Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Expenses Benefit Explained

When planning a trip, most travellers think about flight delays, lost baggage or cancelled holidays. However, the greatest financial risk while travelling is often an unexpected medical emergency. A simple accident, sudden illness or emergency surgery in a foreign country can result in high medical bills. The Emergency Medical Expenses benefit is one of the most valuable sections of a travel insurance policy because it protects you against these unexpected healthcare costs whilst ensuring that you receive the medical treatment required.

What is Emergency Medical Expenses Cover?

Emergency Medical Expenses cover reimburses or directly pays for reasonable and necessary medical costs incurred when an insured traveller suffers an unexpected illness or accidental injury during the insured journey. It is not intended to cover routine medical care.

How the Benefit Works

Step 1: A Medical Emergency Occurs e.g. A broken bone after slipping

Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

• Visit the nearest suitable hospital or clinic.
• Contact the insurer’s emergency assistance centre as soon as reasonably possible. Contact numbers are usually on the Travel Insurance Certificate issued for your journey.
• Follow the medical advice given by healthcare professionals.

For major medical cases or hospital admissions, insurers usually require notification before treatment whenever possible so they can coordinate care, arrange guarantees of payment, and assist with medical decisions.

Step 3: The Insurer Assesses the Situation

The insurer will determine whether the illness or injury is covered and any terms and conditions necessary. If everything falls within the policy terms, the insurer will either:

• Pay the hospital directly where arrangements exist; or
• Reimburse the insured after receiving supporting documentation.

What Expenses Are Usually Covered?

Although benefits differ between insurers, Emergency Medical Expenses commonly include:

1. Doctor’s Consultation Fees
2. Hospital Admission
3. Surgery
4. Prescription Medication
5. Diagnostic Tests
6. Ambulance Services
7. Emergency Dental Treatment
8. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation (for severe cases and on certain plans)
9. Accommodation and Travel Expenses where hospitalisation forces changes to travel arrangements.

What Is Usually Not Covered?

1. Pre-existing Medical Conditions
2. Routine Medical Treatment
3. Non-essential Cosmetic Procedures
4. Routine Pregnancy Care
5. Alcohol and Drug-Related Incidents
6. Dangerous Activities unless specifically noted on the policy e.g. extreme sports

Real-Life Example

Sarah travels from Zimbabwe to France for a two-week holiday. On day six she develops severe abdominal pain. Doctors diagnose acute appendicitis. Her treatment leaves her with a total medical bill cost of USD10,000.

Because Sarah purchased travel insurance before leaving Zimbabwe, her travel insurance policy guarantees to the hospital that they will settle the bill and after she recovers and paper work is done, the insurer settles directly with the hospital. Without travel insurance, Sarah would have had to fund these costs herself.

Get travel insurance for your next trip that lets you enjoy your holiday with confidence. Secure your trip by calling or app (0242) 744048/79, 0714298696 or 0772434103 at Firstlink Insurance Brokers.