Travel Insurance: Is It Necessary?

So you want to leave the homeland for a while, see the sights, take the pictures, or perhaps, do some business. You've packed the swimming trunks, the extra layers, the hiking boots, the sun screen, but the question remains: is your medical insurance traveling with you? What happens if you get to Brazil like you always wanted to, and then, in a freak spilled mojito accident, you break your ankle? What if the escargot from that charming Parisian restaurant reacts badly with your American digestive system, and you are suddenly in the throes of the worst food poisoning you've experienced in your life? It is no small matter; according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one half of US travelers heading to another country will experience some sort of health problem while abroad.

Ever since the Michael Moore film, "Sicko," came out, we all know that many other countries (well, specifically France, Canada, and Cuba) provide affordable, sometimes free, healthcare to their citizens, but how does it work for us, Americans, abroad? Well, the truth is, unless you make special preparations, the outlook is not good. According to www.worldwidemedical.com, "most US insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs or Medicare [plans] do not provide adequate medical insurance." There may be exceptions, and you should look into the fine print of your plan, but every major US health insurance providers suggests getting some form of traveler's insurance. Unfortunately, there is no foreign country that provides free health care for travelers.

Travel insurance plans provide three types of coverage: for medical care when abroad, the cost of emergency medical evacuation, and reimbursement for sudden trip cancellations and lost luggage.

Should you require medical attention while abroad, most insurance companies provide support in the form of emergency hotlines. They will advise you on the best hospitals in the area, as well as the ins and outs of the local systems. It is strongly advised that, if possible, you consult your provider before seeking medical attention in a foreign land. Also, insurance providers warn that most third world countries' hospital systems require payment upfront for services rendered. This fee would be reimbursed by the plan.

The most pressing concern is the case of an emergency medical evacuation from a foreign country back to the US. Evacuations are necessary when a very serious medical condition arises, and the traveler/patient must be transported back to the care of his/her primary care physician or a home-based expert. This can cost upwards of $10,000 as it is a coordinated effort between several hospitals and at least one airline. Most travel insurance plans provide the option for specific coverage for this contingency.

Another aspect to consider when traveling abroad, is the cost of sudden cancellations, or changes in travel plans as a result of medical or other emergencies. In an era when airline companies are logging record numbers of lost luggage, this aspect of travelers insurance provides reimbursement for the purchase of clothes and other necessities. In this sense, you could come out a winner: imagine an 'emergency' shopping trip at the fabulous designer stores of Milan.

So, whether you are planning a road trip to Canada, or a fourteen day hike in Machu Pichu, pack some warm socks, swim trunks, and your new friend, Mr. Traveler's Insurance.

About the Author

Pucher Insurance: Providers of health insurance, travel medical insurance and group travel insurance for Canadians traveling abroad and
visitors medical insurance
for non-Canadians who visit Canada.

Boblbee Travel Trunk Model

Travel Trunk $79.99 TRAVEL TRUNK Compact yet big enough to hold a full-face helmet and more Tough, lightweight high-impact plastic with flat matte black finish A storage trunk that doubles as hand luggage! Ends unnecessary packing and unpacking forever-;carry it with you when destination is reached. Black plastic mounting plate (approx. 11-3/4" x 1"H x 9") attaches to any existing flat rear rack with included straps and hardware. Plate can be positioned so trunk will open to the front, rear or either side. Locks securely onto plate, but can be removed in seconds. Lockable hinged lid protects valuables and stored gear against theft (2 keys included); overlapping rain lip protects stored gear against the elements. Approx. 16-3/4"W (at widest point) x 12"H x 12-1/4"L (13-3/4"L with handle). To remove, simply turn lock key to right and then push red release button (1). Lift trunk up and push back to remove from plate (2). Use molded-in handle to carry trunk and its contents anywhere you go (3).

Travel Trunk Rack $59.99 TRAVEL TRUNK RACK Adds style and needed storage space Approx. 21-3/4"W x 12"L Front and rear lips raised approx. 4" Crafted from chrome-plated steel tubing for years of durable wear. All hardware and instructions included for easy bolt-on installation. Some drilling of travel trunk required. Front and/or rear lip keeps cargo secure and helps prevent sliding.

Travel Trunk With Backrest And Spoiler $79.99 TRAVEL TRUNK WITH BACKREST AND SPOILER Adds extra storage space to your bike (it's big enough to hold a full-face helmet) Strong yet lightweight plastic trunk is designed with molded-in lines on 2 sides, rear and top for a sleek look High-gloss black painted finish Shiny black complements a black bike or adds contrast to different color bike. Lid opens at rear (inner hinges are located at front). Lid is lockable (2 keys included) and includes overlapping rain lip (lip plus inner seal on lower section of trunk help keep stored gear clean, dry). Approximately 9"W x 3-3/4"H firm, black, rubber-like backrest is built into the lid. Wraparound lid spoiler looks great and contributes to aerodynamic efficiency. Trunk has approx. 13" x 10" bottom and mounts on any flat luggage rack-;metal reinforcing plate, protective inner foam bottom liner, mounting straps and hardware are included. Trunk bottom, plate and straps are pre-drilled for trouble-free installation. Approximately 15"W at middle x 12-3/4"H x 16-1/2"L overall.

Show Chrome Travel Trunk Racks $61.99 TRAVEL TRUNK RACKS Add style and needed storage space Available in 3 styles For Honda Gold Wing models Crafted from chrome-plated steel tubing for years of durable wear. All hardware and instructions included for easy bolt-on installation. Some drilling of travel trunk required. Front and/or rear lip keeps cargo secure and helps prevent sliding.

Show Chrome Chrome Travel Trunk Accent Inserts $49.99 CHROME TRAVEL TRUNK ACCENT INSERTS for GL1800 Show-plated molded ABS plastic inserts replace original color-matched trunk trim inserts Mount like originals using existing hardware-no drilling required Set features a 3-piece full-wraparound design Custom-fit, easy-to-install wraparound custom styling for your trunk. Can be used alone or with the dual-rail accents for a completely coordinated custom look. Instructions included.

Show Chrome Travel Trunk Luggage Rack $115.99 TRAVEL TRUNK LUGGAGE RACK Perfect for those long trips when more storage space is needed for all the "extras" you bring along Chrome-plated lightweight 1/2" diameter formed tubular steel looks awesome and provides years of dependable service Front and rear raised lips stop cargo from slipping and serve as tie-down points for bungee cords or straps (not included) Rear lip runs the full width of the rack and rises approximately 1-1/2"; front lip rises approximately 5-1/2". Rack bolts on easily and extends approximately 1-1/2" above trunk. Secure 4-point mounting with vibration-absorbing rubber mounts and hardware included. Approximately 23-1/2"W at front, tapers to 18"W at rear and 12"L front to back. Drilling of travel trunk top required. Instructions included.

Show Chrome Travel Trunk Side Reflector Conversion Harness $22.99 TRAVEL TRUNK SIDE REFLECTOR CONVERSION HARNESS Converts existing side reflectors to illuminated running lights Preasssembled-;connects easily to electrical system Travel Trunk Conversion Harness fits in original reflector housing. Includes left- and right-side 3-bulb/socket harness, 3 replaceable bulbs, wiring and instructions. Sold in pairs.

Easy On & Off Travel-Trunk-Rack Bag $97.99 EASY ON/OFF TRAVEL-TRUNK-RACK BAG Removable liner tote bag (included) simplifies loading/unloading and can be carried with you Large-capacity bag is approx. 11-1/2"W x 7"H x 18"L Leather-look, heavy-duty black vinyl bag has inner side flaps to help secure gear 3 heavy-duty buckled straps and silver-colored conchos with leather-look laces secure large top-opening flap. Quick-release nylon straps secure bag to rear rack.

In The Trunk $10 In The Trunk - Chamillionaire

	Lol? Trek Pant - Women's Tundra, 10 Sale Price: $53.95
	Lol?s Women?s Trek Roll-Up Pant takes you from town sidewalks to hiking trails without missing a beat. The pant?s abrasion-resistant, nubby Bedford fabric and classic style fits in as easily on a foreign city?s streets as they do in your own hometown...

	Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, Natural List Price: $12.95 Sale Price: $9.80 Average Rating:
	Keeping your valuables hidden close to your body is your best defense from pickpockets. Rick Steves Silk Money Belt is made of comfortable spun silk and features a moisture barrier liner for ultimate comfort.

	ITW Space Compressible Bag BRS-9212ZG Vacuum-Seal Travel Roll Bags, Set of 4 List Price: $12.99 Sale Price: $10.49 Average Rating:
	ITW Space Bags travel bags are made of the same durable material that our regular space bags are made of so you can use them over and over again. Because of the clear see through film, you can keep your cloths organized for speedy security checks at airports...

	The Travel Book List Price: $50.00 Sale Price: $31.50 Average Rating:
	Highlighted by some of the finest photography in the world, this book offers a glimpse of each country’s perks and quirks: when to go, what to see, how to eat it up and drink it in, and ways to immerse yourself in the life and the land...

	Eagle Creek Travel Gear Hidden Pocket,Black List Price: $9.50 Sale Price: $8.50 Average Rating:
	Slide your passport, cash, and credit card into the Eagle Creek Hidden Pocket, clip it to your belt, and tuck it into your waistband for worry-free traveling. This ripstop nylon pouch features a Coolmax backing to wick moisture and keeps your valuables nearly invisible to the crafty fingersmiths of the world.

	Dream Essentials Sweet Dreams Contoured Sleep Mask with Earplugs and Travel Pouch ~ Black Sale Price: $7.95 Used From: $9.99 Average Rating:
	Light as a feather, slim-line and very stylish, the Sweet Dreams Sleep and Relaxation Mask is a molded contoured sleep aid that offers full comfort without any pressure to the eyes. Mask features concave eye pockets to keep the sleep mask away from your eyes and allow for normal blinking and air circulation...

	Eagle Creek Travel Gear Security Wallet,Tan List Price: $16.00 Sale Price: $16.00 Average Rating:
	380285TAN000 Features: Specifications:

	Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips List Price: $40.00 Sale Price: $19.81 Used From: $6.99 Average Rating:
	No one knows the world like National Geographic—and in this lavish volume, we reveal our picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with helpful information for readers who want to try them out...

	Samsonite Double Comfort Travel Pillow with Pouch, Grey List Price: $10.00 Sale Price: $10.00 Average Rating:

	Rick Steves Silk Neck Wallet, Natural List Price: $12.95 Sale Price: $9.95 Average Rating:
	Each items' "Rick tested" features work to make every trip smoother and more enjoyable.