
Single trip medical travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses for a single trip, typically lasting a few weeks or months.
This type of insurance is often required by travel companies or tour operators, especially for trips to high-risk destinations.
There are several types of single trip medical travel insurance options available, including comprehensive, basic, and budget plans.
Comprehensive plans typically cover a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency evacuations.
Budget plans, on the other hand, often have lower premiums but may have more restrictions on coverage.
Types of Policies
Single trip medical travel insurance policies can be tailored to fit your specific needs, and there are several types to choose from.
Some policies offer basic coverage for medical expenses, while others provide more comprehensive protection, including coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays.
Pre-existing medical conditions can often be covered, but this may require additional underwriting or a separate policy.
Emergency medical evacuations and repatriation are essential components of many single trip medical travel insurance policies.
Deductibles and co-payments can vary greatly between policies, so it's essential to understand what you're responsible for paying out of pocket.
Some policies also offer coverage for non-medical expenses, such as trip cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances.
Coverage and Benefits
Single trip medical travel insurance provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, including medical treatment, ambulance, laboratory tests, prescribed medication, and more. This type of insurance is essential for travelers who want to be prepared for unexpected medical situations while abroad.
Travel medical insurance typically covers emergency medical expenses up to a certain limit, such as $250,000, and includes benefits like emergency dental treatment, repatriation, vehicle return, and return of deceased. It's also a good idea to review the policy's exclusions, such as elective medical treatment or non-refundable travel expenses.
Some travel insurance plans also offer additional benefits, like epidemic coverage, which can reimburse costs up to the plan's maximum limit for emergency medical care if you're diagnosed with an epidemic disease. Travel accident coverage is another option, which pays benefits for losses resulting from accidental injury, including loss of life, sight, hands, or feet.
Here are some common benefits included in single trip medical travel insurance plans:
- Medical Treatment
- Ambulance
- Laboratory Tests
- Prescribed medication
- Paramedical services
- Emergency dental treatment
- Repatriation
- Vehicle return
- Return of deceased
- Accidental death
Keep in mind that not all plans are created equal, and some may offer more comprehensive coverage than others. It's essential to carefully review the policy's terms and conditions before purchasing.
Coverage and Benefits
Travel medical insurance is a must-have for any trip abroad, and understanding what it covers is crucial. It covers emergency medical expenses, including medical treatment, ambulance, laboratory tests, prescribed medication, paramedical services, emergency dental treatment, repatriation, vehicle return, return of deceased, and accidental death.
Medical expenses are covered, but elective treatment is not. If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, you'll need separate insurance for that.
Emergency medical expenses are covered up to a certain limit, but non-refundable travel expenses like airfare, hotels, and tours are not. You'll need to purchase separate insurance for those.
Some travel insurance plans offer epidemic coverage, which adds benefits for travel delay, emergency medical care, and emergency transportation. For example, if you're diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be reimbursed for emergency medical care costs up to $250,000.

Post-departure travel insurance is a low-cost option that covers only emergency medical expenses and mishaps while traveling, not the entire cost of your trip. This type of insurance is ideal for travelers who don't need coverage for non-refundable travel expenses.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits you can expect from post-departure travel insurance:
Accident Coverage
Accident Coverage is an essential aspect of travel insurance. It pays benefits for losses resulting from accidental injuries that occur during a covered trip. This can include a covered loss of life, sight, hands, or feet.
Pre-Existing Condition
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you'll want to know how it affects your coverage. You're in luck, as this policy provides coverage for pre-existing conditions under certain circumstances.
To qualify for pre-existing condition coverage, you must purchase your policy within 14 days of making your first trip payment or first trip deposit. This is a key deadline to keep in mind.

You must also insure the full non-refundable cost of your trip with us on the policy purchase date, which includes trip arrangements that will become non-refundable or subject to cancellation penalties between the policy purchase date and the departure date.
As a U.S. resident, you're eligible for pre-existing condition coverage. However, if you're not a U.S. resident, you may not be covered.
If you've already purchased non-refundable trip expenses after buying the policy, you must insure them with us within 14 days of their purchase. If you don't, those expenses will still be subject to the pre-existing medical condition exclusion.
Plan Details
A single-trip medical travel insurance plan can be customized to fit your needs.
Travel Guard offers a range of plan features, including medical expense coverage and trip cancellation coverage. These features can provide financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations.
Some popular plan features include medical expense coverage, trip cancellation coverage, trip delay coverage, baggage coverage, and car rental coverage. These features can help you stay safe and financially secure while traveling.
Here are some key plan features to consider:
- Medical expense coverage
- Trip cancellation coverage
- Trip delay coverage
- Baggage coverage
- Car rental coverage
Optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage, may also be available with certain plans.
Annual Plans

Annual Plans are a great option for frequent travelers, especially Canadian snowbirds and seniors who take multiple trips per year.
Factors like Trip Length and Trip Frequency can help you determine which type of plan is best for you in terms of coverage and price.
Annual Multi-Trip Plans can provide coverage for multiple trips within a single policy period, often with a single premium payment.
This can be more cost-effective than purchasing separate Single-Trip Plans for each trip.
Trip Frequency can play a significant role in determining which type of plan is best for you, as it affects the overall cost and coverage of the policy.
Annual Plans often offer more comprehensive coverage and better protection for frequent travelers.
What Does a Plan Include?
A single-trip travel insurance plan can be customized to fit your needs. Travel Guard offers a range of plans that include various benefits and coverage options.
Medical expense coverage is a standard feature in many plans. This means that if you get sick or injured while traveling, you'll be covered for medical expenses.

Trip cancellation coverage is also a popular feature. This will reimburse you if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
You can also expect trip delay coverage in some plans. This will provide compensation if your trip is delayed for any reason.
Baggage coverage is another important feature to look for. This will protect your belongings in case they're lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.
Some plans may also include car rental coverage. This will provide protection for your rental car in case of accidents or other issues.
Cancel for Any Reason is an optional add-on coverage that's available with certain plans. This allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, not just the standard reasons like illness or injury.
Emergency travel assistance is a valuable feature that's included in many plans. This will connect you with specialized representatives who can help with unexpected travel issues 24/7.
Insurance Plan Costs
Travel insurance plans can be a significant expense, but it's essential to understand the costs involved.
A single-trip travel insurance plan typically costs between 5-7% of your total trip cost.
The cost of your insurance plan will depend on the product you select, and any add-ons you choose.
Purchasing and Claims
Purchasing single trip medical travel insurance is a straightforward process. You can choose from various plans that offer different levels of coverage. For example, the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan from Allianz Global Assistance provides post-departure benefits, including emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation.
To purchase a plan, you'll need to select the coverage options that suit your needs. Some plans, like SafeTrip from UnitedHealthcare Global, offer medical coverage, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other options. You can choose the right plan for you, with coverage options tailored to your specific needs.
When it comes to making a claim, it's essential to have all necessary documentation. This includes proof of medical treatment, receipts for expenses, and any other relevant documents. You can contact the claims team at [email protected] for assistance.

Here's a summary of the coverage options:
Remember to review your policy carefully to understand what's covered and what's not. Travel medical insurance typically doesn't cover elective medical treatment or non-refundable travel expenses like airfare, hotels, and tours.
International Protection
International Protection is a must-have for any traveler, and for good reason. With international travel medical insurance, you'll have coverage to help protect your financial investment and your health and safety.
No deductibles means you won't have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses, giving you peace of mind while traveling.
Up to $1 million for medical expense limit ensures you're covered in case of a serious medical emergency.
Medical evacuation and medical assistance are also included, providing you with help when you need it most.
If you're an adventure-seeker, you can even add Extreme Sports coverage to your plan.
Safety and Security
Safety and security is a top priority when traveling abroad. Many domestic health insurance plans may not cover medical emergencies while traveling abroad.
Before you leave, make sure you have a plan in place for medical emergencies. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition or plan to engage in high-risk activities while traveling.
Having single trip medical travel insurance can provide you with the financial protection and peace of mind you need to enjoy your trip without worrying about the cost of medical care abroad.
Emergency
Emergency situations can arise unexpectedly, and it's good to know what's covered in case of a medical emergency. Emergency Medical provides benefits for losses due to covered medical and dental emergencies that occur during your trip.
There's a $750 maximum for all covered dental expenses, so it's essential to keep that in mind if you're planning any dental procedures abroad. This benefit is per insured traveler, so each person on your trip is eligible for these benefits.
Emergency Medical Transportation provides benefits for medically necessary transportation to the nearest hospital or appropriate facility following a covered illness or injury during your trip.
Safety and Security

Many domestic health insurance plans may not cover medical emergencies while traveling abroad, so it's essential to research your coverage before booking a trip.
Be sure to check your insurance policy to see if you're protected while traveling.
Choosing a Plan
If you're a snowbird or senior who only travels once or twice a year, single-trip plans are often the better choice. This type of plan provides emergency medical coverage for a single trip with a defined start and end date.
If you spend your winter away and don't come back to Canada periodically between your initial departure date and your final return date, single-trip plans are a good option.
You don't have to be a snowbird or senior to benefit from single-trip plans, though. Anyone who only plans on taking one or two trips over a 12-month period may find it suitable.
Some travelers who may want to consider single-trip plans include families with children, solo travelers, and those visiting a country that speaks a different language.
To determine the best plan for your specific circumstances, it's essential to explore your options. Our experienced agents can assist you in selecting the ideal travel insurance policy by comparing and combining multiple options, including single-trip plans, annual multi-trip plans, all-inclusive plans, and top-up plans.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a plan:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy medical travel insurance only?
Yes, you can purchase medical travel insurance separately, even if you have a primary U.S. insurance plan. This is often a good idea, as your existing insurance may not cover you well while abroad.
How much does travel medical insurance usually cost?
Travel medical insurance typically costs around 5-6% of your nonrefundable trip expenses. Consider investing in comprehensive coverage for added peace of mind on your travels.
What is single trip travel insurance?
Single trip travel insurance provides protection against unexpected events during a one-time trip, covering you for up to 120 days. It's ideal for occasional travelers aged 16 to 79.
Sources
- https://www.snowbirdadvisorinsurance.ca/travel/single-trip-travel-medical-insurance-snowbirds-and-seniors
- https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/find-a-plan/onetrip-emergency-medical.htm
- https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/post-departure
- https://www.travelguard.com/travel-insurance/trip-types/single-trip-travel-insurance
- https://www.uhc.com/dental-vision-supplemental-plans/travel-medical-insurance
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