Summer Vacations: Are You Covered?

Warmer weather and no school mean it’s officially summer vacation season! Whether you’re traveling to another state or another country, it’s important to consider what you would do in the event you needed medical attention. Taking the extra time to plan and research your coverage could save your health and wallet in the event of an emergency.UnitedHealthcare published a great article on traveling and health insurance, so our health insurance consultants in Atlanta decided to take a further look at the subject.Before you depart on your trip, make sure you understand the terms of your medical coverage while you are traveling. Find out which hospitals, pharmacies and urgent care centers are located in your destination’s area, and make note of which are a part of your provider’s network. Also determine how much you would have to pay out of pocket for an emergency room or doctor’s appointment and budget that into your trip total.Once you’re at your vacation spot, be sure to have your health insurance identification card on you at all times. This will ensure you have a way to contact your provider in the event of an emergency. Also compile a list of drugs you are prescribed and over the counter drugs you frequently use. This will help your doctor during a medical exam to determine what type of drugs to prescribe you.If you will be traveling abroad, it is important to call your health insurance provider to discuss your coverage in another country. Some providers only cover healthcare during medical emergencies, so get specifics on what constitutes as an emergency. If your provider does not cover you at all for international travel, consider investing in travel or international healthcare insurance before you depart.Taking the time to get answers before you leave for your trip could save you time and money in the event of an emergency. If you have questions about health and travel insurance, contact us today!