Dickscar

We are seniors traveling to Germany in September, and Medicare doesn't cover us in Europe except in special circumstances. We have looked at Medex and Travel Guard insurance, as a supplement. Has anyone ever used either of these, or any others, and was it worth it?

Underhill

Have you looked at the insuremytrip.com web site? It's very useful for comparing policies. Note that for coverage of pre-existing conditions you need to buy your policy within 10 to 15 days of paying for your trip.

We have used TravelGuard, and the company paid up quickly when we had to cancel a trip because of an accident.

Underhill

BTW, have you checked with your regular insurance carrier? Some have coverage for overseas emergencies, such as the Kaiser health plan.

bettyk

Also check out www.squaremouth.com. Coverage for pre existing conditions will vary by insurer and the policy you buy.

hetismij

You should always take out medical insurance. Do not assume you will be treated for free in Europe, and whilst the costs may not match though in the US they can mount up and make a serious dent in your holiday money, and savings. Also consider whether you wish to be transferred back to the US should you become ill, and make sure that is covered also.

djkbooks

Whether it's really worth it depends on whether anything happens and you need it.

Definitely compare policies on www.insuremytrip.com, but don't confine yourself to the top of the list - I usually go with Travelex.

Rates are age based, so it's more expensive when you're a) older, and b) have no primary coverage where you're traveling. Don't request quotes for more coverage than you need, and consider a higher deductible.

If you do purchase coverage, review pre-existing condition exclusions (unless you've purchased within the required time limit), and carefully read the policy so you know what to do if something happens. For some things, you must phone first and can't just do as you please and get reimbursed.

Note that you'll probably have to pay and get reimbursed, so familiarize yourself with the claims procedures and documentation required. It's a lot easier to acquire documentation while you're there than after you're home and find you don't have it.

ekscrunchy

I purchased it for two trips--both of which had large up-front non-refundable costs. I also used InsureMyTrip as a broker.

But I also think that medical evacuation coverage is at least as important; this company will fly you to the hospital of your choice, in your home if you prefer, in case of emergency; most medical insurance will not cover that. It is good for one year:

http://www.medjetassist.com/

Dickscar

Thanks everyone. That will help us make a decision. we had already considered many of those points and will be sure to look at all the suggested sites.