In this Dec. 31, 2013, file photo, a paddleboarder looks out over the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets off of Waikiki Beach, in Honolulu.Many Canadians are gearing up to fly to warmer climes as the March break holiday approaches, but some may return home with hefty medical bills if they don’t read the fine print on their travel insurance policy.
Here are some tips to help ensure you have health coverage when you travel – even if you have a pre existing condition.Whether you are using the travel insurance from your credit card, from your employer or are seeking out a policy for your trip it is important to understand what is covered. Among the key terms to look for is the company’s definition of a pre-existing condition and how that applies to your current medical status.
Most standard policies have a “stability” clause, which refers to a defined period of time that your medical condition must be “stable” and unchanged before you travel in order to be covered, Fine said. The period can vary between policies, from as short as seven days or as long as a year, he added. A change can be as small as an increased medication dosage or if you have had medical tests for which you are awaiting the results, Fine added.
To clarify whether you are at risk of not being covered, experts recommend calling your insurer to tell them you are travelling and to ask questions about the level of coverage in your particular situation. Once you get clarification, request a response in writing, such as in an e-mail, Share said.
globemoney I would neevr do this becuase its getting dark