OVERSEAS MEDICAL INSURANCE: Frequent flyers need global cover; for treatment in US or Canada, be ready to fork out higher premium

financialexpress.com:

Frequent foreign travellers or those who are planning to undergo certain medical procedures abroad should opt for a health insurance policy in India that provides international coverage including for destinations like the US and Canada. These policies, offered by a few insurers, differ from regular travel insurance which includes medical coverage but may have limitations.

Health insurance policies with international coverage offer emergency treatments, in- and outpatient treatment, prescription medications, air ambulance and some elective treatments abroad, apart from domestic hospitalisation. A policyholder can select a sum insured of up to `6 crore and access cashless medical treatment worldwide.

Insurers set the maximum limit of international cover in the policy and also the number of times claims can be raised in a policy year. Additionally, some plans may also cover expenses associated with obtaining a medical visa and provide round-trip economy class airfare for an immediate family member accompanying the insured individual.

Rakesh Goyal, director, Probus Insurance Broker, says international health insurance provides more comprehensive and extended coverage for medical needs, making it suitable for those who frequently travel overseas. “For frequent travellers abroad, it is advisable to consider international health insurance policies that specifically cover medical treatment abroad,” he said.

Similarly, Siddharth Singhal, business head, Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com, says opting for worldwide coverage or global health insurance provides comprehensive medical coverage in case of emergency treatment or against planned hospitalisation for serious conditions like cancer, heart surgery or kidney transplant, etc.