Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TIP:
For hospitals and medical clinics on the ABC
Islands, see Island Facts & Contacts at the end of
each island's section in this topic.
Insurance
B
efore you pay for any type of travel insurance, check your existing
health and homeowner's policies to see if you're covered while on va-
cation. If you need additional coverage, consider one of the following:
Traveler's Medical Assistance
Insurance
These health-care policies take care of things such as emergency evacua-
tion, hospital care, and doctor's charges. Some provide 24-hour telephone
contacts and immediate aid if you become ill. Others reimburse you for
medical expenses after you file the necessary papers on your return home.
Both services may be covered under your existing health insurance pro-
gram, but few will cover emergency travel back home. You must purchase
additional med-evac insurance for this benefit, which is rarely needed, but
can cost $10,000 or more.
Most government-supported programs, including Social Security
Medicare for US citizens, do not provide coverage for medical costs outside
the home country. Supplemental plans must be purchased in advance.
For a list of companies that sell travelers' health insurance, ask your
travel agent or check the website maintained by the US Department of
State Bureau of Consular Affairs: http://travel.state.gov/medical.html.
Full-time students at least 12 years of age may purchase an international
student ID for $22. The ID includes insurance that covers hospital stays,
accident medical expenses, emergency evacuation, accidental death and
dismemberment, repatriation of remains, passport protection and bag-
gage delay insurance. Numerous worldwide discounts are available with
the ID, also.
800-781-4040; www.statravel.com.
TIP:
Never leave home without your ID card show-
ing proof of health insurance.
Lost-Luggage Insurance
Many homeowner or apartment-renter policies cover personal items that
are lost or stolen while you're on vacation. In addition, airlines pay inter-
national travelers about $9.07 per pound or $20 per kilo up to a maximum
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