I have been fortunate growing up in Canada. We have a clean country, with much unspoiled wilderness. I have never had to pay to receive medical attention, and never thought that I would. What I didn't know is that my great health care system would not cover any medical expenses I occurred while out of country. Not being aware of this, when the opportunity came up to spend spring break in Florida, I was only worried about sunscreen and condoms. I didn't even know that there was such a thing as travel insurance.
I ended up in an emergency room in south Florida due to a combination of factors; it seems alcohol can help you forget that you're clumsy, poor depth perception and para sailing. I broke my left leg, several ribs and was basically one large bruise. I thought I was hurting when I woke up, but it wasn't until I was leaving the hospital and got presented with the bill that the pain really kicked in. What is this? 15, 000 - were they mad? I wasn't too worried though, I still thought that I could get the government to pick up the tab. Nope, I wasn't their responsibility once I was out of country.
This is why; I'll never go abroad without travel insurance again. Look after yourself, its bad enough that you've gotten hurt - do you really want to be buried in debt too?
It's not even like travel insurance is all that expensive. You can acquire a cheap plan for under $40. Just be sure that the plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Experts recommend that before you begin shopping for insurance you prepare a list of any activities you are likely to do while away. This is to make sure that you are not surprised later to find your coverage doesn't extend to "extreme sports." Things as simple as riding a moped or motorcycle with an engine over 50cc may invalidate your coverage - so know before you need it.
When you get your insurance package, take your time and read through the fine print. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into signing. Circle any articles you need clarified and make sure you understand what it means BEFORE you sign. Once you've signed, you have agreed and it's too late.
Beyond medical expenses, ensure you are covered against theft/lost items and money. This is an area that gets overlooked by many people, but if you do lose your stuff would you prefer to have the company pay to replace it or have an extra out of pocket expense to worry about?
I sincerely wish that no one goes through the nightmare I did, but if it does happen to you be as prepared as you can be. Remember, that it is better to have protection and not need it than to need it and not have it. - 15224
I ended up in an emergency room in south Florida due to a combination of factors; it seems alcohol can help you forget that you're clumsy, poor depth perception and para sailing. I broke my left leg, several ribs and was basically one large bruise. I thought I was hurting when I woke up, but it wasn't until I was leaving the hospital and got presented with the bill that the pain really kicked in. What is this? 15, 000 - were they mad? I wasn't too worried though, I still thought that I could get the government to pick up the tab. Nope, I wasn't their responsibility once I was out of country.
This is why; I'll never go abroad without travel insurance again. Look after yourself, its bad enough that you've gotten hurt - do you really want to be buried in debt too?
It's not even like travel insurance is all that expensive. You can acquire a cheap plan for under $40. Just be sure that the plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Experts recommend that before you begin shopping for insurance you prepare a list of any activities you are likely to do while away. This is to make sure that you are not surprised later to find your coverage doesn't extend to "extreme sports." Things as simple as riding a moped or motorcycle with an engine over 50cc may invalidate your coverage - so know before you need it.
When you get your insurance package, take your time and read through the fine print. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into signing. Circle any articles you need clarified and make sure you understand what it means BEFORE you sign. Once you've signed, you have agreed and it's too late.
Beyond medical expenses, ensure you are covered against theft/lost items and money. This is an area that gets overlooked by many people, but if you do lose your stuff would you prefer to have the company pay to replace it or have an extra out of pocket expense to worry about?
I sincerely wish that no one goes through the nightmare I did, but if it does happen to you be as prepared as you can be. Remember, that it is better to have protection and not need it than to need it and not have it. - 15224
About the Author:
Travel insurance that includes medical and health coverage is important when traveling abroad. Whether you're Medicaid Eligible or not, many foreign lands don't take this coverage.
