This Active Life -- March 2003

Ask the Expert

Preparing for International Travel

Q: I want to plan a trip abroad this summer. What do I need to do?
First, you need a valid passport. If you don't have one, make sure you apply for one at least three months in advance. Second, read up on the culture, people, and history of the places you will travel. Discuss all your options with a licensed travel agent or tour operator. Finally, confirm that you are adequately protected for any medical emergencies.

Q: Will Medicare pay for my medical expenses abroad?
The Social Security Medicare program does not provide for payment of hospital or medical services obtained outside the United States. However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreign medical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered eligible under Medicare. You must pay the bills first and obtain receipts for reimbursement. Many of these plans have a cap on covered expenses per trip. For details, make sure to check your policy and consult your provider.

Q: How can I protect myself in the event of medical problems that might occur abroad?
Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive. If your Medicare supplement or other medical insurance does not provide protection while traveling outside the United States, it's wise to buy additional coverage. The names of some companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance policies are listed in the Bureau of Consular Affairs flier Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad. The flier is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 6831, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.

Q: Should I consider any other type of insurance for my trip?
Yes, consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airline flights, almost any travel package you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation, and some companies will give no refund at all. Airlines usually give a refund if an illness or death in the family forces you to cancel a reservation on a regularly scheduled flight. Make careful note of cancellation penalties for any other large travel purchase you make, such as a tour package, charter flight, or cruise.

Q: Anything else I need to do before I leave?
Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Otherwise, if your bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes you were traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate your luggage--an average of 72 hours. Do not pack anything you would hate to lose, such as valuable jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value.

--Doug Terwilliger
NEA Member Benefits

Quick Tips

Get a Passport
If you don't have a passport, apply for one at least three months in advance of your trip.

Check Your Insurance
Make sure to check your health insurance for rules regarding treatment overseas, and consider purchasing supplemental coverage that will protect you while you travel. Also, insurance covering trip cancellation is a wise investment, since travel packages often carry steep penalties for cancellations.

Pack Wisely
Always include at least one change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Lost luggage can take two to three days to be located.