Posted on: Aug 14, 2023 | | Written by:

Know All About Travel Insurance for Terminal Illness

Published on August 11, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Travel Insurance for Terminal Illness

Travelling to another country can be a bit tricky and difficult, especially if someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness. It is possible that a person has been away from their homeland for a long time and wants to return or wants to visit a new place for better treatment. Irrespective, buying overseas travel insurance will safeguard the trip.

Understanding terminal illness and its implications

A medical condition or illness is said to be terminal if it cannot be cured and if it is most likely to lead to the death of an individual. Though there is no certain list of illnesses that can be tagged as terminal illnesses. An individual can have one or more illnesses in different conditions that can result in terminal illnesses as well. Here are some examples of illnesses that can be terminal.

1. Advanced heart ailments

2. Advanced cancer

3. Lung diseases at a higher level

4. Dementia

5. Parkinson's diseases

Not all these conditions can be terminal. Thus, it is important to check with your physician before drying any conclusions from reports. Questions such as whether an illness is terminal or how long does on have, must only be addressed by a healthcare professional.

The implications of terminal illness can be on both the patient as well as their caretaker. A terminal illness usually leads to a reduced quality of life for the patient, a considerable amount of suffering, and psychological distress as well.

The caretakers of the patients are also generally subject to psychological stress, being always on alert, and undergoing a lot of strain as well. And it can even take a toll on them.

Can you get travel insurance for a terminal illness?

Whether it is due to visa requirements of the place that you are visiting or to protect yourself against any sudden medical deterioration, travel medical insurance is important. If you are wondering about travel insurance with terminal illness, there is a chance that you can get a policy, but you must be willing to pay for the coverage.

Insurance companies in general do not provide travel insurance coverage for terminal illnesses. Since it is not a sustainable long-term business. Insurance companies will only be able to run profitably, if the number of claims is lower, for the premium that they collect.

Overseas travel insurance usually offers coverage for loss of baggage, medical attention, accidental death, cancellation of flights and accommodation and emergency evacuation. In the case of terminally ill people, the chances of utilising medical care and evacuation are high. And both can cost a considerable amount of money.

Terminal illness and travel insurance eligibility

Travel insurance with terminal illness is a bit difficult to get but not impossible. Buying travel insurance for terminally ill patients can be a lot more expensive as compared to other applicants. Any insurance company that provides such a policy will be hoping that the insured does not file for any sort of claim.

A terminally ill patient would want to have adequate coverage for their trip. Irrespective of whether the trip is treatment-related or for leisure, it is important to have coverage to avoid extreme financial distress.

Importance of travel insurance

Overseas travel insurance has much greater importance than merely ticking a checklist for visa requirements, as it is for some countries. The cushion of a travel insurance plan will protect you during the trip and your finances for a long time. Here are some of the biggest advantages of opting for a family travel insurance plan.

1. Cancelling a plan

Cancelling a well-planned outing can be heartbreaking and painful. However, it can be even more painful, if you have to pay for the bookings and reservations that you have done. Not unless you have opted for an overseas travel insurance plan. A travel insurance plan will offer you protection in such last-minute changes or cancellations due to unforeseen events.

2. Medical emergency

Though a vacation can take you away from a lot of stress and work, it does not guarantee perfect health. There can be accidents, mishaps, or other kind of illnesses during your trip. And depending on the country that you are flying to, the cost of these treatments can be quite expensive.

This is where travel medical insurance comes into the picture. The plan will ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment without having to worry about expenses.

3. Losing essential documents or luggage

Though one would not hope for such a situation, it is possible. If you are travelling abroad, certain petty criminals are known for stealing bags, cash, and travel documents. It can be the worst nightmare during a trip. Having coverage will ensure that you are covered for getting a duplicate or new passport.

It is not uncommon for airlines to misplace baggage or delay them unintentionally. If you end up buying any personal items while your baggage is delayed the policy will cover those for you.

And in the unfortunate event of you losing your baggage, the airline will pay you an approved amount for the loss of baggage.

4. Delays in flights

People who travel a lot know that flights can be unusually late at times. And if you have a connecting flight or are simply delayed during your trip, the insurance plan will compensate you for the same. Your insurance provider will cover expenses related to meals, loss of any expenses that you have already paid, accommodation, etc.

5. Loss of bank cards

The last thing that one would want is to receive messages or emails that their stolen card has been swiped elsewhere for certain transactions. It can get a bit difficult to get help in such cases. However, a travel insurance plan has your back for any such unauthorised transactions.


Conclusion

People looking for travel insurance with a terminal illness will find travel medical insurance, but with some effort and a considerable amount of money. By willing you pay additional, you will receive much-needed coverage for your international trip.


Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.


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