Insurance Agents

• Check with your medical insurance provider to determine your coverage while out of the country. Know how to reach a representative while you are abroad and how to obtain compensation for any care received. If you are not comfortable with your current level of coverage, look into supplemental travel insurance
• Determine your needs in advance and do your homework—all insurance policies are not created equal. Frequent travellers may want a yearly policy; others may choose coverage only for the length of a one-time trip. Policies may or may not cover air rescue, ambulance transport, help in making hospital arrangements, coverage of medical or hospital bills, cash advances, evacuation to your home country or 24-hour telephone assistance.
• You might already have partial coverage, or the option to purchase it, through travel-related memberships. Some credit card companies include insurance if you charge your trip, and many international auto and touring clubs offer policies along with the usual provisions for car towing and accident assistance. Some tour packages also include insurance. Check carefully to find out what is covered.
• Most foreign medical providers require cash payment. Before you leave home, make sure you will have access to funds while abroad.