Tourism visas and travel insurance: Why medical evacuation coverage matters

August 21, 2024

Any time you’re planning an international trip, there’s a list of must-dos and documents to acquire, such as travel visas. A valid travel visa gives you permission to enter a country for a specific amount of time. One important tip for globetrotters is to always double-check the visa requirements for each of the countries on an itinerary, as some require travelers to be financially prepared for any possible need or crisis, including emergency medical evacuation.

Check your destination list, then check the travel requirements

Travel visas are official endorsements added to a passport that grant the holder permission to enter, stay, or pass through a country for a specified period of time. The requirements and types of visas vary widely from country to country and depend on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. Obtaining a visa often involves an application process where the traveler must provide personal information, travel details, and sometimes, proof of financial means or an invitation from someone in the destination country. Some countries offer visa-free travel or visa on arrival to citizens of certain nations, simplifying international travel for those passport holders. Check with your country's embassy in your destination for up-to-date visa requirements. 

If you’re looking into travel medical insurance, it’s important to be aware of all possible requirements, since you’ll want to be sure to purchase a plan that covers visa needs for every country you’ll set foot in. It’s also crucial to be aware that not all travel insurance plans cover medical evacuations.

Finding coverage is right for your international travels

The specific visa requirements for medical evacuation coverage vary by country and embassy, but when it does apply, the coverage needs to offset the cost of repatriation or hospitalization for medical reasons, including medical emergencies. In other words, if you get hurt in a part of the world where you can’t get proper care locally, you need to prove you can pay to get yourself to medical attention in a crisis situation.

For instance, SafeTrip International Travel Medical plans provide coverage in the event of illness, injury, medical or other emergencies, and emergency medical evacuation, covering all costs up to a minimum of ±$33,500 (€30,000) for a short-term stay.

Not all travel insurance and travel medical insurance plans include medical evacuation coverage, so research any plans you are considering carefully. You can even contact a country's embassy or consulate to double check that a particular plan meets their visa minimums for this specific requirement.

Expect the best, prepare for the worst

In addition to meeting your visa needs, medical evacuation coverage is a wise choice for many overseas trips. If you enjoy adventurous activities such as extreme sports or off-the-grid hiking and exploring, the chances of an injury, whether it is slight or severe, go up.

Another factor to consider is the distance you are traveling from urban centers that have the most-advanced health care facilities. If you’re visiting remote areas, you may be at a higher risk of needing medical evacuation. If you don’t have this coverage and require emergency medical evacuation, the costs are extremely high for both the transportation and the medical attention, and all these expenses would fall to you.

SafeTrip International Travel Medical and International Travel Medical Plus plans can help you to satisfy visa requirements and you can turn your attention to enjoying every moment of planning your trip, embarking on the journey, and exploring everything your vacation has to offer. The first step: Get a quote for SafeTrip coverage today.