Coverage that goes where you go: Travel worry-free with Blue Cross Blue Shield (2024)

FAQs

What is not covered by travel insurance? ›

Reasonably foreseeable events. Known storms, epidemics, acts of war. Travel restrictions imposed by government authorities. Pre-existing conditions, unless the Premium plan is bought within the window for coverage.

It typically covers emergency medical expenses, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, and emergency medical evacuations due to unforeseen illness or accidental injury while on your covered trip.

If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage. Through the Overseas Assistance Center, you're covered when working or traveling overseas.

One of the main reasons to buy cruise insurance is for medical emergencies. Note that, once you're on a cruise ship or visiting a destination outside the United States, your own U.S. health insurance plan will not apply.

At the start of filing your claim, any documentation supporting your claim is crucial to have on hand and to submit. Examples include receipts from your trip and proof of paid healthcare costs. These are proof that you paid out of pocket to cover services.

Regardless, if you feel too sick to travel it's important to have your opinion confirmed and your diagnosis documented by a doctor. Medical documentation will be required if you're looking to be reimbursed for your non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip.

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

Anything that constitutes a medical emergency and forces you to seek treatment while you're on your trip typically should be covered by a comprehensive travel medical insurance policy.

What type of travel insurance do I need? There are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection plans and travel medical plans.

Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.

Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally? ›

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Healthcare coverage is one of the most important decisions you make. Choose the card that opens doors in all 50 states.

You'll be instructed to stay in your cabin for a specified amount of time. If your medical condition requires treatment at a hospital, the doctor will work with the ship's captain to decide what to do. In some instances, the ship may change course to reach the next port, sooner so you can be treated on shore.

Buying 50 Days Before Departure

Buying cruise insurance at this time also takes the “panic” factor out of your purchase. There'll be lots to think about right before you leave. Buying 50 days out means you won't be worrying about “what-if” scenarios right up to departure date.

Medicare may cover medically-necessary health care services you get on a cruise ship if: The doctor is allowed under certain laws to provide medical services on the cruise ship. The ship is in a U.S. port or no more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port when you get the services, regardless of whether it's an emergency.

Does travel insurance cover flight cancellation? Policyholders are normally required to approach the airline directly for any refund or compensation they're entitled to and provide evidence of this when a claim is made. However, travel insurance might provide some coverage for flight cancellations.

If your trip is canceled for a covered reason, a policy will often reimburse airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, tours, cruises and other prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans can cover the cost of flight if it's canceled, but there may be a required waiting period — such as a 12-hour delay in your trip that is caused by your flight cancellation.

Cancellation cover is a common inclusion with most standard travel insurance policies, but you can take it out separately if it doesn't offer enough cover. Alternatively, if you only want cancellation cover to protect you against cancelled flights rather than baggage protection, you can get it for that.