I have read so much on this site (and others) about travel insurance policies, and it is all so confusing. I will be traveling to China/Hong Kong in March 2008. I only want medical evacuation coverage (back to the States), but there are so many choices. Please, those of you who have traveled often, guide me to the best company. Thanks!

For medical evacuation you should first check the insurance that comes with your credit card. Be aware that medical evacuation often means to the nearest large medical center, not back to the US.

I am no expert, by any means, but I did buy trip insurance including medical evac for a trip to Southern Africa a few months ago. I did some reading and ended up by phoning www.insuremytrip.com. They guided me toward a policy issued by TravelGuard.

This was the first and only time I have purchased insurance and I did so because the trip was extremely expensive and required the payment in advance of arrival in Africa. If you are not paying a large amount in advance, you might not need coverage..

This company acts as a broker for various insurance companies and can direct you to the policy best for you.

You might want to check out the insurance that comes with membership in Divers' Alert Network (www.dan.org)
It is cheaper to join than to purchase most travel insurance policies and the coverage is good for a year. Membership is open to anyone, not just divers, and it provides medical evacuation coverage.

A friend is a member of Travelers Emergency Network, which is not an insurance co.

"Traveler's Emergency Network ("TEN&quot is an international membership organization dedicated to providing the best travel assistance services for a low annual membership fee."

http://www.tenweb.com/

Check it out.

You must read the coverages very closely. There are even different coverages within the same trade name.

Does it have pre-existing conditions exclusions?

What are the provisions for med vac?

What is the policy limits?

Are there sublimits?

Are there any exlcusions for any country?

Usually the premium is based on where, how long, how many people, and their ages.

What is/are the deductibles?

Does it include lost luggage?

What are the provisions for trip concellation or delay?

If all you want is medical evacuation, I'd suggest you look into Medjet, as that is what their insurance is for.

http://www.medjetassistance.com/

I think it has advantages over other policies (like it will take you where you want, and if you want) and you aren't buying other coverage you don't want or need. If you travel a lot, you might look into the annual policy, but they do have short-term ones, also.

I have bought more comprehensive packages from a couple companies (on insuremytrip.com) but never had to use them, so don't really have any experience as to which is best. I know there are several companies that have good financial ratings and some satisfied comments (Travelex, Access, Travelguard).

Medjet also offers special rates to AARP members

I have had very good experience with Travelex. They reimbursed me when my husband had to cancel a trip because of an injured knee. A year later I discovered that my single supplements were also covered & they sent me a check for that, for a total of over $700! I have been using them ever since.