Before he took on the challenge of a second career when others were retiring, my father traveled extensively around the world. He is now in his 70’s. He’s picked up a thing or two about travel for those over 65, which I share with you.
First, did you know that Medicare won’t cover most medical expenses outside the United States?
Let’s say you want to rock-climb in Italy, rebuild in Haiti, and whale watch in Norway. Medicare offers few benefits beyond the United States’ border. Medicaid offers nothing. Medicare Part D coverage for prescriptions also stops at the border.
Therefore, remember to bring all the medication you need with you in their original bottles, along with a letter from your doctor explaining your need for them. This includes over-the-counter medication.
Second, if you have a medical emergency while outside the USA, the State Department cannot pay to bring you home. Proper medical evacuation costs tens of thousands of dollars even from nations close to the USA. Beyond the border neither Congress nor the President can be of much help when natural disasters or political upheavals strike.
The third thing to keep in mind is that there are insurance plans that specifically cater to older travelers. Travelers with many different pre-existing conditions can be covered up to age 84. Now that’s great news.
With travel insurance you will get:
- A call-collect phone number that you can call 24/7
- Access to board certified medical personnel
- Medical evacuation, if you need it
- Reimbursement for travel delay, lost baggage, and health care costs
And you may be surprised to know that international travel insurance is rather inexpensive. Rates vary from $1.50 to $6.00 per day depending on age and benefits.
Travel Insurance from Good Neighbor Insurance is a simple and an inexpensive way to make sure you are covered for any medical emergencies.
Doug Gulleson loves to scuba dive overseas and he makes sure he always takes his Amex card AND international travel insurance policy. Visit Good Neighbor Insurance at www.gninsurance.com for your next overseas trip and get a FREE quote. Or call us at 480 813 9100.
