Ahead of busy travel season, experts say travelers’ health insurance can be critical

Experts say travel health insurance can be crucial

CHICAGO — The summer travel season is approaching and experts say preparing for a possible health emergency should be part of the trip planning.

Many say people should considering buying travelers’ health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, if your existing policy won’t cover it. Thousands of American travelers are flown home each year with medical assistance because of health emergencies abroad.

The costs can be staggering, exceeding $100,000 depending on where people are.

So experts advise checking your existing insurance policy, and reading the fine print. Most cover emergency care abroad, but that often doesn’t include medical evacuation.

The U.S. State Department website has links to air ambulance companies and medical services around the world. The U.S. Travel Insurance Association website also lists member companies.

On the Net:

U.S. Travel Insurance Association: www.ustia.org

State Department: travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html

CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/plan-ahead.aspx