Even if you’re planning to explore by wandering once you reach your destination, all trips require some amount of planning in order to make them happen. Often built from a bucket list or a rundown of local highlights, your planning provides a tentative itinerary and often a sense of security as you embark on your latest adventure.
Although sometimes overlooked, making sure you have access to the resources you would need if you or a traveling companion were to fall ill or get injured is a worthwhile endeavor. Whether you’re planning to zipline in Costa Rica, bike through the hills of Croatia or scuba dive in the Philippines, knowing that you have access to necessary health and wellness resources can give you the peace of mind to grab the bull by the horns (literally or figuratively).
The value of comprehensive coverage
While you may have access to some health benefits through your U.S. health insurance provider or your credit card, those benefits are often limited and may not provide you the resources you truly need when a medical issue arises.
Many health insurance providers cover some overseas medical emergency expenses, but they may only cover what they consider to be an emergency. If you need to be transported to a hospital or back to the U.S., that could be an entirely separate issue altogether. While the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide a list of medical providers, they cannot provide specific recommendations based on quality of care.
To be honest, the last thing you’re going to want to do when dealing with a medical issue is placing multiple calls in an attempt to cobble together enough information to seek treatment. That’s where health advisory services like the Medical Concierge Network (MCN) can help – investing in a membership gives you access to a trusted advisor who can connect you with the top doctors, specialists, clinics and hospitals nearby or arrange a medical evacuation if necessary.
Something for everyone
You don’t have to be climbing Everest to see the benefits of a health advisory service.
Planning to travel abroad to participate in a marathon or go skiing, but worried about sustaining an injury? MCN advisors are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in case you need any assistance.
Traveling on a humanitarian or missionary trip to an area impacted by conflict or a natural disaster? MCN offers memberships with security benefits that include emergency jet evacuation in the event of civil unrest or a natural disaster.
Studying abroad, or know someone planning to study abroad? MCN’s student memberships ranging from 7 days – 1 year can serve as a comforting resource in the event of a broken bone or a gash needing stitches.
And if you’re worried about cost – their plans aren’t out of reach for the average traveler. Individual plans start at $198, and student plans at $172.
Even if you think an illness or injury won’t happen to you, looking into a health advisory service is something worth your time. So do your research now, and enjoy your trip knowing that you have the support you need.
