American Travel insurance and Global medical insurance for US citizens

Interesting facts about US international travelers

• An estimated 39 percent of US travelers were from the Mid-Atlantic States (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania), followed by 19 percent from South Atlantic states and 14 percent from the Pacific states.
• The top ports of departure were New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Newark, Atlanta and Chicago which accounted for over 60 percent of US departures.
• The main reason for overseas travel accounting for 40 percent of travelers was leisure/recreation/holiday. Visiting family and friends was the second most popular reason at 37 percent.
• The average length of travel (number of nights) outside the US increased to 18.5 nights in 2009 compared to 18.0 nights in 2008.
• Top leisure activities for US travelers other than dining in restaurants and shopping were visiting historical places, visiting small towns and villages, sightseeing in cities, visiting cultural heritage sites and touring the countryside.

Need for travel insurance while outside the United States

Americans traveling overseas must be aware that their US domestic health insurance policy rarely travels with them outside the US national borders. International travelers need to buy insurance. Travelers should also be aware of the difference between Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance. Travel insurance will insure the financial investment for the trip which typically includes the cost of lost baggage and cancelled flights. However it may not cover costs for medical expenses that a traveler may incur while abroad.
Travel Medical Insurance on the contrary does cover the costs of medical expenses that the traveler may unexpectedly incur while overseas. Given the high cost of healthcare, proper medical insurance coverage during one's overseas journey is not a luxury but a basic requirement.
Travel medical insurance plans are available as either fixed or comprehensive medical benefit plans. US travelers can choose the type of plan that best fits their needs using the compare tool on our website.

Is travel insurance a good idea?

Travel insurance is a great way to protect your investment in travel and/or take care of you and your loved ones while traveling abroad. Many of the domestic US policies will not cover or have limited coverage while abroad. You should definitely check to see what yours will do for you when you travel. The nice part about the travel insurance plans is they are economical and they have literally thought of everything and have experience with just about everything you can imagine. They will not only cover the expenses you may incur in a hospital, but they will also give you a per diem for each day spent in the hospital. Did you know that in some countries, your food is not included in your hospital expense and stay? Also, if you are incapacitated, what about your kids or pets along on the trip? Plans offer an economy fare ticket for someone of your choosing to come to you and get the kids home safely without you. Don't want to be left behind in a foreign hospital? You can arrange for someone of your choosing to come to your bedside until you can return home. Of course, we would rather think about everything going smoothly and well, but a little time and cost can really save the day and help you should you need it!

Travel tips for Americans traveling overseas

Americans visiting a foreign country must seek the appropriate visa from the consulate. The visa application can be submitted at the nearest consulate or embassy office. The processing of visa can take a certain time depending on the country of visit. US citizens are encouraged to submit the application well in advance to their travel dates. Those who are traveling abroad from the US for the first time can easily learn about the food habits, languages, people, culture... onine. It helps to do a little research about the weather, restaurants, sightseeing spots, currency... before leaving the USA.