Medical expenses abroad can burn a serious hole in your pocket, so the best way to avoid that from happening if you do require hospitalization, is by having comprehensive travel insurance that covers your medical bills as well. 

Things to look out for that could probably land you in the hospital

Communicable and contagious diseases, allergies, food poisoning, injuries during adventure activities, stress and fatigue are common reasons you would have to visit the hospital. In most foreign countries, tourists are required to buy a health insurance card.

With comprehensive travel insurance, you can be covered against such situations under Emergency Covers such as: Emergency Medical Treatment and Evacuation, Emergency Accidental Treatment and Evacuation, and Emergency Dental Treatment. 

Emergency Medical Treatment and Evacuation

If you’re wondering what this means, then let’s explain it with an example. If you are on vacation and are suddenly diagnosed with dengue leading to hospitalization for 4-5 days, then you would be able to claim for an emergent and medically necessary treatment while on your trip. This cover also provides cost of rescue/evacuation services to take you to a hospital. 

Emergency Accidental Treatment and Evacuation

Suppose you accidently fell down a flight of stairs or were hit by a moving vehicle while abroad and need immediate medical treatment, then you can claim under this cover. 

Emergency Dental Treatment

You’ve met with an accident and find yourself missing whole or part of your tooth! If you think you need to fill that gap and avail dental, medical treatment, then fret not. Your emergency dental treatment cover can come to the rescue. 

There are many specifications on what is and isn't covered for all three covers and it is vital to go through your policy document thoroughly to understand it better! You must remember that immediate medical treatment resulting in hospitalization must occur due to illness, acute pain, or accidental injuries. The amount covered will be reasonable and customary charges you incur up to the Sum Insured or limits shown on your policy schedule.  

Some common coverages for Emergency Medical and Accident Treatment and Evacuation are mentioned below: 

• For OPD treatment, your cover will be limited to 10% of the cover Sum Insured.

• In case of death, you are also covered for repatriation of mortal remains to your place of residence (origin city of the trip).

• Associated expenses such as physician fees, lab tests, medicines and drug prescription costs, X-rays, etc. are also covered.

To understand what isn’t covered by Digit (Digit On the Move Policy), go through your policy schedule for these individual coverages, respectively.

You must phone the Medical Emergency Assistance helpline number before you make any arrangements if an accidental injury or illness means that you:  

• need to seek emergency medical advice; or  

• are told by the treating doctor that you need to visit them for repeat treatments; or  

• that you are going to require tests or investigations as an out-patient; or  

• are told that you need to go into the hospital as an in-patient. 

If you cannot call before you are admitted as an in-patient because the condition is serious, you must contact the Medical Emergency Assistance helpline number as soon as possible after you go into hospital. An experienced Medical Emergency Assistance coordinator will deal with your enquiry and make sure that where necessary:  

• hospitals are contacted; and/or  

• medical fees are guaranteed; and/or  

• medical advisers are consulted.

If you are injured or fall ill during your trip, our Medical Emergency Assistance provider may move you from one hospital to another and/or arrange for you to return to India at any time. They will only do this if they and the treating doctor think that it is safe for you to be moved or returned to India and you provide a consent for this. The treatment shall commence during the period of insurance immediately after diagnoses of such injury or illness.

Minimum documents required

While filing a claim through Digit, one must contact the Medical Emergency Assistance helpline immediately. We’re here for you 24/7. If you can, make sure you call the helpline prior to making any hospital admission arrangements.  

You will be asked to produce: 

• All medical reports and records given to you by the treating facility.  

• Receipts for any expenses incurred that are covered by your policy.  

• Incidence Report (FIR) with police, in case of any road traffic accident or third-party involvement. 

Post this, you can avail your cover for the required treatment and focus entirely on a speedy recovery and enjoy the rest of your trip.    

1. Contact the Indian Embassy: Call the Indian Embassy to obtain a list of nearby healthcare professionals and hospitals when you are ill or hurt. Many features that the Embassy can help you with are contacting your family or friends back home if you are suffering from a serious illness, or assist in transferring money from your family to cover your hospital fees.
2. Notify your travel insurance provider: Having travel insurance is a smart decision and steps in during emergencies. Contact your insurance if you need to go to the hospital. They will advise you on how to get the right medical care and suggest network hospitals, if available. Your travel insurance also provides many beneficial covers for situations like this.  

Apart from eating healthy, staying hydrated well enough while abroad and trying your best to not get into any accident, very unexpected things can occur. That's why some things you can do additionally include

Buying travel insurance

Purchasing travel insurance online is an essential step in planning a trip abroad. Your travel insurance coverage may be able to offer you both financial and medical security if you become ill while travelling. Comprehensive travel insurance plans assist to manage your hospitalisation finances and offer extensive medical coverage. Medical evacuation, accidental and medical hospitalisation, dental emergencies, compassionate visits, accidental death, and repatriation are a few of the coverages available. Travel insurance plans also offer protection against unforeseen flight and trip emergencies as well. Every travel insurance plan is unique, so it's important that you understand yours well.

Stay well-informed

This means learning about the nation's climate, culture, difference in time zones, etc. This helps you to stay prepared. Read more about the country's healthcare systems to see whether there are any particular guidelines for giving medical care to visitors. Verify that your travel insurance includes medical coverage and has network hospitals in the destination country.

Carry some vital medications and your medical records

It is advisable to bring a copy of your medical records with you when travelling abroad if you have a pre-existing ailment or illness. Additionally, you should prepare ahead of time by stocking up on medications and preparing for some frequent health issues that may arise while travelling. It never hurts to have a first aid kit (pun intended). There are limitations on what medications you can bring into some countries. Get a letter from your doctor outlining your medical history, current medications, and nature of your disease to stay on the safer side.