Travel insurance vs health insurance: which one should I choose?
The question always remains in your mind whenever you’re planning to move to Europe. Having the right insurance policy is a MUST to avoid the risk of unforeseen circumstances. No matter if you are planning to move for a week or it’s a working holiday, you have to know the difference between travel and health insurance.
But how can you decide which one works for you?
This guide will walk you through the benefits and gaps of each of these insurance plans to help you decide which one will be suitable for a specific trip. Scroll down to find more!
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
The very first thing is to know what health insurance covers. It covers all the medical expenses, starting from routine doctor visits to emergency surgeries.
For instance, if you are moving to Germany for work or a holiday, the right health insurance helps you and keeps you safe. It makes sure you get the care you need if you get sick or hurt. You won’t have to worry about big medical bills during your stay.
Here’s what a comprehensive health insurance plan typically covers:
- Comprehensive Medical Coverage: It ensures coverage of all medical services, which include hospital stays, emergency surgeries, and outpatient treatment.
- Chronic and Pre-Existing Conditions: Some insurance plans cover long-term health issues like diabetes or asthma. But health insurance plans cover these issues after a short period. So if you have these health issues before buying the plan, they might still be covered, but only after a short wait.
- Preventive Care and Checkups: A health insurance plan covers routine checkups and vaccinations. Thai coverage helps you to stay ahead of potential health issues during your stay.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support: Health insurance covers many mental wellbeing plans, such as counseling and psychological services. These mental well-being coverages are really helpful for expats who are adjusting to their lives in a new country.
- Cost of International Medical Insurance: No doubt, premiums of medical insurance may seem high because they offer comprehensive coverage. It ensures that you are protected from financial strains during an emergency.
What Is Not Covered
That’s where the turning point is. What are the major gaps in health insurance, also?
Though it covers all medical needs, it does not cover travel-related needs such as trip cancellation or lost luggage. In addition, if your flight gets canceled, travel insurance won’t help you recover the cost.
Another major gap is medical evacuation. It means if you are heading back home for medical treatment or need to travel to a different country, health insurance will not cover these expenses.
Now that you know what health insurance covers and what it lacks, it’s necessary to know the period for getting health insurance.
How Long Does Health Insurance Last?
The duration of health insurance fully depends on your needs and plans. Some insurance policies only last for a few months for vacation and fit in under a short-term health insurance plan. While the others are designed for long-term coverage, which is perfect for expats and students.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance is your backup plan for the unexpected while traveling. It’s not just about the medical coverage but also helps you in safeguarding your entire trip. Travel insurance makes sure that you are protected while it’s a canceled flight or any unforeseen situation.
Here’s what a good travel insurance policy typically covers:
- Trip Interruptions, Cancellations, and Delays: If your trip is disrupted, the travel insurance policy provides financial protection for nonrefundable expenses. This policy is perfect for those who travel for a working holiday or to explore Europe.
- Medical Emergencies Abroad: Travel insurance also covers sudden illness or accidents during your trip. It helps to ensure that you get the care that you need without worrying about the cost. This policy is essential for anyone who is traveling to Germany or other European countries.
- Lost or Stolen Belongings: It reimburses you for your lost luggage and stolen items. It also helps you to reimburse your damaged personal belongings during your trip.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: The travel insurance policy covers transportation to the nearest medical facility. Plans include evacuation to your home in case of serious illness or death.
- Travel Assistance Services: It also offers 24/7 support for your lost travel assistance, such as lost passports, legal assistance, or emergency travel arrangements
What Is Not Covered
Travel insurance doesn’t cover routine medical needs like checkups or ongoing treatments. If you need care for a chronic condition, this won’t be included. It’s only meant for emergencies, not everyday health concerns.
Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from travel insurance. If you were treated for a condition before buying the policy, it likely won’t be covered. Always read the fine print to know what applies.
For long-term care or regular doctor visits, health insurance is a better option. Travel insurance is designed for short-term problems that arise during a trip. Knowing these limits helps you prepare properly.
How Long Does Travel Insurance Last?
The duration of travel insurance plans depends on which policy you choose and what your travel plans are. No matter if you are going for a quick vacation or you have a long-term vacation, there is always an option for you according to your plan.
- Single-Trip Policies: Single-trip policies are perfect for tourists or occasional travelers. These policies are also best for vacations and business trips because they cover one specific trip from start to end.
- Multi-Trip Policies: It is designed for frequent travelers or digital nomads. Moreover, these policies cover multiple trips within a set period, usually a year. If you are traveling frequently, then that policy saves you time and money.
Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance: How to Choose the Right Policy
Choosing the right travel insurance policy may seem difficult, but it’s not a hard nut to crack. By breaking it down step by step, you can easily pick the right one:
| Key Features | Travel Insurance | Health Insurance |
| Coverage | Covers trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies abroad. | Focuses on medical needs like doctor visits, hospital stays, and ongoing care. |
| Duration | Short-term policies for single or multi-trip coverage, usually up to 1 year. | Long-term coverage, often for a year or more |
| Medical Evacuation | Emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital or back home. | May offer limited coverage for evacuation, depending on the plan. |
| Routine Checkups and Pre-Existing Conditions | Does not cover routine checkups; also, no coverage for pre-existing conditions. | Often covers routine care and some plans may include pre-existing conditions. |
| Prescription Drugs | Covers only emergency prescriptions during the trip. | Includes coverage for prescribed medications, including chronic conditions. |
| Cost Comparison | Generally more affordable for short-term needs or single trips. | Higher premiums due to comprehensive, long-term coverage. |
If I Have Health Insurance, Do I Still Need Travel Insurance?
If you have health insurance, it’s a great thing, but it doesn’t mean you are fully covered and protected during travel. Travel insurance fills the gaps that health insurance leaves behind. Both insurances create a safety net that protects you from both medical and non-medical risks, or emergency travel arrangements.
Here’s why having both policies matters:
- Emergency Evacuations: Health insurance often doesn’t cover medical evacuation or repatriation, but travel insurance does.
- Trip Disruptions: Travel insurance covers cancellations, delays, or interruptions. These are the things that health insurance won’t touch.
- Lost or Stolen Belongings: Health insurance won’t replace your lost luggage, but travel insurance can.
- Non-Medical Support: Travel insurance provides 24/7 assistance for issues like lost passports or legal help.
Check out affordable health insurance plans as an expat in Europe.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about travel insurance vs health insurance. Both insurance policies play their role in protecting you during your travels. If health covers your medical needs, then travel insurance gives you coverage for trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. Together, they give you full-on protection.
Traveling is exciting, but make sure you’re well-prepared. Knowing all the policies and staying prepared with the right insurance plan will reduce your risk of unforeseen events. For more information, head to EU Info Hub.
