BALTIMORE, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Tough economic times should encourage travelers to plan smarter, safer trips, according to MEDEX Global Group. As individuals look for the most economical and sensible travel options, MEDEX advises vacationers and business travelers to avoid major risks and costs associated with medical emergencies while overseas.
“Nothing can put a family or business at risk like an international medical emergency,” says Bruce Kirby, CEO of MEDEX Global Group. “However, travelers can make informed decisions in advance to protect their health and financial assets.”
For as little as two dollars a day, travelers can purchase international travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses such as hospital and physician fees, medical evacuation and emergency dental expenses. Without this coverage, travelers could be forced to max out their credit cards, tap dwindling home equities, deplete savings accounts, or suffer treatment delays.
“Too many people equate travel insurance with lost luggage and trip cancellation,” adds Kirby. “The dangers and expenses of a medical emergency far exceed the costs of lost luggage, and you can add baggage and trip coverage to most medical policies.”
Some travelers mistakenly think they already have coverage through existing policies, when they do not. These groups include people over 65 using Medicare, which does not cover overseas medical needs; business executives of small-to-mid-sized companies that may not carry group travel policies or may only cover evacuation costs; and mission-based travelers on volunteer trips through churches or other nonprofits that may not provide medical coverage.
To be a savvy, safe traveler, MEDEX recommends the following:
— Protect your finances by investing in a travel insurance package that includes comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage.
— Understand that protection against trip cancellation and lost baggage is a minor cost compared to emergency medical expenses. Compare policies of $50,000, $100,000 or more to protect against costly evacuations and medical fees.
— Make sure the insurance policy includes direct payment to the medical provider. Many international facilities and practitioners require cash up- front, and prior to treatment. Policies that reimburse individuals after they return home will not help when you need immediate cash and care.
— Ask who provides the emergency assistance included in most travel medical policies. Some insurers outsource to a 24-hour call center that may not have experience with serious medical emergencies. When you need help fast, you can’t afford delays caused by transferring calls, verifying benefits, or waiting for claims approval from a different office.
— Research your location before you go to understand what health risks are present at your destination and where to go for quality medical treatment. Preparing before you leave can go a long way in protecting your health and your wallet.
— Be aware that some insurance companies have been affected by the current banking crisis. While investigating insurance policies, confirm that you are working with a credible, well-established company and underwriter to avoid further risks.
ABOUT MEDEX Global Group
MEDEX is the oldest and largest independently owned provider of global travel security and medical assistance in North America. For more than 30 years, MEDEX has served individual business and leisure travelers, corporations, scholastic institutions, government agencies and humanitarian organizations. MEDEX services range from pre-trip intelligence and contingency planning to real-time medical case management and complex emergency evacuations.
MEDEX Global Group
CONTACT: Nicole Beach of MEDEX Global Group, +1-410-453-6391,[email protected]
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