Travelling overseas is exciting, but many people don’t realise how expensive medical treatment can become if something unexpected happens while away from home.
From minor illnesses and injuries through to medical emergencies, overseas healthcare costs can quickly add up, particularly in countries where travellers are required to pay upfront for treatment.
This article explains why travel insurance matters, what private health insurance doesn’t cover overseas and some important things to understand before you travel.
Key Points
- Private health insurance doesn’t cover overseas medical expenses.
- Medical treatment overseas can become expensive very quickly, particularly in emergencies.
- Some travel insurance policies may automatically cover certain pre-existing medical conditions, while others may require assessment or disclosure.
- Travel insurance can help reduce unexpected financial stress if something goes wrong while travelling overseas.
- Phoenix Health Fund partners with PassportCard to provide travel insurance options for members travelling overseas.
Why can overseas medical treatment become so expensive?
Australia’s healthcare system helps reduce the cost of many medical services, which means people aren’t used to paying the full cost of treatment.
Overseas, healthcare systems can work very differently, and travellers may be required to pay upfront before receiving treatment, even in emergencies.
In some countries, hospitals may also require proof of travel insurance or payment guarantees before treatment is provided.
Depending on the country and situation, costs can quickly add up and can include ambulance transport, emergency hospital treatment, surgery, specialist care, prescription medication or medical evacuation flights.
Even relatively minor illnesses or injuries such as food poisoning, infections, fractures or dehydration can become expensive while travelling overseas.
Does private health insurance cover you overseas?
Many people are surprised to learn that Australian private health insurance doesn’t cover overseas medical expenses.
While some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, these agreements can be limited and often don’t cover things such as ambulance services, private hospitals or medical evacuation.
This means travellers can still face significant out-of-pocket costs if they become sick or injured overseas.
That’s why many people choose to take out travel insurance before travelling internationally.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is generally any medical or dental condition that you were aware of before purchasing your travel insurance policy.
This can include conditions that are diagnosed, under investigation, being monitored or currently receiving treatment.
Depending on the travel insurer and your individual circumstances, some pre-existing medical conditions may be automatically covered, while others may need to be disclosed or assessed before cover can apply.
If a pre-existing medical condition isn’t disclosed where required, claims relating to that condition may not be covered.
Why travel insurance can still matter for minor illnesses or injuries
Travel insurance isn’t just for major emergencies or serious accidents.
Common travel issues such as food poisoning, infections, sprains, fractures or unexpected illnesses can happen to anyone while travelling overseas.
Even relatively minor medical situations can become stressful when you’re away from home, particularly if treatment needs to be paid for upfront.
For families travelling with children, having access to support while overseas can also provide additional peace of mind.
How does PassportCard work?
Phoenix Health Fund partners with PassportCard to provide travel insurance options for members travelling overseas.
Unlike some traditional travel insurance providers that require travellers to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later, PassportCard can provide instant payouts for approved claims through PassportCard.
Depending on the situation and policy terms, approved funds may be loaded directly onto the card to help pay for eligible expenses such as overseas medical costs, delayed luggage or stolen cash.
PassportCard also provides 24/7 emergency assistance and support while travelling overseas.
Travelling overseas?
Phoenix Health members can explore travel insurance options through our partnership with PassportCard.
Get a quote online or learn more about the cover options before your next trip.
All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and other policy documentation. Terms and conditions of the PassportCard also apply.
Consider the PDS and card T&Cs. PassportCard Australia Pty Ltd (PassportCard) ABN 76 621 476 220 (AFSL 551 057) acting under Binder from Guild Insurance Limited (Guild) ABN 55 004 538 863 (AFSL 233 791).
