Insurance Coverage while in Egypt
May 24th, 2015, 12:17 PM
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Insurance Coverage while in Egypt
My husband and I are planning to go to Egypt this fall but I have one concern and I'm hoping someone can answer my question. We are well traveled worldwide and I am retired although my husband is still working. When we travel, we always purchase Travel insurance and we also carry Medjet Assist for evacuation/transportation needs. My husband is a severe diabetic although he receives good medical care and constantly works to control it. It is a long term genetic problem and weight isn't the problem. However, in the past, when I've purchased travel insurance, I've read that it doesn't cover certain 'unrest' type situations. We are excited and ready to plan the vacation, but we feel that due to our age and his health issue we would be careless if we were to go without health insurance in case there was a need for it. I'd appreciate any info regarding travel insurance coverage and whether it is effective in Egypt or not. I can call Medjet on the transportation part as we are currently covered by them, but they don't carry travel insurance. Thanks for any information.
May 24th, 2015, 02:16 PM
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Hi 1Caroline!
Sounds like a great trip!
When you say "'unrest' type situations", are you referring to unrest in the country? So are you asking whether travel insurance companies that cover Egypt? Or are you asking about trip cancelation conditions and terrorism?
After a lot of research for my own personal and family travel, I have always gone with Travelex. I think they offer a lot of coverage for the best price. I have also had to file a claim once with them and found them to be very easy to deal with. There were no unexpected surprises which can happen! It is very clear as to what's covered and what's not when you are evaluating the different plans from the start. As an owner of my travel business, I have aligned myself with them and now rep them for all these reasons.
As far as trip cancelation, terrorism is one of the covered reasons. As far as whether Egypt is a destination that you can buy coverage for, then Yes that's fine too. As far as medical coverage, depending upon the plan you buy, you can get anywhere from $15k to $100k of medical expense coverage and that's primary coverage not secondary which is better. I would compare them to any other recommendations you get. You need to be comfortable with whatever choice you make AND you need to be clear as to what is covered and what is not.
Hope I answered your question. If I misunderstood, please let me know. Happy to help.
Enjoy the weekend,
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
Sounds like a great trip!
When you say "'unrest' type situations", are you referring to unrest in the country? So are you asking whether travel insurance companies that cover Egypt? Or are you asking about trip cancelation conditions and terrorism?
After a lot of research for my own personal and family travel, I have always gone with Travelex. I think they offer a lot of coverage for the best price. I have also had to file a claim once with them and found them to be very easy to deal with. There were no unexpected surprises which can happen! It is very clear as to what's covered and what's not when you are evaluating the different plans from the start. As an owner of my travel business, I have aligned myself with them and now rep them for all these reasons.
As far as trip cancelation, terrorism is one of the covered reasons. As far as whether Egypt is a destination that you can buy coverage for, then Yes that's fine too. As far as medical coverage, depending upon the plan you buy, you can get anywhere from $15k to $100k of medical expense coverage and that's primary coverage not secondary which is better. I would compare them to any other recommendations you get. You need to be comfortable with whatever choice you make AND you need to be clear as to what is covered and what is not.
Hope I answered your question. If I misunderstood, please let me know. Happy to help.
Enjoy the weekend,
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
May 24th, 2015, 02:25 PM
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I am talking about coverage. We feel we must have health insurance coverage so, I'm just trying to be sure that they cover travel to Egypt. I've read on another forum that at least some companies don't cover if travel is to Egypt. We haven't made a decision definitely but are probably going if we know we can get coverage.
May 24th, 2015, 02:34 PM
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Hi 1Caroline!
Since Travelex plans are comprehensive, they also provide Medical Evacuation coverage within the plans in various increments. I know you have the MedJet coverage but you wouldn't be able to exclude Medical Evac in the Travelex plan.
By the way, Medjet coverage is great and a very smart move. My in-laws carry that because they "airstream" their way around North America on a couple big trips a year. They had to use it for my father in-law when they were in a remote section of British Columbia. It was literally a lifesaver!
Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
Since Travelex plans are comprehensive, they also provide Medical Evacuation coverage within the plans in various increments. I know you have the MedJet coverage but you wouldn't be able to exclude Medical Evac in the Travelex plan.
By the way, Medjet coverage is great and a very smart move. My in-laws carry that because they "airstream" their way around North America on a couple big trips a year. They had to use it for my father in-law when they were in a remote section of British Columbia. It was literally a lifesaver!
Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
May 24th, 2015, 02:44 PM
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Oh sorry. Hit Submit too quickly LOL...
Medical Expense coverage means that, when traveling, you have to pay any medical costs in the foreign country by some means such as cash, credit card etc. When you return home, you file the claim through the travel insurance company and then they reimburse according to the plan. At least this is how it works for Travelex when traveling to an area where you can't use your US medical coverage.
Primary coverage payments mean that you don't file with your medical insurance company - you just deal with the travel insurance company directly. Secondary coverage means you have to file through your medical insurance first then file a claim for whatever your medical insurance company won't cover. I think this is an important criteria when you look at different plans in comparison.
Hope that helps!
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
Medical Expense coverage means that, when traveling, you have to pay any medical costs in the foreign country by some means such as cash, credit card etc. When you return home, you file the claim through the travel insurance company and then they reimburse according to the plan. At least this is how it works for Travelex when traveling to an area where you can't use your US medical coverage.
Primary coverage payments mean that you don't file with your medical insurance company - you just deal with the travel insurance company directly. Secondary coverage means you have to file through your medical insurance first then file a claim for whatever your medical insurance company won't cover. I think this is an important criteria when you look at different plans in comparison.
Hope that helps!
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
May 25th, 2015, 05:17 AM
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Actually, Travelex is one of the travel Insarance Companies carried by the Trip Insurance Store where I alway get our insurance. My concern way mostly related to another discussion where several people said they'd had a hard time finding coverage when they mentioned they were going to Egypt. So, if Travelex does cover if we go to Egypt, we won't have. A problem. They had been told none of them would. Yes, having travel insurance as the primary is important to us too.
Yes, Metjet Assist is much better than just having it on a travel insurance policy IMO as it's more than just an evacuation insurance. We began buying it when going on an African Safari. It's got several advantages, but the big one is they will transport you to the hospital of your choice anywhere in the world, not just evacuate you to the nearest hospital regardless of whether it's where you want to be or if they have competent care. We also like the fact that we can call anytime, and get a list of doctors in a given area that have been approved as meeting certain standards of competency and that is reassuring too. We've carried them for years and like them very much.
Yes, Metjet Assist is much better than just having it on a travel insurance policy IMO as it's more than just an evacuation insurance. We began buying it when going on an African Safari. It's got several advantages, but the big one is they will transport you to the hospital of your choice anywhere in the world, not just evacuate you to the nearest hospital regardless of whether it's where you want to be or if they have competent care. We also like the fact that we can call anytime, and get a list of doctors in a given area that have been approved as meeting certain standards of competency and that is reassuring too. We've carried them for years and like them very much.
May 25th, 2015, 10:00 AM
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As with most foreign countries, if health care required, you have to pay the bill (often rather inexpensive compared to what you'd pay Stateside) and once home submit to the insurance company for refund. Doesn't make any difference whether visiting Egypt, France, South Africa, and nowadays maybe even Cuba.
The medical insurance you purchase for travel doesn't cover as would be in the States where you provide your card and the insurer covers and maybe you have a small copay. But should you require medical care you do have to contact the insurer so they're aware of your illness and in consult with local medical personnel determine your care.
Nowadays, believe the only 'no go country' for Americans would be North Korea. And doubt there's a waiting list of travelers heading to Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan.
It's an ideal time to visit Egypt as tourism is down and there are few lines for most any entry. And the Egyptians will gladly welcome you. Enjoy your holiday.
The medical insurance you purchase for travel doesn't cover as would be in the States where you provide your card and the insurer covers and maybe you have a small copay. But should you require medical care you do have to contact the insurer so they're aware of your illness and in consult with local medical personnel determine your care.
Nowadays, believe the only 'no go country' for Americans would be North Korea. And doubt there's a waiting list of travelers heading to Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan.
It's an ideal time to visit Egypt as tourism is down and there are few lines for most any entry. And the Egyptians will gladly welcome you. Enjoy your holiday.
May 27th, 2015, 10:52 PM
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1Caroline - I usually don't respond to Egypt queries as I've never been, but hopefully I can be helpful. I hope you see this as it's a few days since you posted.
With a pre-existing condition, travel medical insurance gets much more complicated and expensive. I use insuremytrip.com and get $100,000 med/$1,000,000 evac minimum. Unfortunately with a pre-existing condition, in order to be covered you also must pay for travel insurance for the entire trip which I never had to do before. It makes it so much more expensive, but necessary. I always call the 800 # before buying the insurance I choose to make sure I will be covered. It used to cost less than $100 for two of us to be covered, our last trip was about $5000 in total, and the insurance cost over $700. Big, huge bummer. Also, buy med ins within two weeks of your first payment for pre-existing conditions to possibly be covered. Read the fine print carefully. I even print it out! Write down the name of anyone who tells you you are covered so you can follow up if needed.
Read the fine print about coverage for unrest, terrorism, etc. Most don't cover it. To feel better, you can register with the State Department so they know where you are in case of trouble. In theory, you are more likely to get help through the embassy if you register your travels. I'm not sure it matters, but do it if it makes you more comfortable. I've done it a few times. I probably would for travel to Egypt.
It's none of my business, but is your husband's "severe diabetes" type 1 or type 2? I am just curious due to personal relationships with both. They both suck, but are very different from each other. Until recently I knew nothing about either and now I'm becoming an "expert" in both. If you need any tips on traveling with insulin, a pump, ice, syringes, food, etc, let me know.
With a pre-existing condition, travel medical insurance gets much more complicated and expensive. I use insuremytrip.com and get $100,000 med/$1,000,000 evac minimum. Unfortunately with a pre-existing condition, in order to be covered you also must pay for travel insurance for the entire trip which I never had to do before. It makes it so much more expensive, but necessary. I always call the 800 # before buying the insurance I choose to make sure I will be covered. It used to cost less than $100 for two of us to be covered, our last trip was about $5000 in total, and the insurance cost over $700. Big, huge bummer. Also, buy med ins within two weeks of your first payment for pre-existing conditions to possibly be covered. Read the fine print carefully. I even print it out! Write down the name of anyone who tells you you are covered so you can follow up if needed.
Read the fine print about coverage for unrest, terrorism, etc. Most don't cover it. To feel better, you can register with the State Department so they know where you are in case of trouble. In theory, you are more likely to get help through the embassy if you register your travels. I'm not sure it matters, but do it if it makes you more comfortable. I've done it a few times. I probably would for travel to Egypt.
It's none of my business, but is your husband's "severe diabetes" type 1 or type 2? I am just curious due to personal relationships with both. They both suck, but are very different from each other. Until recently I knew nothing about either and now I'm becoming an "expert" in both. If you need any tips on traveling with insulin, a pump, ice, syringes, food, etc, let me know.
May 31st, 2015, 05:29 PM
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Thanks, Sandi. Yes, we are aware that most places require a prepay, we are just trying to make sure we're covered. I called the company I usually use and they assured me that if they sell you coverage, then you are covered regardless of 'tension' in a Country. I hope they know what they're talking about. Yes, the fine print said terrorist activity isn't covered. Thanks.
May 31st, 2015, 05:52 PM
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Christina's - Thanks for your response. My husband has Type 2 diabetes which almost every member of his family has although many of them aren't overweight. He's had it for 30+ years and has a very good Diabetes Specialist. After this many years, I know what you mean about feeling like an expert on the topic. I joke that I can only cook for diabetics now.
As for the insurance, I've learned that if you will forego the trip cancellation insurance, you can save a lot of money and still have medical coverage. That is the most important thing for us, so we accept the risk of cancellation.
I agree about registering with the State Department. We always do that. Thanks for your comments and sorry about the delay. I somehow didn't get notification of the posts.
As for the insurance, I've learned that if you will forego the trip cancellation insurance, you can save a lot of money and still have medical coverage. That is the most important thing for us, so we accept the risk of cancellation.
I agree about registering with the State Department. We always do that. Thanks for your comments and sorry about the delay. I somehow didn't get notification of the posts.
May 31st, 2015, 09:32 PM
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"As for the insurance, I've learned that if you will forego the trip cancellation insurance, you can save a lot of money and still have medical coverage. That is the most important thing for us, so we accept the risk of cancellation."
Where did you get that insurance? With a pre-existing condition I've been unable to get medical without also paying for travel insurance.
Although type 2 can be a lifestyle condition, I don't think most people know that it is hereditary. Sorry you both have to deal with it.
Where did you get that insurance? With a pre-existing condition I've been unable to get medical without also paying for travel insurance.
Although type 2 can be a lifestyle condition, I don't think most people know that it is hereditary. Sorry you both have to deal with it.
Jun 1st, 2015, 09:30 AM
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Hello!
Under Travelex Insurance Plans. Terrorism is covered. Here is a direct quote from the coverage document under Trip Cancelation and Interuption Covered Reasons, # 13:
"13.a Terrorist Act which occurs in your departure city or in a city which is a scheduled destination for your Covered Trip provided the Terrorist Act occurs within 30 days of the Scheduled Departure Date for your
Covered Trip or during your Covered Trip;"
Also, with Travelex, you can purchase a plan without Cancelation coverage and still have medical coverage.
After researching many companies for my own personal travel as well as for business reasons, I chose Travelex. Great products!
Hope that helps!
Dianne
Africa Direct USA, Owner
Under Travelex Insurance Plans. Terrorism is covered. Here is a direct quote from the coverage document under Trip Cancelation and Interuption Covered Reasons, # 13:
"13.a Terrorist Act which occurs in your departure city or in a city which is a scheduled destination for your Covered Trip provided the Terrorist Act occurs within 30 days of the Scheduled Departure Date for your
Covered Trip or during your Covered Trip;"
Also, with Travelex, you can purchase a plan without Cancelation coverage and still have medical coverage.
After researching many companies for my own personal travel as well as for business reasons, I chose Travelex. Great products!
Hope that helps!
Dianne
Africa Direct USA, Owner
Jun 1st, 2015, 12:16 PM
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We've always used Travel Guard for trip insurance and they were wonderful the one time we had to use them to get from Myanmar back to the US for a family emergency - http://www.travelguard.com/
Jun 1st, 2015, 04:52 PM
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"Also, with Travelex, you can purchase a plan without Cancelation coverage and still have medical coverage."
Not with pre-existing condition coverage. I used to use Travelex and Travel Guard but they will no longer cover me for med/evac without full travel insurance. It's just a big inconvenience and bummer. Thank you for the recs, however.
Not with pre-existing condition coverage. I used to use Travelex and Travel Guard but they will no longer cover me for med/evac without full travel insurance. It's just a big inconvenience and bummer. Thank you for the recs, however.
Jun 1st, 2015, 09:49 PM
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This is Travel Guard's policy. As far as I've been able to find, they are all the same :
"If you're worried about traveling because you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should know that on many Travel Guard policies purchasing your travel insurance the same day you make your first trip deposit (or shortly after) may qualify you for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. With the waiver it's possible to be covered for some medical issues on your trip, despite your pre-existing condition.
To qualify for this waiver, certain conditions need to be met including:
Purchasing the travel insurance with your first trip deposit, or shortly thereafter as explained in the policy;
The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, non-refundable trip payments or deposits, and the cost of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip are insured by the date of payment or deposit for the additional arrangements;
You are medically able to travel when your travel insurance policy is purchased."
Covering those three conditions are expensive. Must cover all travel. It stinks. If anyone knows how to get a policy without it, please let me know!
"If you're worried about traveling because you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should know that on many Travel Guard policies purchasing your travel insurance the same day you make your first trip deposit (or shortly after) may qualify you for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. With the waiver it's possible to be covered for some medical issues on your trip, despite your pre-existing condition.
To qualify for this waiver, certain conditions need to be met including:
Purchasing the travel insurance with your first trip deposit, or shortly thereafter as explained in the policy;
The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, non-refundable trip payments or deposits, and the cost of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip are insured by the date of payment or deposit for the additional arrangements;
You are medically able to travel when your travel insurance policy is purchased."
Covering those three conditions are expensive. Must cover all travel. It stinks. If anyone knows how to get a policy without it, please let me know!
Jun 2nd, 2015, 08:01 AM
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Yes, with Travelex, you have to purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit to be excluded from the 60 day look back period for cancelation due to a medical reason.
You are correct that a lot of travel insurance plans are comprehensive and not "a la carte".
Unfortunately, as with all insurance, whether it's travel, car, home or life, it's there IF you need it and never feels like a "deal" until you have to file a claim.
Best
Dianne
You are correct that a lot of travel insurance plans are comprehensive and not "a la carte".
Unfortunately, as with all insurance, whether it's travel, car, home or life, it's there IF you need it and never feels like a "deal" until you have to file a claim.
Best
Dianne
Jun 2nd, 2015, 08:13 AM
#19
So, I took a look at the Seven Corners policies. From the details for the short term one:
UNEXPECTED RECURRENCE OF A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION:
$20,000 per coverage period for U.S. residents under 70 traveling outside the U.S. & Canada.
Not much, but better than nothing, especially as medical care is much cheaper (and sometimes free) outside the US. Of course, that doesn't exclude an expected recurrence...
tenweb.com does have the exclusion.
UNEXPECTED RECURRENCE OF A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION:
$20,000 per coverage period for U.S. residents under 70 traveling outside the U.S. & Canada.
Not much, but better than nothing, especially as medical care is much cheaper (and sometimes free) outside the US. Of course, that doesn't exclude an expected recurrence...
tenweb.com does have the exclusion.
