Page 6 - AAA Akron Auto Club – AAA Now! – January/February 2019

TRAVEL MATTERS
TRAVEL
TM
6 Times You Need to Purchase Travel
Medical
Insurance
There are plenty of reasons why you might travel internationally, and it’s always in your best interest to consider a travel medical insurance plan.
The dream of international travel can become a reality in so many ways. Some people might find an opportunity to study abroad, while others may save for years to take an international excursion. Whatever the case, traveling internationally can be an exhilarating and memorable experience.
However, in the joyful flurry of getting ready
for your trip, it can be easy to overlook some
of the mandatory requirements for traveling internationally. Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time international traveler, there’s one key aspect you should never overlook: the importance of having international travel medical insurance.
This type of insurance provides individuals, families and groups medical coverage while they’re traveling outside of their country of residence
from five days for up to two years. It is designed
to protect travelers in the event they become
sick or injured while away from home.
In some cases, travel medical insurance might even be mandatory for travelers.
Here are six instances in which travel medical insurance is required or strongly encouraged:
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Studying in another country is a fantastic experience that can teach students valuable life lessons while providing fond memories for years to come.
If you get the chance to study internationally, be sure to look into your university’s requirements for international student health insurance – a type of travel medical insurance.
Some student visas, such as the J1 visa to participate in a cultural or educational exchange program in the United States, also require a certain level of travel medical coverage.
TRIPS TO CERTAIN COUNTRIES
Many countries require foreign visitors to have travel medical insurance upon entry. The United
States, Schengen countries, Cuba, Russia and Antarctica are all examples of countries that require certain travelers to have medical coverage during their stay. Be sure to do a little more research before embarking on your trip.
ORGANIZED TOURS
Many guided tours often require that you purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance that provides medical benefits (coverage for personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation).
IMG member Tiffany S. and her husband joined a small group tour for our first trip to Africa to maximize the journey and experience. For many
of the tour’s activities, including our trip to the Serengeti and hiking with gorillas, they were required to stay with our guided group at all times.
They also were required to purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance. The tour company’s booking terms expressly stated that if they did not provide proof of this coverage, they would not be able to join the trip.
WORKING HOLIDAY SCHEMES
These types of programs or agreements allow people to work in and explore other countries temporarily. For many working holiday visas, you are required to have comprehensive medical insurance to cover you during your stay.
Tiffany and her husband lived in New Zealand and Australia on working holiday visas. In each instance, they were responsible for obtaining adequate travel medical insurance to cover medical emergencies during our stay. They made sure to
carry copies of their insurance policy and ID cards along with the rest of their important documents.
MISSION OR SOCIAL GOOD TRIPS
If you’re considering traveling internationally as part of a mission or social good trip, it’s wise to consider travel medical insurance, especially if you are embarking on a journey to a less developed nation.
Availability and quality of health care can vary drastically in different parts of the world — and you wouldn’t want to experience a medical emergency without having the appropriate international medical coverage in place.
CRUISES
A cruise can be a relaxing, fun and social way
to travel. When you’re preparing to set sail on the open seas, research your cruise company’s terms and conditions. In many cases, companies strongly encourage that you have travel medical insurance to cover you for any emergencies that may arise on board.
Even when it isn’t mandatory, it’s always wise to purchase coverage – yes, medical emergencies do happen while you’re traveling!
Set aside some time, browse plans online and purchase the coverage that’s right for you so you can worry less and experience more on your next trip.
As an active traveler, did you know that AAA members are eligible to purchase Allianz Global Assistance plans at special member rates?
Please contact your AAA travel agent, or visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com/aaa to learn more.
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