Travel insurance can seem like just one more expense, and many people ask the question why buy travel insurance and why get travel insurance? Given recent epidemics, natural disasters and security threats around the world- coupled with your run-of-the-mill medical issues- travelers have more reason than ever to ensure their health and safety are fully insured prior to embarking on their trips. Americans are dedicating more and more time to preparing for their trips and researching the coverage options available to them, and with good reason. A savvy traveler will be well aware that care offered in many remote or underdeveloped areas is just not medically adequate for treating certain life or limb-threatening conditions or injuries.

Suppose you need an evacuation to a higher standard of care; most primary domestic insurances will not take on these costs or even assist with the arrangements. This is a big gap you most likely have in your primary policy, and one that shouldn't be left to chance. Travel medical insurance policies are designed to pick up where your primary domestic health plan leaves off, and fill in these gaps. The most comprehensive plans will include coverage for big-ticket items such as hospitalizations, surgeries and medically necessary evacuations as well as more basic services like physician office visits, ambulance services, prescription medication and more.

The premier plans will also include benefits for injury or sickness due to terrorist events and treatment related to preexisting conditions. The seamless billing between the healthcare provider and insurer that these policies offer affords incredible peace of mind to travelers who have historically had to absorb high medical costs and then claim the expenses for reimbursement. Those planning on using credit cards in case of an emergency should be aware that some providers overseas won't be able to accept your card.