How Travel Medical Insurance works

What is travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance is a component of travel insurance that specifically covers you for medical-related emergencies while you are in a foreign country. It is often offered as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan, but can also be purchased separately, depending on your needs. In essence, travel medical insurance is a safety measure to allow for any emergency medical costs incurred by illness or injury during your trip. It does not include other travel related emergencies such as lost papers. So it can often be a cost effective option for those looking for a more basic level of insurance.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance is the most essential form of travel insurance. Even if you don’t opt for comprehensive travel insurance (where you have more coverage, like for lost luggage or cancellation), it’s advisable to take out travel medical insurance as a minimum. Typically, domestic health insurance plans are not accepted abroad, so most travelers will need to purchase travel medical insurance to replace it when in a foreign country. In some situations, travel medical insurance is mandatory. This is the case for anyone requiring a visa to enter certain countries or regions, such as the Schengen area, where you will need to show proof of travel medical insurance as part of your visa application. Check the requirements of the embassy or visa center where you’re making your visa application to discover the specific type of coverage needed.

The benefits of travel medical insurance

Travel medical insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind when you are abroad, taking care of the costs of any medical emergency whilst aboard. The benefits of travel medical insurance include:

• Financial protection: Without insurance, the costs of medical treatment can be crippling, especially in an emergency with no prior warning. Insurance costs a small upfront fee, but will then take the responsibility of handling medical bills - which could betens of thousands of dollars.
• Prioritizing your health: Your health is important and the last thing you want is to be faced with difficult medical decisions - for yourself or a loved one - based on affordability. With medical insurance in place, you won’t be forced to make those decisions, as emergency treatment will be covered.
• Visa requirements: Travel medical insurance is the minimum coverage required to comply with visa regulations for entering certain regions.
• 24/7 emergency assistance: Having a medical emergency when abroad is a daunting experience, as you’ll be unfamiliar with local healthcare systems or procedures. Emergency assistance from your insurer can help you to navigate the situation and understand your options at any given moment. It will give you peace of mind to have someone on your side, who already knows the nuances of the system where you are and can give you tailored advice regarding your medical emergency.

What is travel insurance vs travel medical insurance?

Travel insurance covers a broad range of travel related emergencies, such as lost or stolen luggage, and more. Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, solely covers expenses relating to unexpected injuries or illness. Travel medical insurance can be purchased as a stand alone insurance, but is generally included as part of any travel insurance plan.

What is covered and not covered by travel medical insurance?

The purpose of travel medical insurance is to cover you for emergency medical situations that occur while you are abroad, where you need urgent treatment that cannot wait until you return home. It is not designed to cover routine or non urgent treatment (like vision care or routine appointments), which could be carried out before or after your trip. Here are some examples of the coverage included in travel medical insurance:

• Urgent medical treatment: It covers the expenses for urgent medical treatment due to injury or illness during your trip.
• Emergency medical transportation or repatriation: In case of severe medical conditions, travel medical insurance will ensure your safe transportation to a medical facility or back to your home country. This includes repatriation of your mortal remains.
• Hospitalization and surgery: If you need to spend time in a hospital or undergo an emergency surgical procedure, all the associated costs will be covered by travel medical insurance.
• Prescription medication: Coverage includes the cost of emergency prescription medications during your stay, such as antibiotics or pain relief
• Dental Care:Some travel medical insurance plans may also cover emergency dental care, should you have an accident or a new infection.

What's the difference between travel medical insurance vs visa travel insurance

Travel medical insurance and visa travel insurance can often refer to the same type of coverage. Visa travel insurance is the compulsory coverage that you’re required to purchase in order to apply for a visa for certain countries. Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, is emergency medical protection that can be purchased by any traveler, regardless of whether or not you require a visa. Compliant visa travel insurance typically needs to cover medical emergencies and medical repatriation, so oftentimes travel medical insurance will satisfy the required visa travel insurance, depending on where you are going The specific terms may vary according to each country, so it’s important to verify with your local embassy or visa center.

Schengen visa insurance

The Schengen zone is a group of 29 nations in Europe who have formed an area of free movement. Once in the Schengen zone, you can travel freely between countries without border control or passport checks. A Schengen visa allows you entry to this zone, and your Schengen visa travel insurance will provide coverage for you in all of the 29 countries.

Do you need travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa?

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to show proof of compliant travel medical insurance for the duration of your stay within the Schengen area. The insurance certificate must be included in your visa application documentation, which means you will need to obtain your insurance (and have proof of it) before your embassy appointment

What type of travel medical insurance is needed for a Schengen visa?

The Schengen area specifies a number of requirements for the mandatory travel medical insurance. In order to comply with a Schengen visa application, the travel insurance must:

• Cover “repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death”;
• Provide a minimum coverage of €30,000;
• Be valid and recoverable in all 29 Schengen Member states;
• Be valid for the duration of your stay within the Schengen area.

Do I need travel medical insurance for France?

The French healthcare system is renowned for its quality, but even residents are required to have health insurance to cover a percentage of the costs. You’ll need travel medical insurance to cover medical emergencies during your time in France. If you’re applying for a visa, your visa application will not be processed without it.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Italy?

As a Schengen Member state, it is mandatory for any travelers requiring a visa to enter Italy to provide proof of travel medical insurance at their visa application appointment. For those not requiring a visa, travel medical insurance is highly recommended for Italy to offset medical costs if you had an accident or became seriously ill.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Germany?

Germany boasts a high-quality healthcare system, but as a tourist, you may not have the same access to it as residents. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended that all travelers take out travel medical insurance to cover their stay in Germany. If you’re applying for a visa to visit Germany, travel medical insurance is legally required.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Switzerland?

Switzerland's healthcare system is excellent, but very expensive. Without travel medical insurance, you might be faced with substantial medical bills. To fully enjoy Switzerland's alpine beauty and outdoor adventures, it’s important to be covered for all medical emergency costs. If you’re applying for a visa, travel medical insurance is mandatory.

Do I need Travel medical insurance for Sweden?

Visitors to Sweden are advised to take out travel medical insurance. If you’re applying for a Swedish visa, it is a legal requirement and your visa application will be denied without it.. Travel medical insurance for Sweden will cover the costs of any emergency medical treatment, should you have an accident or fall ill whilst visiting this Nordic country.

Do I need Travel medical insurance for Austria?

Taking out travel medical insurance for Austria will give you the freedom to appreciate Austria's culture, music, and alpine landscapes without fear of unexpected medical fees. If you require a visa for Austria, proof of travel medical insurance is mandatory during your visa application appointment.

Do I need Travel medical insurance for Greece?

Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for a visit to Greece unless you require a Schengen visa, in that case, it’s a legal requirement. If you don’t require a visa, it is still highly recommended to cover yourself against unforeseen medical needs, since you won’t have access to state healthcare.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Netherlands?

If you are traveling to either the Netherlands or the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, travel medical insurance is highly recommended. If you are applying for a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands, you’ll need evidence of insurance for your visa application. If you don’t have travel medical insurance, your visa application will be refused.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Croatia?

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, you may require travel medical insurance. If you are applying for a visa, it is a legal requirement.. If you don’t require a visa to visit Croatia, travel medical insurance is highly recommended. If you don’t have it, you will have to pay for any emergency medical treatment out of pocket unless you are insured or covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement from your country.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Iceland?

With its glaciers, geysers and other natural wonders, Iceland is a bucketlist item for on many travelers.. For an adventurous holiday in Iceland, it’s wise to be fully covered in case of an accident or illness during your trip. If you’re applying for a visa to visit Iceland, travel medical insurance is mandatory.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Poland?

Poland is part of the Schengen area, so any travelers applying for a visa for Poland must secure travel medical insurance for their stay. For all other travelers, travel medical insurance is still highly recommended.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Slovenia?

If you’re visiting Slovenia or traveling through the country, it's advisable to take out travel medical insurance before your trip. Visa applications for Slovenia require proof of travel medical insurance.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Slovakia?

Travel medical insurance is required to comply with visa rules for Slovakia, since it is part of the Schengen area, and is recommended for all travelers to allow you access to emergency healthcare in Slovakia.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Latvia?

Like other Schengen countries, travel medical insurance is needed to comply with visa regulations for Latvia. If you are exempt from needing a visa, it’s still worthwhile to have travel medical insurance, to cover any emergency medical treatment when in Latvia.

Do I need Travel medical insurance for Denmark?

Denmark advises the purchase of travel medical insurance for all foreign visitors in order to cover any emergency medical healthcare whilst staying in the country. However, insurance is only mandatory for those requiring a visa. If you need a visa for your visit to Denmark, your application will not be processed without proof of travel medical insurance.

Do I need Travel medical insurance for Hungary?

Hungary has a reliable healthcare system, but as a foreign visitor, you might face challenges with access and language barriers. Having travel medical insurance ensures you receive the necessary medical care while adhering to visa requirements. For all visa applicants for Hungary, travel medical insurance is mandatory.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Spain?

If you are exempt from requiring a visa to visit Spain, travel medical insurance is not a legal requirement. However, the Spanish government advises all visitors to secure cover before entering the country, as they will not have the same access to the state provided healthcare system as Spanish residents. If you are applying for a Spanish visa, travel medical insurance is a legal requirement.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Norway?

Although Norway is not part of the EU, it is still one of the Member States of the Schengen area, and therefore any visa applications will require proof of travel medical insurance. For travelers not needing a visa to visit Norway, travel medical insurance is still highly recommended so you’re covered in case of any medical emergencies.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Finland?

As with other Scandinavian countries, healthcare in Finland can be costly for travelers, so anyone visiting the country is advised to take out travel medical insurance. If you need to apply for a visa to visit Finland, travel medical insurance must be purchased ahead of your visa application. Your visa application will not be processed without proof of travel medical insurance.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Luxembourg?

Luxembourg, while a small nation, has robust healthcare. With that being said, unless you have travel medical insurance, you’ll be required to pay out of pocket should you have a medical emergency, injury, or illness during your stay - especially if you require transportation back to your home country.. Additionally, if you’re applying for a visa for Luxembourg, you’ll need proof of travel medical insurance before your visa appointment at the embassy. It is mandatory..

Do I need travel medical insurance for Malta?

Before booking a trip to Malta, check if you are covered by your private healthcare or a reciprocal healthcare agreement with your own country. If not, travel medical insurance will cover you for any emergency medical treatment you require whilst in Malta. Anyone requiring a visa to visit Malta will need to show evidence of travel medical insurance as part of their application.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Estonia?

Travel medical insurance is highly-recommended if you plan to visit Estonia, and is mandatory if you are applying for an Estonian visa.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Lithuania?

Lithuania is a part of the Schengen Area, making travel medical insurance compulsory for visa applicants. Even if you are not applying for a visa, it is highly advisable to protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses, should anything go amiss during your visit to Lithuania.

Do I need Travel medical insurance for Belgium?

Travel medical insurance is mandatory for some travelers who are visiting Belgium. Whether or not it is mandatory, it is a recommended precaution. Without insurance, you may face expensive fees for urgent medical treatment or repatriation.For those who are applying for a Belgian visa, travel medical insurance is required.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Portugal?

Portugal recommends that all visitors are covered by travel medical insurance when staying in the country. As part of the Schengen zone, is is a mandatory requirement for visa applicants.

Do I need travel medical insurance for the Czech Republic?

As with any Schengen nation, you are required to purchase travel medical insurance before applying for a visa for the Czech Republic. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional, but it is wise to secure at least travel medical insurance as a minimum, to give you peace of mind during your trip.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Liechtenstein?

Travel medical insurance is compulsory for entry into Liechtenstein if you require a visa, and highly recommended even for those able to enter the country without a visa.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Bulgaria?

If you are getting a visa for Bulgaria, travel medical insurance is mandatory and proof must be presented at the time of your Schengen visa appointment. If you aren’t getting a visa to visit Bulgaria, travel insurance isn’t required, but it is strongly recommended for all travelers.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Romania?

Yes, if you are getting a visa to travel to Romania, travel medical insurance is a non-negotiable requirement. As with all Schengen visas, you’ll need to submit proof of your Schengen travel insurance with your visa application. While travel insurance isn’t mandatory if you aren’t getting a visa, it’s still greatly recommended.

UK Visas

Travelers who need a UK visa, particularly those who are staying for more than six months, are often obligated to pay an IHS fee. This fee allows you to access NHS (UK’s national health service) during your stay in the United Kingdom. For anyone who will be paying the IHS, travel medical insurance gives you additional coverage that the NHS does not, such as repatriation to your home country if required. If you’re able to enter the UK without a visa or IHS contribution, travel insurance is highly advised as it allowa you access to emergency medical treatment from the NHS or private providers. You can find out more from our page on UK Travel Insurance.

In which other countries is travel medical insurance mandatory or highly recommended to obtain a visa or travel through?

Australia travel medical insurance

Typically, most visitors to Australia do not have access to Australian Medicare, and are responsible for covering all costs associated with private or public hospital, medical and para-medical health care. The Australian government strongly recommendsall visitors to take out medical insurance for the duration of the time in Australia. Some Australian visas must show evidence of adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia before the authorities will determine whether or not a visa is granted. You’ll need to check the specific conditions of your visa application. Most visitors to Australia are required to obtain a visa. If your home country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia, you may be eligible to receive Medicare treatment whilst in the country.

New Zealand travel medical insurance

Healthcare is partially subsidized by the state in New Zealand, but residents still need to contribute towards costs. However, to take out private health insurance in New Zealand, you need to be eligible to use the public health system. Therefore, if you’re not eligible, you’ll need to take out travel medical insurance ahead of your trip to cover all medical expenses.

How to compare travel medical insurance or visa travel insurance

It’s important that your travel medical insurance policy aligns with your specific travel needs, particularly if it needs to comply with visa travel insurance. Before choosing your policy, you’ll want to evaluate factors such as coverage limits, deductibles and the scope of services offered. Online tools like Insurte help you compare a wide array of insurance options quickly and easily to ensure that you’re making the most educated decision when it comes to your personal health and safety.

How to find the best travel medical Insurance & guarantees/benefits that fit your needs & requirements

The easiest way to compare travel medical insurance plans is to use an online comparison tool. Here you can filter your search and review the different policies side by side to ensure you are getting value for money. Take time to check which guarantees are included in each plan and decide if these fit your needs.

How to find the cheapest / low cost travel medical insurance

As the most essential form of coverage for international travel, travel medical insurance is often a low cost option compared to comprehensive travel insurance. If purchased alone, rather than as part of a broader policy, travel medical insurance includes less additional guarantees (such as loss of luggage) and therefore has a lower premium. That said, there are other ways to reduce the cost even further. The cheapest travel medical insurance plans generally have lower coverage limits for medical fees. Bear in mind that if you require insurance for a visa application, there may be a minimum coverage level required. For example, the Schengen visa application demands a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

How to find comprehensive travel medical Insurance

You can also purchase travel medical insurance as part of a comprehensive travel insurance package. Comprehensive travel medical insurance will generally have higher coverage levels and no deductibles, providing the highest level of financial security and coverage. Use a comparison tool to compare the full range of benefits offered by each policy.

Travel Medical Insurance FAQs:

Can I get travel insurance for medical coverage only?

How much does medical travel insurance cost?

Does travel medical insurance cover Covid-19?

How far in advance should I purchase travel medical insurance?

Why compare travel medical insurance?

Do I need deductible or no deductible travel medical insurance for my trip?

Can I get travel medical insurance if I’m 65 years old, 75 years old or over 80 years old?

Do I have to buy my travel medical insurance in my country of departure?

Does my nationality limit which travel medical insurance I can buy?

Can my travel medical insurance be refunded in case of visa refusal?

Can I get travel medical insurance if I'm traveling to French overseas or Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands?

Does travel medical insurance cover medical expenses abroad?

Does my travel medical insurance cover international travel while I’m abroad?

No matter where you’re off to and whether it’s for business or leisure, travel medical insurance allows you to feel safe and confident during the length of your travels. Accidents and emergencies happen, especially when you’re out of your comfort zone. Insurte extends your comfort zone, giving you peace of mind anywhere and everywhere you go. Bon voyage!