Do I Need International Travel Insurance?
by Trish Sneddon, CSA, CLTC, MMA Counselor

Are you planning some globetrotting this year? Whether you are planning a safari in Kenya, building houses in rural Mexico, studying history in Jerusalem, or going to school in Venice, you should consider additional health insurance.

Many health insurances will not cover you once you are outside of the United States. If you are over 65, Medicare will not cover you overseas, although some Medicare supplemental insurances will.

So what happens if you break a leg, get food poisoning, or your appendix decides to act up while you are on vacation? You would be responsible for paying those medical bills yourself.

Protecting Your Health and Your Pocketbook
International Travel Insurance is low-cost, short-term protection to cover your medical costs when you are out of the country. This is separate from the insurance that covers cancelled trips or lost luggage. International Travel Insurance takes care of you if you are hurt or get sick. This type of insurance can be purchased for very specific periods of time, such as for days, weeks, or months.

Long-term Plans
If you plan to be living in another country for more than a year, you can sign-up for a long-term plan. There are many plan types that can be customized for your specific needs. If you have travel plans, call Trish Sneddon at 267-384-5300 to consult about what type of International Travel Insurance would be right for you.

FIFS Connection, Winter 2006, Vol.3, No. 1