Travel and Medical Insurance

Any industry veteran will tell you travel insurance—while often deemed unnecessary—is a prudent investment, particularly if your regular health insurance does not cover overseas expenses or treatment. As well, primary insurers can sometimes take up to two weeks to verify a patient’s policy details—an unworkable delay in an emergency. Bermuda’s hospital cannot treat overseas patients who are not covered by insurance, unless they are able to pay on the spot. In an emergency, traveler’s health insurance avoids logistical nightmares, allowing for confirmation of an overseas hospital bed and immediate air-ambulance transport. Take time to review your health care plan before leaving home to find out exactly what is covered, as well as any restrictions that might affect the choice of hospital in an emergency. Remember, it’s not just the patient who may need help in an emergency but also relatives or companions who may have to find accommodation or make other travel plans while a patient is in the hospital.

© Rosemary Jones from Moon Bermuda, 2nd Edition