Up-to-the-Minute Travel Insights from Travel Guard
Survey: U.S. healthcare overhaul affects travelers in 2010
Stevens Point, WI –
According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com), one of the nation’s leading providers of travel insurance and assistance plans, 34 percent of travelers said they are unaware that proposed U.S. health care reforms will not likely provide health insurance coverage beyond national borders, while 22 percent of travelers stated that the healthcare discussion makes them even more likely to consider purchasing travel insurance plan, which may include emergency medical coverage.
The survey, conducted for Travel Guard by Ruf Strategic Solutions, further indicates that 66 percent of consumers are aware that the proposed U.S. healthcare overhaul will likely not extend health insurance coverage internationally. It was also noted in the findings that 66 percent of respondents’ say their current health insurance plan does not provide full coverage for medical evacuation costs, while nearly 30 percent of respondents were not even sure if they have this coverage.
“Many Americans don’t realize that their health insurance coverage doesn’t necessarily travel with them,” said Dan McGinnity, Travel Guard vice president. “Medicare and Medicare HMOs rarely cover American travelers if they become injured while traveling outside the United States. And, with an HMO or indemnity plan, you may be subject to higher deductibles and co-insurance expenses. Most travel insurance plans, including those from Travel Guard, provide 1st dollar coverage for emergency medical expenses. We also assist in arranging payments to the medical providers, some of which require upfront payment before providing treatment.”
Travel insurance and assistance service plans available through Travel Guard can be purchased online at www.travelguard.com, through Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center (800-826-1300), or from one of the more than 12,000 travel agencies who offer travel insurance plans available through Travel Guard.
Travel Beat is a survey offering the latest traveler insights conducted by Ruf Strategic Solutions on behalf of Travel Guard.
(January 21, 2010) – With recent discussions of the U.S. healthcare overhaul being a “hot topic” in today’s news, consumers have noted how the proposed changes may affect their upcoming travel plans, and mindsets, this year.