What You Need to Know About Your Insurance When You Are on Vacation
Potential medical bills may be the last thing you think about during your summer vacation, but if something bad happens to you or a family member on vacation, you’ll want to know what your insurance will cover.
If you are traveling in the United States, where you go and which facility you go to for medical care will affect your bill when you return home. Many locations will be considered offline, but you can get in-network health care if you plan ahead. When you are abroad, things get a little more complicated.
Here are some general travel tips :
- Keep your insurance card in your wallet.
- Bring a list of all the medicines you are taking.
- Make sure you have a healthy supply of medications you are taking. You may be able to ask your doctor to “cancel leave” so that you can get your prescription ahead of time.
- Know what your insurance covers and check to see if there are any items you are traveling to within the network.
- See if your doctor offers telemedicine services, such as video consultation.
Other than that, here’s what to keep in mind.
When you travel to another state
According to Consumer Reports, if you are in the United States and have a medical emergency, your insurance must cover your trip to the emergency room, no matter where you are. “According to the Law on the accessibility of health care, if you need immediate assistance, your co-payment or co-insurance can not be higher than your bid in the network, even in hospitals, not included in the network”, – says CR .
However, you have to be careful – some insurers, such as Anthem , have said they may reject claims that do not meet their definition of an “emergency”. Others charge an expensive copay for emergency care visits, which can get you in trouble if you have a high-deductible health plan. And the ambulance ride to the hospital can be expensive too.
You should also be aware that many doctors in emergency departments are contractors, which means that even if you go to a network hospital, they can be counted offline. Then you have to deal with a huge account. A non-emergency visit can cost you too if paid for offline. Admission clinics and emergency centers can be viable alternatives if you find them – often wait times are shorter and you’ll pay a co-pay similar to a doctor’s visit.
In any case, when you leave the hospital, you should ask for all documents related to your case, including a detailed list of fees. Once you receive the bill, ask your insurer for a Statement of Benefits (EOB) that explains what they cover and what you are responsible for. “Then compare the invoices and the EOB to make sure you got the marked services and ask the insurer to confirm that the providers who sent the invoices are not really in your plan,” CR suggests .
When you travel abroad
Before leaving, check with your insurer to find out what kind of coverage you have. You may be surprised to know that in some cases you have coverage, although you will most likely be billed offline, which will be expensive. Therefore, make sure you know what out-of-network expenses – including your deductible and copayments – apply to out-of-network payments.
According to CR , although Medicare will not cover you outside the US, some “Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans offer emergency care around the world.” And you’ll want to ask your “insurer about exceptions for injuries associated with terrorist attacks, hostilities, natural disasters, adventure activities such as scuba diving and mountaineering, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions .” You can purchase additional travel insurance to fill gaps in medical care.
And be prepared to pay an advance if you need medical assistance abroad. You will be able to clarify the details of the repayment when you return to US soil.