People often neglect to purchase travel health insurance because they think nothing bad will happen to them. Most of the time, that’s true. Usually, everything goes fine.
Maybe you have taken several overseas trips and had no issues. Count yourself fortunate! Not everyone has that experience.
It’s easy to prefer using the money we would have spent on travel insurance on some books, a few movies from iTunes, or other travel gear. Or we could just save the cash for another trip.
However, when we make that choice, we fail to consider the different things that could easily go wrong on our trip. And more importantly, how much they might cost us.
For example, an air ambulance to transport you to a hospital could easily cost upwards of $25,000. Is it really worth it to save about $50 when it could result in you going into financial debt or even declaring bankruptcy?
Knowing that you have travel insurance benefits if you ever need them will bring you incredible peace of mind. Why? Because your insurance company will assist you throughout the process and help make sure your medical bills get paid.
You might be thinking, you’re an insurance broker, of course you recommend buying travel insurance! Don’t take our word for it. Read below to see what several clients have shared with us about the why having a good, international travel medical insurance plan is so important.
Real Stories about Why International Travel Insurance is Important
“In my previous travels to India and Asia, I had never considered the need for travel insurance. All that changed when, in the mountains of Tibet, I was thrown from a horse and landed in a boulder field. Injuries to the left side of my spine, chest, abdomen, and hip were extensive. I was in the middle of nowhere, and even by horseback, it would take two days to reach the nearest road. It was a worst-case scenario. Fortunately, HTH Worldwide initiated a comprehensive plan to help bring me to the nearest source of medical care with the highest standards. The fact that your Katmandu based staff was willing to wait three days in a remote village for my arrival is more than impressive. Exploring the world is a beautiful experience and carrying travel health insurance is just a practical necessity of life. It saved my life” – Blair L.
“While I was in the airport, some travelers were discussing the travel insurance they had purchased along with all the ‘What Ifs.’ When I was asked if I carried travel insurance, I replied, ‘Yes, most definitely. Having used the product in the past, I would never travel without it!’ When I told them why, they were totally amazed at all the benefits and services the policy includes, and how affordable it is. Thanks, Good Neighbor Insurance, for such a great product!” – R. T.
“I am in South Africa to work at a nonprofit organization that assists orphans and vulnerable children in a remote location outside of Johannesburg. Knowing the location, I was motivated to prepare ahead of time. Before my departure, I printed out nearby hospitals, doctors, and additional medical services information from the global database. I am able to access mPassport’s databases on my mobile phone in South Africa. It’s given me great relief.” – Rachel F.
“This past year I have traveled to Egypt, Greece, and Israel. Before going on each trip, I checked the mPassport databases for names and addresses of doctors and hospitals and your evaluation of health risks and medical facilities. With your information tucked into my bag, I board the plane feeling confident that I can get help all along the way.” – Pat A.
“While on my overseas assignment, I began noticing chest pains following slight exertion. When the situation persisted, I contacted HTH Worldwide by phone. A cardiogram and blood test were quickly arranged and performed at the guest house where I was staying. The tests proved that I was experiencing blockage in my arteries, and it was necessary for me to be admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. An angioplasty was performed and a stent was implanted in my coronary artery, which was discovered to be 99% blocked. I was very close to having a major heart attack. To say HTH Worldwide and Alliance International Medical Services delivered more than I expected would be a gross understatement. My wife and I are absolutely delighted with the service we received and have been recommending HTH Worldwide to all of our friends who want to travel, but are concerned about unexpected health emergencies. We will never travel again without availing ourselves of the health benefits and services afforded through HTH Worldwide. Thanks for your outstanding service!” – Jim D.
“The policy is working out great! I didn’t anticipate the health issues I would have this year, and the response has been amazing! Thank you so much!” – J.R.
“I was able to look up a doctor in London online and make an appointment with him the same day. He was professional and friendly, and the whole process couldn’t have gone more smoothly. I was very happy to be able to connect with a qualified professional when outside the U.S. right away. Thank you!” – I. S.
Customers’ Experiences with Good Neighbor Insurance
“I’m SO happy that these two claims have finally been approved. I’ve looked over them carefully and the processing is correct. Thank you for your important part in pushing it through.” – D.G.
“Thank you, Good Neighbor Insurance for such a great product.” – John
“Good Neighbor Insurance has been invaluable over the past three years of travel and finally repatriation. Took time to advise me even when I needed gap insurance rather than travel insurance, making sure I understood exactly what I needed and what the legal protocols were regarding my unique situation. Personalized experience, thoroughly informative, hold your hand through every step of the way. I continually go out of my way to recommend this group.” – K.P.
“My wife and I are absolutely delighted with the service we received from everyone!” – A
Why International Travel Health Insurance is Right for You
Hopefully, the testimonies above have convinced you about the importance of purchasing travel medical insurance before your leave for your next adventure. Don’t risk financial ruin or permanent disability to save a few dollars. It’s like the old saying goes, “it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
While some countries require travel insurance, most do not. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. As you can see, there are many benefits to carrying a travel insurance policy, including:
- Peace of mind – The greatest benefit to travel health insurance is providing peace of mind while you travel. You can know that you will get the care you need if anything unfortunate were to happen. This also gives your loved ones great relief knowing you are protected in the case of an accident. This allows you to relax, enjoy the trip, and accomplish the purpose that was intended.
- Protection from more serious harm – If something unfortunate happens, you will be transported to the nearest medical center that will provide you with the care you need. This includes medical evacuation in the case of an emergency in a remote location, preventing further, unnecessary injury.
- Protection from financial ruin – Medical care has become very expensive. A hospital stay can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Bills that large will send most people into financial debt. Having your claims covered by insurance will prevent you from going into debt or being forced to declare bankruptcy. Overseas travel is very costly, but trip cancellation insurance can help you get reimbursed if your trip gets unexpectedly cancelled.
Traveling internationally is exciting but also risky. There are so many moving parts, and things rarely go exactly as planned. Make the wise, important choice and purchase an international insurance policy that meets your travel needs.
Good Neighbor Insurance Inc has been helping clients with their international travel needs since 1997 and would love to help you as well. Before you travel outside the U.S., make sure you grab one of our travel medical insurance plans. You can call our agents at our toll-free number: 866.636.9100 or chat with us. You can also browse our website to find the best travel medical insurance plan for you.
