7 Common Myths About Medical-Only Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself and your loved ones during your international vacation is important, which is why knowing the realities of medical-only travel insurance is so crucial.

There are so many websites, testimonials, and reviews, that it can be hard to sift through what is true and what isn't.

With more than 13 years in the travel insurance space, we're here to address some common myths about medical-only travel insurance, helping you make the most educated choice when it comes to your well-being, no matter where you go.

Myth 1: You have to declare medical conditions

Unlike health insurance, travel insurance companies typically don't require you to disclose your pre-existing medical conditions at the time of purchase.

Usually, the information they need to see is more about your travel plans: where you're going, when you'll be there, and passport information. This means there aren't medical questionnaires and forms to fill out.

However, there is one big caveat. While you do not need to declare pre-existing medical conditions when taking out a medical travel insurance policy, you may be expected to share your medical history if you have an emergency abroad.

Instead of disclosing any medical conditions before purchasing, you'll do so if and when a medical emergency occurs. If a medical emergency is related to a known pre-existing condition, it will not be covered.

Myth 2: Medical travel insurance isn't mandatory

For millions of travelers across the globe, medical travel insurance is mandatory.

For travelers applying for a Schengen visa, for example, medical travel insurance is a requirement. If you're applying for a visa for France, Italy, Spain, or any of the other countries in the Schengen zone, you must take out a medical travel insurance policy, but not just any policy will do.

In order to meet your visa application requirements, the medical travel insurance that you choose needs to be Schengen-compliant...but what does that mean?

For Schengen visa applications, your medical travel insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Coverage of at least 30,000 € in emergency medical costs
• Validity in every country in the Schengen area (29 countries)
• Must include medical evacuation, repatriation, and emergency hospitalization
• Must cover you for the entire duration of your trip

In addition to Schengen visa applications, other countries may require travel insurance as part of their entry conditions. Always check the entry requirements when planning your trip abroad, no matter where it is you're headed.

Myth 3: My health insurance will cover me while abroad

While it's possible that some health insurance policies may have international coverage to varying extents, it isn't a given.

In most cases, your health insurance will not cover you while you're traveling abroad, leaving you vulnerable to high medical bills overseas. This is why medical travel insurance is highly advised when traveling abroad.

It isn't only about the medical bills, it's also about peace of mind. If a medical emergency happens during your trip, your travel insurance will manage the entire process, helping you to get the critical care that you need, when you need it.

With all of that being said, always refer to your health insurance plan to see where they cover you and what they will cover you for before traveling.

Myth 4: Travel insurance isn't worth it

It's normal to wonder if what you're buying is worth it. When it comes to your safety and well-being (especially when far from home), nothing is more important.

Myth 5: You won't use your medical travel insurance unless there's an emergency

Those unfamiliar with travel insurance may not know that many medical travel insurance policies have one benefit that can be used at any time, and that's 24/7 hour assistance.

Available at any hour of the day, experts are available to you to help you out or answer any questions you might have.

This is an invaluable asset, especially if you're traveling somewhere unfamiliar or very different from home. Navigating the local atmosphere can sometimes feel overwhelming, but your travel insurance is there to help.

With round-the-clock support, you'll know you have an expert on your side who is at the helm and ready to advise. Make sure you check if your policy includes this!

Myth 6: Medical travel insurance is hard to buy

Today's travel insurance isn't the insurance of yesteryear. Paperwork, long-winded confusing contracts, and in-office appointments are a thing of the past.

Nowadays, protecting yourself and your vacation is entirely digital when you use Insurte, a 100% online travel insurance provider. In just a couple of minutes, you can find the perfect policy for your needs, pay online, and download your digital insurance certificate without even needing to pick up the phone.

Technology continues to advance and how travelers can buy travel insurance does too with innovative companies like Insurte.

Myth 7: Travel insurance is expensive

While price is subjective, Americans may be surprised to see that travel insurance is generally affordable. Starting at just a few dollars a day, you can feel at ease knowing that you're covered should you get in an accident abroad, or come down with an illness like severe food poisoning.

While taking out a medical travel insurance policy has its costs, it is nothing compared to the bills you could face should you have an emergency overseas.

Should you get travel medical insurance?

With these myths debunked, you can see how easy it is to get affordable travel medical insurance suited for the modern explorer.

As noted above, sometimes travel medical insurance is mandatory, so always check your destination's requirements when planning your trip.

All in all, the weight of worry has an uncanny ability to put a damper on fun. With travel insurance, you can rest easy knowing that you have experts on your side and protection secured should anything go awry.