Guide to Medical Only Travel Insurance: Key Coverages & Feature

• Medical only travel insurance covers medical emergencies, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency dental care for travelers' health needs. 

• Policy features include treatment limits, pre-existing conditions, short and long-term trip durations, age, and region coverage. 

• Especially good for seniors, frequent travelers, and those with existing medical conditions to cover unexpected medical bills while abroad. 
   

When you’re planning a trip, protecting your health while away is just as important as booking your flights and accommodations. For travelers focused on health-related protection, medical only travel insurance can be a practical option, offering coverage for emergencies like sudden illness, injuries, or even emergency evacuations. But is it right for your trip? 

This article will break down the benefits and limitations of medical only travel insurance, including who might find it most useful and what types of coverage are included (and excluded). Whether you’re traveling internationally, have specific health concerns, or simply want to be prepared, this guide will help you decide if this type of travel insurance is the right fit for your travel plans. 
 

What is Medical Only Travel Insurance? 

Medical only travel insurance is a type of travel insurance policy that provides coverage for medical emergencies that may arise during a trip. It includes coverage for medical expenses related to sudden illnesses, injuries, or accidents that can happen unexpectedly while traveling.  

However, this travel insurance may not cover other travel issues like trip cancellations or lost baggage, so it’s simpler and more focused for those who want to protect their health while traveling. 

However, this coverage can be beneficial for seniors who have health concerns and may need medical attention while traveling. It can also be suitable if you are traveling internationally, where healthcare systems may be unfamiliar, or where medical costs could be high for tourists. 

Even if you are planning to engage in high-risk activities on your trip, like hiking or certain sports, you may consider this coverage. 

What Does Medical Only Travel Insurance Cover 

Medical only travel insurance focuses on health-related coverage for travelers who want financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies while abroad.  

Here’s what is typically included: 

Emergency Medical and Dental Expenses 

Travel insurance for medical only coverages generally includes unexpected medical treatments for injuries or illnesses that happen on your trip. This can include physician visits, urgent care, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescribed medications. You can get covered even if you accidentally hurt your teeth and need dental work.  

Hospital Stays and Doctor Visits 

If an unexpected illness or injury requires a hospital stay, medical only travel insurance may help cover the value of inpatient care, including any doctor’s consultations, diagnostic tests, and necessary treatments. It may also include outpatient services for minor injuries or non-critical illnesses, such as a respiratory infection or mild allergic reaction. 

Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation 

In case an insured traveler faces a medical emergency in a location where suitable care isn’t available, medical only insurance generally includes emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility. And, if medically necessary, repatriation can return the traveler back to their home country for further treatment. These services can help coordinate safe and efficient transport, often including necessary medical personnel to accompany the traveler. 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) 

Many medical-only travel insurance policies include Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. This provides a benefit to the insured or their beneficiaries if a covered accident results in loss of life or limb while traveling. AD&D coverage typically specifies different benefit amounts for various types of injuries, with a higher benefit for loss of life than for injuries like loss of a limb. 

24/7 Emergency Assistance Services 

Medical-only plans often include access to 24/7 emergency assistance hotlines. These services help travelers find and arrange for medical care, manage medical evacuations, and address travel disruptions related to health issues. Assistance services may include language support and provider recommendations, making it easier to get appropriate treatment in unfamiliar locations. 
 

What Medical-Only Travel Insurance May Not Cover 

While medical only travel insurance focuses on health-related coverage, it’s essential to understand what it typically doesn’t include. Knowing these exclusions can help travelers decide whether additional coverage options might be necessary for their trip. Here are some common items that are not covered by most medical only travel insurance policies: 
 

Non-Medical Coverage for Trip-Related Issues 

Medical only plans do not usually cover costs associated with travel disruptions, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, or lost luggage. Additional travel inconveniences like delayed flights, missed connections, or lost passports are also generally outside the scope of medical only policies. 

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions 

Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is often limited under medical only travel insurance. Many plans exclude treatment for health issues that existed before the policy was purchased. Some plans may offer an optional pre-existing condition waiver, but it often comes with specific requirements, such as purchasing the policy within a certain time frame after booking the trip or being medically stable before travel. 

Routine Check-Ups and Elective Procedures 

Routine or preventive care, including annual physicals, vaccinations, and screenings, is generally not covered by medical only travel insurance. These policies are designed to address unexpected medical issues rather than ongoing or preventive care. 

Elective or cosmetic procedures, such as cosmetic surgeries or optional treatments, are also typically excluded, as they are not considered medically necessary. 

Injuries from High-Risk or Extreme Activities 

Medical only policies may exclude coverage for injuries sustained during high-risk activities, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, or other extreme sports. Some insurers offer add-ons to cover specific high-risk activities, but this generally comes at an additional cost. Travelers planning on participating in adventurous or high-risk activities should carefully review their policy or consider add-ons if they want coverage for such activities. 

Mental Health and Psychological Services 

Many medical-only travel insurance policies exclude coverage for mental health-related services, including treatment for anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions that arise during travel. 

Coverage for substance use or addiction treatment is also often limited or excluded, so travelers should confirm what specific mental health services, if any, may be included in their policy. 

Injuries or Illnesses Due to Intoxication or Drug Use 

Injuries or illnesses resulting from alcohol or drug use are typically not covered by medical-only travel insurance policies. This exclusion applies if an accident or illness occurs while the traveler is under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. 

Travelers should be aware of this exclusion, as it may impact coverage for accidents or medical issues that arise while using these substances. 

Important Coverage Factors in Medical Only Travel Insurance Plans 

When buying travel insurance with medical only coverage, there are several features to consider. They can be a reason to affect the level of coverage. 

Coverage Limits 

Medical only travel insurance policies have specific coverage limits for medical expenses. These limits vary depending on the plan chosen. Some policies cap treatment costs, daily hospital allowance, or surgery expenses. 

For example, AXA Travel Protection Plans come with different coverage limits ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the benefits taken. The travel insuarance may cover up to a certain amount per day for hospitalization or has a maximum cap on surgery costs which is important to review for travelers. 

Pre-Existing Conditions 

Pre-existing conditions are any medical conditions you have before you purchase the travel insurance. Coverage for these conditions may vary by policy. 

Some travel insurers cover pre-existing conditions, but often at an extra cost; others exclude them altogether. So, disclose any existing medical conditions when you apply for travel insurance to avoid problems later. 

Length of Coverage 

The length of coverage depends on whether it’s a short trip or a long stay. Short term policies cover specific trips from a few days to several months, long term policies cover extended periods or multiple trips in a year. 

Multi-trip annual policies are great for frequent travelers as they cover multiple journeys in a year without having to buy travel insurance for each trip. 

Age Limits 

Many medical-only travel insurance policies have age limits, with premiums increasing for older travelers. 

Insurers consider age as a risk factor, which can be a reason for higher costs for those above a certain age. It’s an important consideration for senior travelers when choosing a policy. 

Regional Coverage 

Geography plays a big role in coverage and cost. Some policies are designed to cover specific regions, like within Europe, while others cover globally. 

Travelers should check their destinations and make sure their policy matches their travel plans to avoid gaps in coverage or surprise costs. 
 

FAQs 

1. What to look out for when choosing a medical only travel insurance policy? 

When choosing a medical only travel insurance policy, look at coverage limits, exclusions, and if it includes emergency evacuation and repatriation. Also, check the policy’s terms on pre-existing conditions and geographic coverage area. 

2. Who should buy medical only travel insurance? 

Medical only travel insurance is crucial for anyone traveling abroad, especially senior citizens, those with pre-existing conditions, and frequent travelers. It’s health coverage in case of medical emergencies while you’re away from home. 

3. How do I make sure my policy matches my travel plans? 

Check your destination, activities, and any specific health needs. Furthermore, you can compare these against the coverages provided by different insurers. 

4. What coverages are essential to medical only travel insurance for seniors? 

Essential coverages for seniors may include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation to ensure quick access to care. High coverage limits are beneficial for serious health incidents. Seniors may also consider policies that offer optional coverage for pre-existing conditions and 24/7 emergency assistance for added support. 

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