Prepping for Long-Term Travel: Risk Mitigation (Travel Insurance and Shots)
- Samantha C.
- Sep 3, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Part 2: Prepping for Long-Term Travel: Risk Mitigation (Medical Coverage, Travel Insurance, International Health Insurance, and Travel Vaccines)
In this article:
Basic Medical Coverage
Travel insurance is not a replacement for basic medical coverage; it’s supplemental to your existing health insurance. Your standard health insurance, particularly U.S.-based policies, may offer limited or no coverage abroad. This means you could be stuck paying out-of-pocket for both emergency and routine medical care if you rely solely on your domestic health plan while traveling.
Make sure you know what your existing plan covers before you leave. Some U.S. insurance providers may offer international coverage as an add-on, but the extent of coverage varies greatly. Additionally, for long-term or nomadic travelers, maintaining health insurance for care both abroad and at home is critical for your overall health and financial protection.
If you're leaving the country for more than a year, consider International Health Insurance (discussed below).
Travel Insurance for Long-Term Travel
Travel insurance can be a lifesaver during unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, theft, or even natural disasters like COVID-19. Travel insurance typically focuses on short-term coverage for unexpected events during your trip, including emergency medical expenses and evacuations.
When shopping for travel insurance, consider policies that cover:
Emergency medical and dental treatment.
Medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or back home.
Trip cancellations or interruptions, which can reimburse you if a trip is canceled due to illness, injury, or unforeseen emergencies.
Lost or stolen luggage or personal items.
I've used World Nomads for years, some people swear by Safety Wing, it probably doesn't matter, but you'll be happy you have it if you need it.
Other well-known providers include:
SafetyWing: Popular among digital nomads, SafetyWing offers affordable plans and coverage that includes medical emergencies, COVID-19, and travel-related disruptions.
Allianz Global Assistance: A well-established name in travel insurance, Allianz offers plans that cater to different traveler needs.
InsureMyTrip: A comparison website that allows you to choose from a range of travel insurance providers based on your specific travel and health needs.
While no insurance is perfect, having a policy in place will provide peace of mind and financial protection if something unexpected happens.
International Health Insurance
For travelers planning to be abroad for an extended period (longer than 6-12 months), international health insurance is a more suitable option. Unlike travel insurance, which focuses on short-term emergencies, international health insurance provides comprehensive health coverage similar to what you’d receive in your home country. It covers both routine medical care and long-term treatment for chronic conditions or illnesses.
International health insurance is designed for:
Expats or people living abroad long-term.
Nomadic travelers who spend extended periods in different countries.
Those needing continuous access to healthcare for routine checkups, chronic conditions, or ongoing treatments.
Key Features of International Health Insurance:
Comprehensive medical coverage: Covers routine care like checkups, vaccinations, dental, and vision services.
Long-term care: Includes coverage for ongoing health issues, maternity, or chronic conditions.
Global coverage: Access to healthcare in multiple countries, often including your home country.
Popular International Health Insurance Providers:
Cigna Global: One of the most well-known international health insurers, Cigna offers flexible plans with different levels of coverage that can be tailored to suit your health needs while living abroad.
Allianz Care: A global leader in international health insurance, Allianz provides comprehensive coverage, including maternity, dental, and mental health services.
GeoBlue: This provider, linked to Blue Cross Blue Shield, offers international health insurance plans for expats and travelers that cover both routine and emergency care.
IMG Global: Offers a range of plans for travelers and expats, including comprehensive medical coverage, preventive care, and medical evacuation.
While more expensive than travel insurance, international health insurance is essential for those who need more than just emergency coverage.
Travel Vaccinations and Shots - Get Them!
We often don't think about this living in the U.S., but diseases like Dengue fever, malaria, and rabies are very real threats in many parts of the world, and shouldn't be taken lightly - trust me, you'll be thankful you got a rabies shot when one of the 1 million stray dogs scratches your leg in Costa Rica.
Aside from minimizing your health risk, some countries require proof of certain vaccines (like yellow fever) for entry.
And it’s crucial to prepare your vaccinations well in advance, as some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks or months. For instance:
Hepatitis A - two doses, the first shot provides initial protection, and a second shot 6 months later is recommended for long-term protection, up to 20 years.
Hepatitis B - three doses, the second shot comes one month after the initial dose, with a 3rd shot coming 6 months after the second dose.
Rabies - three doses, administered over one month, day 1, day 7 and days 21 or 28.
Typhoid - one shot or oral administration, should be taken two weeks before departure; booster shots are recommended every two years.
Yellow fever - a one-time shot that should last a lifetime, however, some countries require a vaccine within the last 10 years (so if you got it as a child, you would need another one), this shot should be taken at least 10 days before departure.
It's best to do this at home, so visit a travel clinic, tell them where you're going, and get whatever shots are necessary.
Note: Shots can be expensive, full vaccination for world-wide travel can cost close to $2000, but it's well worth the investment!
To see vaccination requirements for your destination, visit the CDC Travel Destinations List.
For travel clinics near you, check Health and Travel.
Final Thoughts
When planning long-term travel, medical coverage, travel insurance, and vaccines should be at the top of your priority list. Basic medical insurance will not cover you adequately abroad, so supplement it with travel insurance for emergencies and consider international health insurance if you'll be on the road for an extended period. Ensure you're up to date on vaccines, and always carry proof of vaccinations when required.
By preparing ahead, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered, both medically and financially, in the event of an emergency.
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