Attention travelers! Why international health insurance is essential

Attention travelers! Why international health insurance is essential

The Rhineland-Palatinate consumer advice center strongly points out the importance of international health insurance, especially for trips abroad. Loud stern.de Statutory health insurance is not sufficient because it does not cover all costs incurred. While the electronic health card (EHIC) is valid in many European countries, it often only reimburses standard medical care.

What is particularly problematic is that return transport costs to Germany are generally not covered by statutory health insurance companies. This can put travelers in situations with high out-of-pocket costs or necessary advance payments for treatments. Statutory health insurance is severely limited, especially outside the EU and in neighboring partner countries, making international health insurance essential.

Protection when traveling within the EU

The EHIC provides a certain level of protection for travel within the EU. It entitles you to medical and dental treatment in an emergency and can also cover the cost of medicines if the treatment is urgently needed. However, these services must be used by doctors or hospitals that are part of the statutory health insurance system. Private medical treatment is excluded from this regulation, which complicates the situation in holiday resorts where private doctors are often available. In addition, the necessary medical repatriation to Germany is not covered, which can lead to significant financial burdens in the event of unexpected illnesses or accidents.

Additional coverage through private travel health insurance

Given these limitations, it is advisable to take out additional travel health insurance. Krankenkassen.de describes that employees in an EU country already have statutory health insurance and can take advantage of the services offered there. This regulation also applies to family members who need the health certificate form “E 109” in order to receive benefits in Germany.

The need for private travel health insurance is particularly clear outside the EU, where statutory health insurance offers little protection. Patients may have to pay in advance or even cover the entire cost of treatment, as some countries only pay in advance. Reimbursement of costs is often uncertain.

Tips for travelers

In order to be prepared for all eventualities, travelers should check the coverage of their statutory health insurance in the country of travel before departure. This depends on which services are available in an emergency. The experts also recommend taking out annual foreign health insurance policies, which are often available for less than 20 euros and cover comprehensive protection as well as medically sensible repatriations.

Overall, careful preparation before traveling abroad is essential to minimize unexpected costs and risks and to ensure that you are well looked after in an emergency.