Medical Insurance for International Travelers

If you got sick or had an accident in a foreign country would you know what to do? Suppose you could not find a doctor who spoke English or a hospital that accepted your regular medical insurance? Ignoring the possibility of having an accident or getting injured while traveling abroad may leave you facing a life-threatening situation where adequate medical attention may not be available.

Medex Assist

Located in Maryland, Medex Global Group, or Medex was established in 1977 as a provider of emergency travel assistance and international medical insurance to hundreds of organizations, universities, individuals, international corporations and U.S. government agencies that conduct business in foreign countries. Because most domestic health plans do not provide coverage to travelers outside of the United States, with Medex you won't have to worry about delays in treatment because of payment issues or you can't find a doctor that will accept your medical insurance. Through its Multilingual Coordination Centers, Medex offers assistance and support to its members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter where in the world they may be.

Benefits of Joining Medex

The benefits of becoming a member of Medex are many, including: travel assistance for dependent children, guaranteed payment directly to the foreign provider or hospital, assistance with translations where language may be a barrier in receiving medical attention, travel assistance for the spouse of a hospitalized family member, emergency cash advances up to US$2,000.00 (Two Thousand United States Dollars) to expedite treatment, legal referral assistance, and assistance with lost or stolen travel documents. Other programs that Medex offers includes Corporate Plus, a Scholastic Program for students, government programs for contractors, and an athletic program for athletes, coaches and staff competing outside the United States.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Assistance

When you become a member of Medex, you are offered a variety of travel programs that provide assistance in case of medical emergencies, accidents or death. Membership is available either as a group or an Individual, and each program offers a 24-hour, multilingual travel emergency service, emergency evacuations service, emergency medication and blood transfers, pre-travel counseling, Repatriation and assistance in locating appropriate medical care.

TravMed Choice

With Medex TravMed Choice rates are based on such factors as your age and the deductible you choose. Maximum emergency medical expense benefit available include US$50,000.00 for ages 70 -79 and US$10,000.00 for ages 80 and older, to help cover physicians fees, hospital expenses, emergency dental expenses, Repatriation of remains back to the U.S. and medical evacuation. TravMed Choice is the most comprehensive package available through Medex Assist, offering US$50,000.00 through US$500,000.00 for emergency medical expenses, deductibles ranging from US$100.00 or US$250.00 dollars, a US$25,000.00 Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit, In-hospital indemnity benefit of US$100.00 a day, US$5,000.00 for trip interruptions, US$250.00 for lost baggage protection and a US$100,000.00 emergency medical evacuation benefit. Underwritten by Monumental Life Insurance Company, TravMed only costs US$4.85 a day (through age 70) or US$7.07 a day (age 71-80), and you only pay a US$250.00 deductible. If the doctor or hospital requires an up-front payment before treatment can begin TravMed will make a direct payment to them, thus preventing any delays in medical care.

TravMed Abroad

TravMed Abroad is a comprehensive package of short-term insurance for medical evacuation from a foreign country, Repatriation and 24-hour medical assistance. With this package you will receive US$100,000.00 for emergency medical expenses, US$1,000.00 for lost baggage protection, and reimbursement for trip cancellations and interruption. You only have to pay US$4.00.00 a day for coverage and a US$25.00 deductible per illness or injury. For ages 71-80 rates increase to US$5.75 per day for coverage and US$8.00 per day for ages 81-85.

TravMed Global

This is another comprehensive package of benefits that is based on the type of deductible you choose. A Frequent Flyer Program is also available for US$200.00/yr. (US$250.00/yr for anyone 71-80). With TravMed Global you receive emergency medical evacuation, Repatriation and 24-hour medical assistance with deductibles that range from US$100.00 for US$21.00 a week to US$1,000.00 for US$14.00 per week.

Medex Safe Trip

According to Medex Assist, this is their most popular package for individuals whom travel more than 100 miles away from home. This plan is mostly used to provide coverage for evacuation purposes only. With Medex Safe Trip you will receive emergency evacuation assistance, Repatriation of mortal remains, Repatriation to a licensed medical facility in the person's home country, and one way airfare for dependent children to their home country if left unattended. Daily rates start at US$3.50 for ages 70 and under and US$5.25 for ages 71-80.

Other Products, Programs and Services

Medex 360 is a user-friendly website created in partnership with Harvard Medical International. It allows anyone with a policy from Medex Assist the ability to monitor the conditions of 236 destination-specific countries for the purposes of pre-travel counseling and trip preparation. Countries are rated on a scale of 1-5 allowing the traveller to evaluate the level of medical care and emergency services in the area before departure from home.

Medex also offers three different varieties of medical kits to help travelers prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and viruses:
The Medex Sterile Needle Kit is available for US14.95 and it includes a syringe, latex gloves, Band-Aids, alcohol pads, an all-purpose instrument tray, a kit bag, multilingual customs instructions and a 3-0 absorbable suture.

The Medex Traveler's Dental Kit is designed for dental emergencies such as toothache, broken teeth, and tooth abscess. It provides temporary relief until you can locate a suitable dentist or you have made it safely back home. This kit cost US$24.95 and it includes: dental wax, cotton gauze, dental floss, dental picks, spatula, temporary dental cement, plastic tweezers, ibuprophen, a disposable mirror and instructions.

The Medex Developing Country Kit is designed for use in more remote areas of the world. It includes the same items found in the Needle Kit (some in greater quantities), plus an eyewash, antibiotic ointment, sterile gauze roll, ammonia inhalants, dental emergency kit, penlight, hydrogen peroxide, tongue depressors, and other medical items. This pack costs US$79.95, and like the Needle Kit and Dental Kit it is available for purchase by either check or credit card.

What Is Not Covered Under TravMed

Because TravMed is basically an insurance policy, underwritten by a major provider of life and health insurance, there are certain conditions and restrictions that apply. The following exclusions apply to the TravMed coverage, and they are not all inclusive. For a complete list of what is not covered please consult Medex at the time of enrollment - claims arising from a medical condition known by the insured person, medical treatment received in the United States, claims arising from intentional self-injury, suicide or attempted suicide, mental or nervous disorders, racing or speed contests, military service, flying (other than as a fare-paying passenger in a licensed aircraft), and sexually transmitted diseases.

How To File A Claim

If you become sick or injured and you must file a claim you should immediately call the 24-hour Medex Emergency Response Center telephone number listed on the back of your I.D. card. Give them your name, Medex I.D. number and a brief description of your problem. They will coordinate between you and the provider to make sure that your claim is handled properly.

How To Become A Member

To become a member of Medex you must first enroll in one of their programs. You may do this by either telephoning 1-800-732-5309 or by printing a copy of your application and faxing it to their headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. You may also order online, at their website: http://www.medassist.com