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What is Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
While traveling through Japan, a client contacted us after experiencing severe abdominal pain and not knowing where to go for care. She was unfamiliar with the local healthcare system and worried about the language barrier.
But since emergency medical travel insurance was included in her travel protection plan, I helped her locate a clinic with English-speaking staff, confirmed that her visit and diagnostic tests were eligible under her coverage, and guided her through what records she would need for her claim. With support in place and her travel insurance plan covering the medical costs, she was able to focus on treatment and recovery before continuing her trip.
~ Roxanne, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
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What warrants a Medical Emergency?
In general, medical emergencies are defined as unexpected illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Some examples of medical emergencies include:
Accidents, such as a broken bone or a severe burn
Illnesses, such as a heart attack, stroke, or appendicitis
Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
High fever that doesn’t respond to medication
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Medical emergencies must occur during your covered trip and be considered urgent by a medical professional to be eligible under your plan’s benefits.
What Medical Coverage Comes with AXA Travel Protection?
All three of AXA's travel plans include Emergency Accident & Sickness Expense coverage. Maximum coverage per person is up to:
What Does AXA Emergency Medical Travel Insurance Include?
An accidental injury or illness during your trip can result in unexpected medical expenses. The emergency medical travel insurance included in your AXA Travel Protection plan offers reimbursement for eligible costs, as outlined in your policy, up to the plan’s maximum benefit. Coverage varies by plan and is subject to limitations and exclusions.
Doctor Visits
Fees for licensed physician consultations and medically necessary treatment during your trip
Hospital Stuff
Includes room, surgery, and inpatient care while receiving emergency medical treatment
Ambulance Transportation
Ground or air ambulance to the nearest suitable medical facility
Prescription Medications
Covered when medically prescribed for a covered illness or injury
Once your medical emergency has been addressed, notify AXA as soon as reasonably possible. Most travel insurance providers, including AXA, require that you report the incident within a specific timeframe in order to begin the claims process.
To help avoid delays, gather all required documentation and submit your claim according to the instructions in your plan documents. Claims are reviewed based on the terms of your travel insurance policy, and eligible expenses are reimbursed up to the applicable limits.
Documents typically required for a travel medical insurance claim include:
Medical reports from the hospital or clinic where you received treatment
Receipts for all eligible expenses: doctor visits, hospital services, prescriptions, and treatments
Evacuation documentation, if applicable, including transport details and related costs
Additional documentation is sometimes requested to support a claim. Submitting complete and accurate information helps the process move more efficiently.
If you received care in a country where English is not the primary language, consider obtaining translations of key medical documents to ensure that eligibility details are clearly understood during the claims review process.
Have your policy number and plan information ready when you call or submit your claim online.
Seek immediate care and know local emergency numbers.
In a serious medical emergency, call the local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital or clinic. It's helpful to know the emergency number for your destination before you leave. For example, dial 112 in Europe or 911 in many countries, including the United States.
Reach Out to AXA's 24/7 Assistance Team
AXA’s assistance team is available anytime to help you locate medical facilities, coordinate transportation, or assist with language support. Keep your policy details and AXA contact information easily accessible during your trip.
Collect andn organize your medical records.
Save all documents related to your treatment, including hospital bills, medical reports, prescriptions, and transportation receipts such as ambulance charges. These will be required when you file a claim for eligible expenses under your travel insurance benefits.
Know when evacuation may be necessary
If your condition cannot be treated locally, AXA may arrange for medical evacuation to a suitable facility or to your home. If local care is appropriate, continue treatment as instructed by the attending physician.
How Emergency Medical Evacuation Works
If you require advanced medical care that is not available locally, the emergency medical evacuation benefit in your AXA Travel Protection plan may help arrange and cover the cost of transportation to a more suitable facility.
1. We assess your situation
After local medical providers evaluate your condition, our 24/7 assistance team connects with them to review your case. If an evacuation is considered medically necessary, we begin making the appropriate arrangements.
2. We coordinate your transport
Based on your condition and location, we may arrange medical transportation such as an air ambulance or a ground vehicle equipped for your needs. Transport typically includes support from trained medical personnel and appropriate equipment.
3. We help get you to a suitable facility
You may be transported to the nearest medical facility that can provide the required level of care. In some situations, we may help coordinate your return home for continued treatment when appropriate.
4. Your plan may include related coverage
Trip cancellation insurance may also apply if you need to end your trip early due to the evacuation, depending on your plan’s terms and covered reasons.
Is Travel Insurance necessary?
While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended as it can offer protection against unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your trip, such as trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and medical emergencies.
Common Misconceptions About Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
Myth 1: My Domestic Health Insurance Will Cover Me Abroad
Many travelers assume their U.S. health insurance will automatically cover them when they're traveling internationally. But it doesn't. Some policies may cover you abroad, but most won't cover medical expenses outside the U.S. and you'll be stuck with the bill. That's why international travel medical insurance is a must—it will cover you when you're traveling overseas.
Myth 2: Emergency Medical Travel Insurance Only Covers Serious Injuries
Another misconception is that emergency medical travel insurance applies only to major injuries such as broken bones or serious illnesses. In reality, depending on your travel insurance plan, this benefit may also help with eligible expenses related to minor illnesses like infections or foodborne illness, as well as more serious conditions that require medical care during your trip.
Myth 3: Pre-Existing Conditions Are Never Covered
Many travelers believe that pre-existing conditions are never covered. However, some AXA Travel Protection plans may include coverage for certain pre-existing conditions if specific eligibility requirements are met, such as purchasing the plan within a required timeframe before departure. Be sure to review your plan details to understand if and how pre-existing conditions are covered.
Myth 4: I Don't Need Insurance if I'm Only Going on a Short Trip
Even short trips may involve unexpected medical needs. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a longer vacation, medical expenses incurred abroad can be higher than expected. Having emergency medical travel insurance may help cover eligible costs that occur during your trip, depending on your plan.
Myth 5: I Won't Need Medical Evacuation if I'm in a Major City
While many large cities offer quality medical care, specialized treatment may not always be available locally. If medically necessary and approved, the emergency medical evacuation benefit in your AXA Travel Protection plan may help arrange transportation to the nearest appropriate facility or back home for continued treatment, depending on your plan’s terms.
FAQs About Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
Is travel insurance necessary for medical emergencies abroad?
While not required by law, travel insurance that includes emergency medical benefits can be helpful when traveling internationally. Many domestic health plans offer limited or no coverage outside the U.S., and paying out-of-pocket for emergency care abroad can be costly. A travel protection plan with emergency medical coverage may help reimburse eligible expenses if you experience a covered illness or injury during your trip.
What happens if I'm still sick after my trip ends?
If you are hospitalized for a covered condition that began during your trip and your scheduled return date passes, AXA Travel Protection may extend your emergency medical coverage for up to 90 additional days. This extension applies until you are released from care or the plan's benefit maximum is reached, whichever occurs first. The condition must have originated during your covered trip. Coverage is secondary, meaning it applies only to expenses not already paid by another source.
Are ambulance services covered under emergency medical travel insurance?
Yes. If medically necessary, your plan may reimburse the cost of ambulance transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This can include ground or air transport, depending on your condition and location. Coverage is subject to the benefit limits and conditions outlined in your policy.
Can I receive treatment at any hospital while traveling?
You may seek treatment at any licensed medical facility, but AXA's assistance team can help locate an appropriate hospital nearby. The team can also coordinate care, communicate with providers, and ensure the facility meets your needs based on the medical situation and destination.
Is emergency dental care included in medical coverage?
Emergency dental treatment could be included if you experience an accidental injury to natural teeth during your trip. Coverage is limited and must meet the criteria defined in your policy. Routine dental care or pre-existing dental conditions are not covered.
What happens if I am unable to communicate due to language barriers?
AXA's 24/7 assistance team can help with language support when communicating with medical providers. If you're in a country where you don't speak the local language, the team can help relay medical information and coordinate care with local professionals.
Do I need to pay upfront for medical treatment?
In most cases, you might need to pay for treatment out of pocket and then file a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to keep all receipts, itemized bills, and medical documentation. For certain high-cost treatments, AXA's assistance team may be able to coordinate payment directly with the provider when possible.
Can emergency medical coverage apply to domestic travel?
Yes. Emergency medical benefits can apply to both domestic and international trips, as long as the trip meets the eligibility requirements defined in your policy. Coverage only applies to unforeseen medical conditions that occur during your covered travel dates.
Is medical treatment covered if I'm traveling on a cruise?
Yes. Emergency medical benefits may apply during a cruise, including treatment provided onboard or at a port destination. It's important to contact AXA's assistance team as soon as possible so they can coordinate care and help guide you to appropriate services if needed.
What should I do before seeking treatment during my trip?
In an emergency, seek care right away. Once your condition is stable, contact AXA's 24/7 assistance team. They can help guide you to a suitable facility, assist with documentation needs, and answer questions about what may be covered under your policy. Always keep your plan details and emergency contact numbers with you during your trip.
Are over-the-counter medications reimbursed?
No. Only medications prescribed by a licensed medical provider as part of necessary treatment for a covered condition are eligible for reimbursement under emergency medical benefits. Over-the-counter products are typically not covered unless specifically prescribed and documented.
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