65+ Travel Insurance

Scores of senior travelers reach all corners of the globe on leisure, business and educational trips. As international travel expands, however, health and safety can be major concerns . Unfortunately, Medicare DOES NOT cover seniors outside the U.S., and the Medicare Supplement plans that do include some coverage outside the country offered limited protection.  That’s why a Travel medical or Trip Protection policy is important.

Given the heightened risks, savvy senior travelers are preparing more than ever to avoid potential hazards. It is no "hidden fact" that regarding travel insurance, Seniors have to be extra cautious to select the best plan that is capable of offering full coverage while they are away from their hometown and home country.

What will a good travel health policy do for you?

Travel health insurance policies are designed to pick up your medical expenses when traveling abroad. These plans act as your primary insurance while abroad. Even if you have a Medicare supplement plan that offers some foreign travel benefits, the coverage is inadequate if you have a major illness or accident. For example, Medicare supplements typically cover emergencies up to $50,000 and are subject to a $250 deductible and 20% coinsurance.

The best plans cover everything from hospitalization, surgery, physician office visits, ambulance services, prescription medications, and emergencies. The premier plans make it a point to cover sickness or injury resulting from a pre-existing medical condition or terrorist event without limitations. Some policies even pay medical providers overseas on a direct basis so you can avoid having to pay the bill and deal with the paperwork hassles and delays inherent in filing a claim.

Worry- Free Travel with:

• TravelGap
• TravelGap Multi-Trip
• Renewable, Portable Coverage with Global Citizen
• Protect Your Investment with Trip Protector

Admitted coverage versus non-admitted coverage

There are big differences in your rights when you buy travel health insurance. Some plans are licensed and regulated in the U.S. while others are issued offshore beyond the reach of your state’s Department of Insurance. In fact, most evacuation membership plans are not regulated or even backed by a rated insurance carrier. U.S. Licensed and approved plans are called “admitted insurance” and afford members the strongest consumer protections. Your personal health and financial security hang in the balance.

Admitted health insurance advantages include:

1. Consumer Protection
   The strict U.S. insurance laws are strict and protect health care consumers. Policy language must be fair and meet the plan English definition. Policy wording, plan definitions, exclusions, claims turnaround times, formal appeals process must meet regulatory guidelines.
2. Global Provider Networks
   What good is insurance if you can’t find a doctor you trust? The best plans give you access to the best providers who are able to bill the insurance company directly. In addition, providers are selected based on their medical credentials, language proficiency and more. ALWAYS ask the insurer what their credentialing process entails.
3. Richer Benefits
   Admitted benefits tend to be broader and deeper with fewer surprises at time of claim. The table below illustrates major differences between and admitted policy and a popular non admitted policy.

 

Coverage Considerations	Sample Provisions Admitted Policy	Sample Provisions Non-Admitted Policy
Conforms to U.S. health insurance laws	Yes	No
Pre-Existing conditions covered to policy limit*	Yes	No
Terrorism covered with no excluded countries	Yes	No
Pre-certification not required for hospitalization	Yes	No
Cashless access to profiled physicians and hospitals in 180 countries	Yes	No

*Pre-existing conditions may be subject to current enrollment in Medicare.