Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
It’s been in the news lately. As sad and tragic as it is, people who travel to sun-filled sandy destinations beyond our country’s borders, are exposed to costly medical expenses, untimely accidents (such as sickness, airplane crashes, cruise-liner breakdowns) and, unfortunately, violent acts. These things are occurring so frequently, and are so expensive, our industry now offers travel insurance to defray those costs, just in case.
A woman from Delaware was beaten and left for dead while vacationing with her husband in the Dominican Republic. A woman from Pennsylvania and a couple from Maryland died within days of each other’s stay at the very same hotel in the DR.
It’s not difficult to google “If you need a hospital while in Cancun” and learn that while services provided may meet your level of expectations, the fact remains that said services must be paid in full prior to treatment. I don’t have to know the cost of treating two broken legs from a simple fall or costs associated with a suspected heart attack to know that I’m not prepared to pay out of pocket while out of the country.
I traveled with family to Cuba earlier this year. What a fantastic experience. A bucket list check-off for sure. Prior to leaving, I asked my health insurance provider whether my policy would respond if Monica or I became ill or injured while in Cuba. The answer was a very prompt “NO”. Having worked with a couple who frequent Mexico and obtain their Travel Medical Insurance from me, I was aware these policies are affordable and add only a little to the cost of traveling out of the country.
With a Travel Medical Policy in hand I was able to see the sights, hear the music, and sample many of the “fine homegrown treasures” Cuba has to offer all the while knowing that if we were to require the use of a medical facility, needed a medivac back to the US, or heaven forbid, require a body flown home, my Travel Medical Policy was in place.
J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”. Travel, vacation, and see the world if you are able! There is so much to be learned by other cultures and traditions. Keep this in mind as you venture – you leave all your health care Stateside; however, we have a VERY affordable solution to that. Wheels Up!
