When you are traveling, an unexpected medical emergency is the last thing on your mind. Having a standard travel insurance policy in place before you travel can protect and cover you for emergency medical treatment or assistance you may need such as doctors and hospital costs. With travel insurance you can rest assured that you will be taken care of while you are travelling.

Which medical expenses does travel insurance cover?

All emergency expenses such as an emergency evacuation, surgery as well as treatment deemed urgent and immediately necessary while you are travelling is covered by standard travel insurance. Travelers should seek the advice of the insurance company to check whether treatment is covered before undergoing this type of treatment. In the case of an emergency where you require urgent treatment and cannot seek prior authorization, it is recommended that you or a family member or friend contacts the insurer as soon as possible to alert them of your situation.

What does travel insurance not cover?

You will be expected to pay an agreed excess amount in the case of a medical emergency or doctors and hospital costs. Your payable excess will be provided to you by your specific insurance company upfront upon purchase. If you have a pre-existing medical condition and require medical treatment for this while travelling, your benefit will unfortunately not cover this. Dental work such as the provision of dentures and artificial teeth as well as cosmetic surgery is not covered. Travel insurance also does not cover operations or exploratory surgery which could have been delayed until your return to Dubai.

How do I claim for medical expenses?

If you have a standard travel insurance plan in place and require medical treatment during your travels, you should remember to collect the following documents for your claim: all costs paid to the clinic, hospital or doctor who was treating you, costs incurred for medication as well as costs for emergency travel such as ambulances or helicopters. Contact your travel insurer as soon as possible to notify them of your situation and provide them with all the evidence of your condition or emergency as well as your expenditure to make sure you receive your money back.

You can compare and buy travel insurance on Compare Insurance to get the best deal and make sure that you are covered for any unexpected medical expenses while you enjoy your holiday or business trip.