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GoToSouthAfricaNow.com
, makes trip insurance available for purchase ( upon requests)
through our partner Travel Agent. Among coverage types that may be
purchased are:
-
Unexpected
cancellation due to illness.
-
Baggage
damage or loss.
-
Trip
cancellations.
Alternatively
it is the ultimate responsibility of the traveler to contract an
adequate insurance cover ( even directly ) before departure.
Furthermore, The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult
with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to
confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover
emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical
insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the
United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further,
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for
medical services outside the United States. However, many travel
agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover
health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services
such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should
consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in
cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the
United States may cost well in excess of 50,000 U.S. dollars.
Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face
extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas
medical insurance have found it to be life?saving when a medical
emergency has occurred. When consulting with your insurer prior to
your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the
overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for
expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include
coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in
the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau
of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via
the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647?3000.
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