Things to Know When Receiving Medical Treatment on Holiday

Whenever you go overseas for any reason, unless you already have an annual policy, it is always a very wise idea to take out single trip holiday insurance. It can be invaluable should you need to receive medical treatment during your trip. Here are some things that you should be aware of regarding getting treatment abroad should the need arise.

Healthcare Standards Vary

One thing that you should certainly understand before you go is that the standard of healthcare can differ greatly depending on the country you are visiting. Some countries have a very good quality of healthcare, whereas in some you may find that it is far inferior to that of your own country.

However, where private healthcare facilities are available, these are often of a high standard no matter where you are. With a private travel insurance policy, private care is often covered in the policy, so you can expect to receive a reasonable level of care no matter where you are. (Of course, it goes without saying that you should check the details of individual policies.)

Make Sure Medical Repatriation Is Included

A good single trip holiday insurance policy will usually include medical repatriation, so make sure this is included before you sign up. This will cover very expensive transport costs should you require medical transport to continue treatment in your own country. This is a vital component of your policy so you don’t end up stuck in a foreign hospital, and it is always worth being covered for.

Always Go Over the Details

Every single trip holiday insurance policy is different, so it is important to know exactly what is covered on yours. Go over the details before you make your purchase, and ask the company to clarify anything that you are unsure about.

Be especially careful when it comes to the activities that are (or are not) covered. Many policies will not provide you with cover if you become injured while taking part in risky activities like skydiving or bungee jumping. You will probably also need extra cover if you are going on a winter sports holiday. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, no matter how small, always disclose it fully to your provider. While, in some cases, it may be covered, in others you may need to make special arrangements.

Take an EHIC Card

Even when you purchase a private travel insurance policy, make sure you apply for and receive an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) if you are travelling to another European country. This provides you with an extra level of cover, and you may even be able to enjoy a discount, as some insurers will waive the excess if you are in possession of an EHIC.

Stay Safe on Your Holiday

Before you head overseas, make sure you know exactly what is involved should you need to receive medical treatment in your destination. Single trip holiday insurance is designed to give the traveller complete peace of mind so they can get on with their business or holiday fun. Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore. We provide low cost travel insurance and offer a range of policies including single trip holiday insurance, annual, multi-trip and family cover. For all your travel cover needs, InsureMore can help you in the quickest and most cost-efficient way.