Travel Insurance, Don’t Leave Home Without It
So, I’m here to share with you why emergency medical travel insurance is a must and my medical story. I’m from Canada and whenever I travel, either down to the US, across the ocean to the UK, or around the world to Vietnam, travel insurance is always on my list between plane tickets and accommodations.
If you already have travel insurance on your travel credit card or through your private medical insurance, then perfect. It’s one less thing to consider. However, for those of you who don’t, you have a variety of travel insurance options.
Your options usually include trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical, baggage and personal effects, and/or flight/travel accident insurance. (Tip: if you can, get a credit card that offers at least the non-emergency travel insurance options). You can either buy all or just the single type of travelers’ insurance at any major financial institution, through your airline, or travel agent.
Let’s Take My Medical Story as An Example
Heading to the Hospital
The one time, I found myself in a medical emergency was during a visit to Vietnam. Having seen the conditions of some of the local hospitals, I was not looking forward to my hospital stay.
After a couple of days of walking around in the hot sun, I thought I had heatstroke. It first started with a fever and some fatigue. I continued to take my trusty Tylenol, but my fever wasn’t going away as it usually would. Within 24 hours, I was feeling completely drained, exhausted, and nauseous. Something in my body wouldn’t allow me to fall asleep. So finally, I agreed to go to the doctor.
After we met with the doctor, we went immediately to get my blood tested. This confirmed the doctor’s diagnosis. I had contracted Dengue Fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease that can be fatal. My family immediately took me to the emergency room. When we arrived at a local hospital, they refused to help. They saw that I was a “Viet Kieu” or overseas Vietnamese and said that I needed to go to the international hospital. As I was barely hanging on, they hustled to the hospital Pháp Viet or also known today as the FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
The FV hospital was a very nice hospital. I was admitted immediately and put on IV straight away. I’m not sure how many bags they gave me the first night; it must have been at least 2 or 3. I felt much better after my IV meal!
Sparing no expense, my family was prepared to support me in any way possible. However, lucky me, I had travel insurance! My emergency medical insurance paid for everything, including any follow-up medical needs. I was in the hospital for 10 days in a private room that had a giant bathroom (with a shower). First-class hospital accommodations.
Dengue Fever
The symptoms of dengue fever that I experienced included lots of diarrhea, bleeding, fever, rashes, vomiting, fatigue, and uneven levels of red and white blood cells. It was very bad actually. I spent most of my time sleeping, vomiting, visiting the bathroom, or having massive nose bleeds. Every day, the nurse would come in, take my vitals, and take some blood to be tested. I would’ve preferred an alarm clock over medical tests to wake me up in the morning, but sometimes, you just don’t have a choice.
Meanwhile back in Canada, my mom coordinated with the Canadian medical agent, the hospital, and my family in Vietnam to ensure that all the documents and payments were taken care of. This allowed me to focus on getting better.
Food, Weight, and Family
The hospital had a large menu that you could choose your daily meals from. So, I did have a choice in the food I got to eat. Did I eat any of it? No. The only things that would stay in my system were the IV fluid, water (sometimes), and ChocoPie. I’m not sure why a chocolate pastry stayed in my system, but it did. It was disappointing that I was unable to eat any of the food. I’m sure it was delicious. I lost 10 lbs in 10 days but eventually got better.
It wasn’t all unpleasant. I did appreciate my family visiting me at the hospital. It was nice to have them there while I mostly slept. My aunt, Di Nga, stayed with me the whole time as my caregiver. My other family members come in and out constantly and my parents called all the time. When I was ready to go back to Canada, my dad flew with me.
I am grateful and do consider myself lucky to have had the support of my family, both in Vietnam and Canada. We’re also thankful to have had a medical agent who was understanding and helpful.
So, Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
Yes, it’s worth it! I’ve had to purchase emergency travel medical insurance for the majority of the trips I’ve taken. 99% of the time, I have not had to use it (knock on wood).
Depending on your age and travel details, travel insurance prices can range from $75 to $150 CDN for a single trip. This is of course if you don’t have a pre-existing medical condition and are under the age of 65. Most travel health insurance will include hospital visits, helicopter transfers, emergency dentistry, surgery, etc. (Be sure to read the fine print so that you know what you’re insured for and how much). One visit to the emergency room can cost you thousands of dollars.
It’s completely worth it to spend this money for peace of mind.
Travel Insurance: Simple & Flexible
You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 130 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of adventure sports and activities.
7 Things You Should Know About Travel Insurance from WorldNomads.com
- Trusted reliable underwriters
WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurers who provide you with great cover, 24-hour emergency assistance, and the highest levels of support and claims management when you need it most. - Value for money with the cover you need
WorldNomads.com provides cover for what’s important for travelers from over 130 countries. By focusing on what you need and leaving out what you don’t, World Nomads prices are some of the most competitive online. - Flexibility when you need it most
Had a change of plans? You can buy more cover or claim online while you are still away. You can even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already traveling. - Cover for a range of adventure activities
From skiing & snowboarding in New Zealand to whitewater rafting in Colorado, WorldNomads.com covers a range of adventure activities, giving you peace of mind to get the most from your travels. - World Nomads keeps you traveling safely
All WorldNomads.com members have access to up-to-date travel safety alerts, as well as travel safety advice and tips online through the World Nomads Travel Safety Hub. - More than just great value travel insurance
All WorldNomads.com members can learn the local lingo through a series of iPod & iPhone Language Guides and can stay in touch with family and friends with an online travel journal. - Commitment to exceptional customer service
We want to make sure you get the most from WorldNomads.com. You can find out more about why travel assurance is important for your trip. If you have any questions about your travel insurance or travel safety in general, please contact WorldNomads.com directly.
Why Buy Travel Insurance from WorldNomads.com?
- Backed by specialist insurers and global assistance partners
- Buy Online, even if you’ve already left home
- Buy more cover and claim online while traveling
- Covers a range of adventure sports and activities
- Give a little back and support a community development project
In the End
My hospital stays cost approximately $3,000.00 for the care and services of a world-class medical facility, doctors, and nurses. I paid approximately $75.00 for the insurance. So, although you don’t want to use it, you’ll be glad you have it. Happy travels!
Kim Nguyen
Travel Tips, Canada Contributor
Kim Nguyen is a Vietnamese-Canadian from Toronto. She enjoys traveling and has been to various countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. She believes that travel is good for the soul. It helps cultivate compassion, empathy, and understanding among people.
GET YOURSELF SAFENESS & PROTECTION
The Broad Life
The Broad Life is a travel blog with guides, stories, and reviews to inspire people to explore the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life.
22 Comments
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Khoi Nguyen
yeah exactly, my plan always has the word ‘Travel Insurance’ on top of the item check list
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Kelly Martin
I definitely agree. Travel insurance is essential for every trip.
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, make sure to have it on your check list for every trips 😉
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Rose A (@mail4rosey)
I never used to get travel insurance but I do these days. Too many unknowns can take place and I don’t want to lose my money. Vacations are never inexpensive.
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Khoi Nguyen
Travel insurance isn’t expensive at all compare to the risks that you may face on the trip. Hope that you will consider it when you travel 🙂
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Ave Hla
We have traveled a lot and have had the travel insurance just once. Now we are going to new country soon and already purchased the insurance just in case. It gives us a peace of mind if something should happen to us.
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Khoi Nguyen
I agree. Everytime I travel with an insurance, I always feel better and more enjoy the trip. Like you have someone always take care of yourself so you don’t have to worry about that 🙂
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Lohas Canada
wow! travel insurance is so important but I am glad I haven’t had to use it on any of my trips. Glad that you had travel insurance for youe trips because that would be nerve wracking without it getting sick so many times!
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Khoi Nguyen
In any cases, having something to prevent the worst situation is always a must. Just in case, but definitely useful when you are in a strange place without any help or know nothing
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Emily Fata
I always get an annual travel insurance plan. You can never be too careful with things like that… your trip can turn south, and you always should be prepared for anything.
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Audrey Writer-Geek
I’m glad that you’re now better, it’s scary to be ill when you’re out of the country. During a family trip to Disney World I developed a high fever and spent half a day in bed before I decided to go to hospital. I was admitted, put on an IV, had blood tests done, and diagnosed with bronchitis. It cost us out of pocket over $1000 Cdn but our travel insurance reimbursed most of it when we got home.
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah just when we are in the situation we know how important the insurance is. I’m happy that’s everything is good to you 🙂
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Viktoria
Totally agree with you. I am in the states and buy the annual policy from Allianz – best investment ever.
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, that’s great. From now on maybe I should call it an investment for myself
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TheSuperMomLife
I have purchased travel insurance on our last two trips and it was the best thing I ever did.
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Khoi Nguyen
Awesome! Glad that you find travel insurance is your best thing 😉
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Emman Damian
I have a regular travel insurance that I got since I’m always traveling. It’s very essential especially if you’re in Europe! It’s mandatory!
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Jessie
Wow! I’ve heard of people pushing travel insurance here and there but no one tells a reason why! This is a good one. Do you recommend a specific insurance?
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Khoi Nguyen
I would suggest you trying World Nomads. They have many types of insurance that cover a lot of things from travel accidents, travel health, baggage, stolen stuffs, and trip cancellation, delay, to even assault, terrorism, or natural disaster.
Depend on your trip or your purpose of being on a journey, you should have the one which really fit with the situation, so not just spending too much on the insurance but really help the one that protect you. Hope this help 🙂
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Blair Villanueva
I agree with you, having a travel insurance is a must and we should not see it as disposable. Many travelers ignore this necessity, and regret after.
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Khoi Nguyen
Truly! I find out many travelers ignore having a travel insurance. Maybe they see it’s costly.
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Eileen M Loya
I agree with you. Travel insurance is very important to have before we leave for a vacation. It is our top priority in planning for vacations.