Travel: To the World Cup and Beyond (Part Deux)

By P. Andersen and L. McSpedon

Earlier this week, we discussed insurance for your assets when traveling abroad. We all have items we care about, be it jewelry, golf clubs, musical instruments, or Hummels’ (you know who you are!). Helping you protect your valuables is essential to Levitt-Fuirst, and essential to your having a happy trip; but when traveling abroad, be sure to take some time to protect your most important asset – the health of you and your loved ones traveling with you.

Protecting the health of yourself and your family is far more important than protecting your wallet, so be sure to take the time before your trip to understand the steps you can take to prepare for a medical emergency.  Pre-trip planning, making wise choices to stay healthy, and knowing what to do when you get sick are all key parts of a happy travel experience.

In the month before your trip, be sure to check if any vaccinations are recommended for all locations on your itinerary. Did you know that measles cases are up sharply, primarily due to overseas travel? This New York Times article discusses the importance of vaccinations, and this CDC link gives you the information you need to protect you and your family from the medical risks a particular location poses.

Another essential pre-trip step is to call your health insurance provider at the number on your subscriber ID card, to ask what services you are covered for while traveling.  Most major health insurance companies offer some type of coverage for emergency care in a foreign country, but make sure of the rules are before you go. Be sure to pack your Member ID card and bring a claim form with you; one should be available on the health insurance carrier’s website. If you have your health insurance with Levitt-Fuirst, give us a call and we will get you the necessary forms. This article from Oxford, and this from CNN will assist you in answering some questions about health care abroad.

ALERT! Are you on Medicare or Medicaid? You likely do not have any health insurance when outside the United States, so be sure to secure Supplemental Travel Health Insurance Policy before you depart.

Traveling abroad is one of life’s great pleasures.  With a little planning, you can be sure to get the most out of your vacation, no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.