisely.

Is Covid 19 disease risk coverage insured?
International health care plans must include coverage for the possibility of the presence of Covid 19. Some countries require proof of this coverage upon entry. Often the Corona Virus protection offers of tour operators are insufficient in this ca