The following tips would be useful for you to know before travelling abroad:
1. If a U.S. citizen fall ill or get injured abroad then a U.S. Consular officer will arrange all necessary medical service and inform the family members about the situation. If there is a necessity in case of serious disease, a U.S. Consular will transfer additional funds from the United States for solving health care problems. However, keep in mind that all hospital costs and other expenses will be at patients cost.
2. Also find out in advance the amount of your medical cover abroad. If you are said you will be able to get medical cover overseas due to the contract of your health insurance plan, then keep in mind you have to carry the proof of your policy with you (it can be the insurance plan identity card) as well as the claim form. Although only few firms would cover the evacuation charge in case you have to be transported to the U.S, but a great part of them would surely cover reasonable medical costs abroad.
3. If are a U.S citizen living outside of the country, usual American private health insurance cover would be ineligible. According to traditional contract terms, the amount of cover you may have outside would be greatly limited, and sometimes could be eliminated.
4. It is better to find out whether you are – a U.S. citizen living outside of your country – eligible to participate in health insurance plans sponsored by the government of the country you are living in. Usually, you are not eligible. Though if you become seriously ill, you will have the opportunity to apply for medical help in other countries, including the U.S.
5. If you are a non-U.S citizen an international policy is also available for you. You may purchase it as a supplement to your local policies. In this case, you would get health insurance cover while being outside of your country.
Be aware, the international coverage you are eligible for has no limits. For example, you may travel safely with the International Citizen Series Health Plan which offers you an annually renewable coverage. It also extends either for a single person or for a whole family. Both U.S. citizens and non-U.S citizens traveling anywhere outside their native country may have travel medical insurance.
