Travel globally, travel savvy

Jul 18, 2019 | Aon

The pyramids in Egypt, penguin colonies in Antarctica, flora and fauna in the Galapagos Islands – the world is a big place with lots to see and do. For travelers venturing beyond the United States’ borders, travel insurance can help protect a dream trip and help you deal with the unexpected. There are nuances, however, to how insurance works abroad versus domestically. Two big things in particular to know:

Your health insurance may not cover you

No one expects to get sick or have an accident, especially during a dream vacation, but it happens. It could be a minor issue that’s resolved with a visit to the cruise ship doctor, or it could be more severe and require medical attention – or even an emergency evacuation. For these reasons, travelers – particularly those heading abroad or to a remote location – need to understand if their current medical insurance plan would cover any care required during their trip. Since most plans don’t cover outside the U.S., it is important for travelers to consider purchasing supplementary coverage.

Medical benefits are often included in travel protection plans, especially those customized by the supplier based on their destinations and passenger demographic. For example, a leading cruise line that sails internationally or a major online travel agency will likely have a customized plan for the type of journey booked. And these benefits can be invaluable. For example, if you break a leg while backpacking in Machu Picchu and need a medical evacuation, remote locations can often exceed $75,000.

Some countries make travel insurance compulsory

Many countries – from Ecuador to Russia to Thailand – require travelers to purchase travel insurance before they are allowed to enter the country. The number of destinations where insurance is required has steadily climbed over the years – as international tourism has increased so have the hospitalization and medical costs host countries shoulder for vacationers who required healthcare services while visiting. Requiring insurance helps offset those costs.

If a traveler arrives to a destination that requires travel insurance without proof of coverage, they will be forced to purchase it or denied entry. While many airports now have kiosks where travel insurance can be purchased on the spot, it’s always best to arrange coverage ahead of time to ensure you are able to get insurance that best meets your needs and, most likely, pay a lower premium. Check the State Department’s website for up-to-date information on which countries require you to have travel insurance.

“Traveling abroad is exciting, but it also can become complicated if things don’t go quite as planned,” said Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Knowing the ins and outs of how insurance works abroad is part of being a savvy international traveler.”

In addition to travel insurance know-how, here are five tips to help travelers be safe and smart so they can maximize their experience:

Be in the know – Government agencies assist international travelers by issuing warnings and alerts on when it is or isn’t safe to travel to certain destinations, events like protests to be aware of, or even health information. The TravelGov Facebook and Twitter accounts offer regular safety and security information for travelers.

Stay connected – Plan times and channels to check in with family and friends to let them know things are okay, whether it be by phone, text, email or social media. Consider getting an international cell phone plan to make it easier to communicate any time.

Know how to reach the U.S. embassy – Passports do get lost or stolen, so travelers should always carry the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, in English and the local language.

Mind your cues – Body language and behaviors say a lot and can be interpreted differently than intended in different cultures. Smiling while saying “no” can send a mixed signal, for example. Travel in small groups whenever possible and skip obvious tourist behaviors, such as studying an enormous map on a busy street corner. Observe local behaviors and norms and adjust accordingly.

Research hazards – Certain countries may have common crimes, unfamiliar traffic laws or dangerous local plants and animals that locals know to avoid. International travelers should do their research in advance and talk to hotel staff, locals and travel guides to learn how to handle things they may encounter during their stay.

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