Benefits

• Travel health insurance lets you travel with a peace of mind. If a health emergency occurs when you are abroad, your travel health insurance will take care of the medical bill and related expenses. You can enjoy your vacation instead worrying that something could happen.
  
  

Difference

• If you have health insurance in the United States, it may or may not cover health expenses abroad. A number of companies offer an extension package you can add on when you travel. Although this option is available, this often does not cover emergency returns home or the necessary transportation.
  
  

Types

• There is travel insurance available in a number of packages, much like regular insurance. Inquire about the deductibles and exactly what the plan covers. If your regular health insurance covers health issues abroad, you may only need to purchase a cheaper plan that will cover any transportation issues or related costs.
  
  

Function

• Travel insurance is more than just protection when accidents or health emergencies happen. It can help you locate doctors abroad when you need medical assistance by registering with the U.S. Embassy. If you need prescriptions abroad, it will also cover those expenses.
  
  

Importance

• Travel health insurance will pay for any transportation costs related to an injury or health emergency. You may need to take special flights equipped to ship critically ill people home. It is also important to have just in case health problems occur abroad. This type of insurance could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.