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What is Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
Imagine becoming seriously ill while traveling in a country where you don't speak the language. Emergency medical travel insurance can help cover eligible expenses related to unexpected medical care during your trip, such as physician services, diagnostic testing, or a hospital stay. If something happens, you can contact the plan's travel assistance provider for help locating care and managing logistics.
That's what happened to Maria, a traveler who developed a high fever while visiting Japan. She contacted our 24/7 assistance team for help. As a licensed travel assistance agent with AXA, I guided her to an English-speaking clinic and shared local details. Her emergency medical travel insurance covered eligible costs from the clinic visit and diagnostic tests.
While our assistance team helped her navigate care options abroad, the travel insurance helped cover the cost of her treatment. Together, these services supported her during a stressful and unexpected medical event away from home.
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
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 Is Covered by Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
AXA Travel Protection has your back when it comes to medical bills. If you get hurt or fall sick during your trip, we can help cover the costs mentioned in your policy. Remember, there might be limits on specific expenses, but overall, you are in good hands.
Doctor Visits
If you need to see a doctor, AXA Travel Protection has you covered
Doctor Visits
If you need to see a doctor, AXA Travel Protection has you covered
Doctor Visits
If you need to see a doctor, AXA Travel Protection has you covered
Doctor Visits
If you need to see a doctor, AXA Travel Protection has you covered
Doctor Visits
If you need to see a doctor, AXA Travel Protection has you covered
Doctor Visits
If you need to see a doctor, AXA Travel Protection has you covered
Once the emergency is over, file with AXA as soon as possible. Most travel medical insurance providers, including AXA, have a time frame within which you must notify them of the incident to start the claims process. Send all your documents, including medical reports and receipts, to avoid delays. Filing early means your claim will be processed quickly and any travel medical insurance costs you incurred will be reimbursed according to your policy.
Here are the general documents to support your travel medical insurance claim
Replacing a lost passport or critical travel documents
Overcoming language barriers with multilingual support in urgent situations
Rearranging flights or finding accommodations when delays or missed connections disrupt your plans
If any other documents are required, be ready to send them in quickly to avoid further delays. Keep your paperwork in order and it will speed up the reimbursement process.
If you're traveling somewhere where English isn't the primary language, try to get translations of important details. When you file a claim later, you'll need these documents to prove that your expenses are eligible under your travel health insurance.
Have your policy number ready when you call or submit the claim online.
If you have a medical emergency during your trip, staying calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference. If it's serious, call the local emergency number or get to the nearest hospital or clinic.
It's a good idea to know the local emergency numbers before you travel. For example, in Europe, you'd dial 112, while many countries have 911 as an emergency number, just like in the US.
Reach Out to AXA's 24/7 Assistance Team
They can guide you to the nearest recommended medical facility, help with language barriers and arrange transportation if needed.
The AXA team is available 24/7. Keep your policy details and emergency numbers handy before you travel.
Save All Medical Documents and Receipts
Make sure to gather all the documents related to your treatment. This includes hospital bills, medical reports, and prescriptions.
For example if you needed an ambulance to get to the hospital, save that receipt too. Your travel medical coverage should reimburse eligible expenses but you will need to prove what you paid for.
Follow Medical Advice or Prepare for Evacuation
If you're in a serious situation, AXA can arrange a medical evacuation if you need to go back home for further treatment.
But if your condition is manageable locally, follow the doctor's instructions for full recovery.
How Emergency Medical Evacuation Works
When you need immediate, advanced medical care that the local hospital can't provide, AXA's emergency medical travel insurance kicks in. The process starts with an assessment by the local medical team and AXA's 24/7 emergency assistance team gets involved straight away. They'll talk to the local doctors to decide if an evacuation is needed.
Once an evacuation is required, AXA will coordinate everything. This could be an air ambulance or a specially equipped ground transport vehicle, depending on the location and medical condition. AXA will ensure the transport is fully equipped to take care of your medical needs during the journey, which could include onboard medical personnel and equipment.
In most cases, you will be taken to the nearest medical facility that can provide the level of care you need. If necessary, AXA will even arrange to bring you back home to receive further treatment.
Your trip cancellation insurance might also come into play if you need to cut your trip short due to the evacuation.
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
Travel medical insurance is often affordable, especially when compared to the potential costs of emergency medical care abroad. The peace of mind it provides is invaluable.
Myth 3: Pre-Existing Conditions Are Never Covered
Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status. Travel medical insurance ensures you're covered in case of unexpected situations.
Myth 4: I Don't Need Insurance if I'm Only Going on a Short Trip
Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status. Travel medical insurance ensures you're covered in case of unexpected situations.
Myth 5: I Won't Need Medical Evacuation if I'm in a Major City
Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status. Travel medical insurance ensures you're covered in case of unexpected situations.
FAQs About Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
What does emergency medical coverage include?
Backpacker travel insurance is designed for long, flexible trips that often include multiple destinations. Unlike standard vacation coverage, it supports extended adventures and travel styles centered on independence. Coverage can help with cancellations, delays, medical needs, and lost belongings.
With AXA, backpackers also gain 24/7 global assistance, so whether you're on a remote mountain or navigating a foreign city, you'll always have support if an emergency or disruption occurs.
Does this benefit include medical evacuation?
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Are pre-existing conditions covered?
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How do I get help during an emergency abroad?
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Is emergency dental care included?
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Is COVID-19-related medical treatment covered?
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Does this replace my regular health insurance?
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