Start with medical care abroad
Check whether your health insurance covers care abroad before traveling. [source] Use your policy documents and the insurer’s current contact channel to ask. Write down the parts of the answer that affect your trip, including how to ask for help and how to submit a claim.
Trip cancellation insurance may not cover medical care overseas. [source] Compare cancellation and medical coverage separately, then read the medical coverage terms before buying.
Ask about evacuation and the places you will visit
Check medical evacuation coverage before visiting places with limited medical care. [source] Give the insurer your planned itinerary, rather than just the name of the country. Medical facilities in rural El Salvador may have limited resources. [source]
Keep a copy of the insurer’s answer about evacuation with your policy details. Ask who should be contacted, what information they need and what authorization steps the policy specifies.
Name the activities in your plan
Check whether your travel insurance covers your planned activities. [source] If you intend to surf, hike or take part in another activity, describe each activity when asking the insurer.
Ask the insurer which policy wording covers your activities. Recheck it if your itinerary changes.
Check the whole trip
Check that your insurance covers every country and the full length of your trip. [source] Include your onward travel when setting out the itinerary.
| Question to put to the insurer | Keep with your documents |
|---|---|
| Is overseas medical care covered? | The relevant policy wording |
| What are the evacuation arrangements? | Contact and authorization instructions |
| Are my activities covered? | The written reply about those activities |
| Are all destinations and dates covered? | The itinerary used for confirmation |
| How do I make a claim? | Required documents and submission instructions |
Prepare for payment as well as coverage
Medical providers may require payment before care in El Salvador. [source] Ask the insurer how payment is handled under your policy. Keep its instructions with the medical care information and emergency contacts.
Save a copy on your phone and another accessible copy with your travel documents.
Common questions
Is trip cancellation insurance enough?
Trip cancellation insurance may not cover overseas medical care. Check your policy’s medical provisions before traveling, along with coverage for your planned activities. If your itinerary includes places with limited medical care, check medical evacuation coverage too. Keep the insurer’s replies with the policy wording. [source] [source] [source] [source]
Should I check activity coverage?
Yes. Check whether the policy covers the activities you plan. Describe your intended surfing, hiking or other activities to the insurer and ask which policy wording applies. Check every country and the full length of your trip, then keep the replies with your itinerary and policy documents. [source] [source]
Sources
- Check whether your health insurance covers care abroad before traveling.
- Check medical evacuation coverage before visiting places with limited medical care.
- Check whether your travel insurance covers your planned activities.
- Trip cancellation insurance may not cover medical care overseas.
- Medical facilities in rural El Salvador may have limited resources.
- Check that your insurance covers every country and the full length of your trip.
- Medical providers may require payment before care in El Salvador.
Travel information only; for medical or legal decisions, consult a qualified professional.