INSURANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL - SHORT TERM VS LONG TERM
Short Term international insurance plans are a kind of fall-back medical health insurance plan which is designed for people traveling outside their country of citizenship for a short period of less than a year. The other categories of people who typically opt for short term international insurance plans are those on a vacation abroad, missionaries or executives traveling on work.
International insurance coverage is available for people of all ages, though the maximum medical coverage is typically lower for those above 70 years of age. Short term international insurance plans can also cover for the entire family including spouse, children and any other dependents whom they want to support.
The short term international insurance plans cover the individuals against unforeseen illnesses or injuries which may result in hospitalization, doctor consultation, repatriation and surgeries. The individual would not be eligible for coverage for those medical conditions that already exist at the time of application of the plan. In addition, these international insurance policies do not cover routine check-ups, screening tests for preventive care, vaccination or dental treatments.
The validity period of a short term international insurance plan is from 5 days to a year and some short term medical insurance plans can be renewed for a period of 3 years. In case you expect to require health insurance coverage for more than a year, long term insurance plans could work out more beneficial for you.
Long term international insurance plans are suited for coverage of more than one year and the premium rates differ depending on the services for which you seek coverage. Long term international insurance plans can be renewed on an annual basis.
Long term international insurance coverage is suited for travelers planning for an overseas trip for more than a year, professionals, executives, expatriates, marine crew workers and missionaries who are staying abroad for work purposes and make multiple trips to their home country every year.
The long term international insurance plans offer worldwide coverage across all countries in the globe. These international health plans offer coverage for individuals even in their native country as against short term international medical insurance policies which offer only limited coverage in the homeland.
International insurance plans offers two broad categories of benefits depending on the type of coverage it offers – Fixed and comprehensive benefits. Depending on the plan you choose you can avail coverage for various medical expenses which include hospitalization, preventive care (after a waiting period), maternity coverage, doctor consultation, surgeries, emergency medical assistance or evacuation and Repatriation.