Difference Between International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance
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What is International Health Insurance?
International health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the expenses of medical treatment in a foreign country. Expatriates and international students require health insurance coverage to protect themselves against both medical emergencies and routine healthcare needs while they are working or studying abroad.
International health insurance is also beneficial for people who prefer to go abroad for advanced medical treatment. Policyholders can avail of the best healthcare facilities in a foreign country without worrying about the huge medical bills.
It is essential for policyholders to clearly understand the differences between international health insurance and travel insurance. This can help them make an informed decision and avoid needless expenses in the future.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers all the expenses or losses due to medical emergencies in a foreign country and certain travel-related hassles. This covers hospitalization for accident or illness, delay or cancellation of trips, loss of baggage or documents, and third-party legal claims. So, the policy includes both travel health insurance and coverage for travel hazards.
Types of Travel Insurance in UAE
Differences Between International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance
On the other hand, travel insurance covers all kinds of travel-related losses that include hospitalization in a foreign country for any medical emergency. Travel insurance is ideal for short-term purposes (generally less than six months), such as foreign vacations or business trips.
The table given below delineates all the differences between international health insurance and travel insurance.
International Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
The policy covers all health-related expenses i.e. medical emergencies and routine services in a foreign country
It covers only medical emergencies in a foreign country
Does not cover other expenses or losses related to travel
Travel insurance covers additional expenses or losses due to cancellation of trips, loss of baggage, theft, etc.
Suitable for expatriates and students who stay abroad for longer durations
Suitable for tourists and businessmen who go abroad for shorter durations
Policyholders can go abroad to avail of better or advanced medical treatments
Policyholders cannot go abroad solely for medical purposes
International health insurance may not cover foreign vacations
Travel insurance does not depend on the purpose of your trip
Customers can avail of worldwide support to schedule medical treatments in a foreign country
Support is limited as travel insurance is restricted to a specific country and does not specialize in health
Additional assistance such as a second opinion from doctors abroad is made available to policyholders.
Additional facilities are typically not available as health is not the primary focus of travel insurance
Pre-existing diseases are generally covered after a waiting period.
Travel insurance does not cover any pre-existing disease and related health complications.
The policy provides coverage for the entire duration of your stay abroad.
The coverage is typically limited to a period of 90 days.
International health insurance provides global coverage (home country and any other country in the world).
Travel insurance only provides coverage for a specific country. It does not cover the home country or any other country.
Benefits of International Health Insurance
The policyholders get comprehensive health coverage. Both medical emergencies and routine healthcare services are covered.
The insured individuals can go abroad if advanced medical care is not available in their home countries. International health insurance provides access to the best healthcare facilities in the world.
Expatriates and students get health insurance coverage for their entire duration of stay in a foreign country.
The policy does not have too many restrictions related to the age and health condition of the buyer.
Policyholders can avail of cashless treatment at network hospitals and avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses.
Benefits of Travel Insurance
Travel health insurance covers the expenses of hospitalization and treatment of medical emergencies during foreign travel.
The policy also covers the cost of medical evacuation back to your home country from any part of the world.
Travel insurance covers the loss due to travel hazards such as flight delays, trip cancellations, loss of baggage & travel documents, and theft in a foreign country.
Any legal claims arising from a third party in a foreign country shall be covered under travel insurance.
Individuals who go abroad for short durations, such as vacations or business visits, get financial security and peace of mind due to travel insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Health and Travel Insurance
Does international health insurance provide access to cashless treatments abroad?
Yes. Policyholders can avail of direct billing or cashless treatment facilities if they choose a hospital within the insurer’s global network of healthcare providers. Otherwise, they can pay the bills first and later claim reimbursement from the insurer.
What type of insurance is required to go abroad for medical treatment?
International health insurance covers the cost of availing better or advanced treatment in a foreign country. You cannot use travel insurance to travel abroad exclusively for medical treatment. Travel medical insurance only covers emergencies.
Do I need travel insurance if I already have international health insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance covers travel-related losses or expenses such as trip cancellations, loss of baggage & documents, theft, and legal claims in a foreign country. These are not covered under international health insurance. Certain countries also make travel insurance mandatory to issue a visa.
Are pre-existing diseases covered under international health and travel insurance plans?
Travel insurance covers only medical emergencies and not pre-existing diseases. However, international health insurance may cover pre-existing diseases with waiting period restrictions.
Disclaimer: International health insurance and travel insurance may have limitations, exclusions, and other terms & conditions that may affect coverage. It is essential to carefully review the policy wording before making any decision.