Overview
As we live in a more interdependent world and travel is a constant part of our lives, having international health coverage is not an option, but a need.
No matter if you’re visiting faraway places, traveling for business, or just taking a vacation, having travel insurance is a wonderful way to feel protected and at ease. Having travel insurance can alleviate financial stress and provide peace of mind in the event of a medical emergency, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or any number of other travel-related emergencies.
Choosing the best medical travel insurance
When choosing the best medical travel insurance it is vital to consider the following criteria:
Assess Your Destination and Activities
Get to know the local healthcare system and any dangers that may be present at your trip. Make sure your policy provides enough coverage for adventurous hobbies like scuba diving or skiing.
Check Coverage Limits
Find out how much you can spend on medical bills, evacuation in an emergency, travel cancellation or interruption, and lost or delayed luggage. Check that they are in line with your anticipated costs and requirements.
Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage
Make sure the policy provides enough coverage for any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Limitations in coverage or higher rates may apply to certain policies due to pre-existing conditions.
Duration of Coverage
Make sure the policy covers your entire vacation by finding out how long it is. Think about how often you travel to determine if you need coverage for one trip or multiple trips.
Read the Fine Print
Read the policy materials carefully, paying close attention to the limitations and exclusions. Be sure to inquire about specifics like coverage for high-risk locations, coverage for pregnancy-related costs, and adventure sports.
Compare Quotes and Features
Obtain quotes from multiple medical aid schemes and compare their features, premiums, deductibles, and customer reviews. Choose a policy that offers the best value for your specific needs.
Emergency Assistance Services
Look for policies that offer 24/7 emergency assistance services, including access to medical professionals, coordination of emergency medical evacuations, and assistance with language barriers.
Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans that Include Travel Insurance
Discovery Health offers a variety of medical aid plans that include an International Travel Benefit, which provides medical emergency cover for members when traveling outside South Africa. Here are some key details about these plans and the travel insurance they include:
Executive Plan
- ✅ Type of Cover: Up to $1 million in medical emergency cover for each person per trip.
- ✅ Price per Month: From R10,303.
- ✅ Minimum Eligible Criteria: Comprehensive private healthcare cover; extended chronic medicine cover and an unlimited Above Threshold Benefit.
- ✅ How to Register for Travel Insurance: Register for the International Travel Benefit through Discovery’s website before travel. Ensure you are not within a general three-month waiting period when registering.
Comprehensive Series
- ✅ Type of Cover: High cover amount similar to the Executive Plan, specifics can vary slightly between tiers within the series.
- ✅ Price per Month: Starting from R7,163.
- ✅ Minimum Eligible Criteria: Comprehensive in-hospital and day-to-day cover; extended chronic medicine cover and a limited Above Threshold Benefit.
- ✅ How to Register for Travel Insurance: Members must register via the Discovery website or app prior to traveling.
Priority Series
- ✅ Type of Cover: Extensive medical emergency cover suitable for international travel.
- ✅ Price per Month: From R4,531.
- ✅ Minimum Eligible Criteria: In-hospital cover, essential chronic medicine cover, and day-to-day benefits with a limited Above Threshold Benefit.
- ✅ How to Register for Travel Insurance: Activation through the Discovery online platforms before departure is required.
Saver Series
- ✅ Type of Cover: Standard international medical emergency cover, similar to other series but may have certain restrictions.
- ✅ Price per Month: Starting at R2,673.
- ✅ Minimum Eligible Criteria: Basic in-hospital cover, essential chronic medicine cover, and day-to-day benefits through a Medical Savings Account.
- ✅ How to Register for Travel Insurance: Registration must be completed online before travel.
Core Series
- ✅ Type of Cover: Basic emergency medical cover for international travel.
- ✅ Price per Month: From R2,281.
- ✅ Minimum Eligible Criteria: Unlimited private hospital cover and essential chronic medicine cover without day-to-day benefits.
- ✅ How to Register for Travel Insurance: Must be activated on Discovery’s website or through their app prior to travel.
For each of these plans, travellers are covered for 90 days from the date of departure, and it is important to register the International Travel Benefit before leaving South Africa. If traveling for longer than 90 days, additional cover needs to be arranged through a travel agent before departure.
Conclusion
Discovery Health’s medical aid plans, which include integrated medical travel insurance, can let you navigate the world with ease and confidence. You can safeguard your health and that of your family and your overseas travels with the right plan that is customized to your specific needs.
