by Robin Mayhall

Created on: July 19, 2008

What you need to know about travel health insurance

Travel is almost a universally popular pastime. Most people enjoy taking car trips to nearby getaways or flying to see entirely new vistas. There's snow skiing in winter, beach vacations in the summer, and for some, the experience of a lifetime would be a trip to Europe, Africa or the Far East.

*Do you need travel health insurance?

Most vacations go smoothly, with only the occasional inconvenience: incorrect driving directions, perhaps, or a restaurant that doesn't live up to recommendations. Because we don't expect anything bad to happen on our vacations, most people travel without thinking about their health insurance.

But imagine becoming ill while staying in a distant place - even a foreign country. What if your spouse breaks a leg while skiing? Or a fishing trip ends in a boating accident? In a medical emergency far from home, would your health insurance cover all of your needs?

*Your current health insurance may travel with you

If you already have health insurance, review your contract, call your agent or contact the company's customer service department to find out if your benefits travel with you. Some major insurance carriers do provide access to medical care for their customers who are away from home, but restrictions and exclusions may apply. Carry copies of your insurance policy and ID card with you, and find out if you should bring additional forms of identification. Also be sure you have any special contact information for your insurance company's out-of-town benefits program.

Get details on what services are covered when you are out of your home area, including hospital care, emergency room services, doctor's office visits and prescription drugs. Something as simple as a prescription for an antibiotic could cost hundreds of dollars if your insurance is not accepted by an out-of-town pharmacy. In addition, many standard insurance policies do not cover the cost of transporting you or your loved one home after a medical emergency.

*How to choose a travel health insurance policy

If you are not currently insured, or if your current policy does not offer travel benefits, consider a travel health policy. There are four general policy types, ranging from basic to deluxe international policies.

1) A basic policy may be enough

When shopping for travel coverage, you will find several types or levels of protection. A basic travel medical policy should protect you (and your spouse and family, if applicable) from the

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