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Post by dizzyfreedom on Apr 15, 2007 19:06:30 GMT -5
I'm spending 21 days in Italy...any advice on whether or not to buy travel health insurance?
If so, any suggestions on whom to purchase it from?
Thanks bunches!
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Post by me on Apr 15, 2007 23:17:49 GMT -5
european health care isn't so outrageously priced, like in America. if you have some funds, you may come out ahead by winging it. but, a travel agent might have good deals on insurance.
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Post by Eagle on Apr 16, 2007 0:46:44 GMT -5
dizzyfreedom, I couldn't tell from your profile where you're located, so it's difficult to know what types of travel insurance might be available in your area. I believe that travel health insurance is essential, as if you should get sick or injured, the bills can be astronomical!
As David suggested, you might want to speak with a travel agent, as they will be able to give you a good idea what's available and the costs. They might also try to sell you baggage insurance or cancellation insurance - you'll have to decide whether you might want either of these. If you're carrying valuables (electronics or whatever), these might be covered under your home or tenant's insurance - check with your agent.
Happy travels!!!
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Post by MuvverRussia on Apr 16, 2007 10:50:32 GMT -5
Personally, I always believe in travel insurance. Medical repatriation is extremely, extremely, extremely expensive, even for something as simple as a broken leg. Is it worth the chance considering that for not much money you get full health cover, baggage cover, personal liability cover etc.
To put it into context, as a European I'm entitled to free reciprocal health care under the EHIC scheme. I still have a full travel insurance policy though.
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Post by WillTravel on Apr 16, 2007 15:18:15 GMT -5
Someone posted on Fodors about spending Friday the 13th in a Paris-area hospital as a result of a bad fall. Although the injuries were not serious, the bill came to 425 Euros with all the tests and what not that were required. That's without an overnight stay - and although this is likely a good deal by US standards, it's definitely not cheap by mine.
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Post by Jules80 on Apr 16, 2007 18:38:12 GMT -5
if you're in canada, may i suggest travel cutz bon voyage insurance? i find it quite reasonable and you get full coverage. although for it to cover your flight you have to purchase your travel insurance within a few days of purchasing your plane ticket.
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Post by dizzyfreedom on Apr 17, 2007 12:08:56 GMT -5
I'm in Los Angeles, California. Any suggestions for insurance agencies here? And how much coverage would you say...since healthcare is not as astronomical as it is here?
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Post by Eagle on Apr 17, 2007 12:44:01 GMT -5
Your travel agent could probably give you a good idea on which options and costs would be most appropriate for your trip; that's where I usually go to obtain travel insurance (which sometimes includes baggage & cancellation coverage as well, as these are often "bundled" with the medical insurance).
I've been provided with insurance from Worldwide MediClaim and others in the past. Whatever type of insurance you get, it's important to read the "fine print" as there are always exclusions and conditions (especially with "pre-existing conditions").
Cheers!!!
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