Healthcare While Traveling

Healthcare, whether it be coverage options or finding care, are challenging, and even more so when you travel often. Right along with how to make money while traveling, it is one of the questions I see almost everyone asking in the groups.

We live in the United States and mostly travel there, so most of our knowledge is U.S.-based. There’s a lot to think about, and it can be overwhelming.

Up until last year, we had health coverage through my employer, so we really only had to worry about where. Now that I’ve left full time working and BJ is a private contractor, we are on our own. I still have medical and prescription coverage for me through a prior employer, but it doesn’t cover vision or dental, and it doesn’t cover the boys at all. And we also have the dog to get annual and emergency care for.

So let’s run through some basics to think about and some basic options.

THINK ABOUT…

Your health needs Not all healthcare plans are the same, which is good, since not everyone needs the same thing–even within your own household. Review prior claims and visits to see what you have used, what you spent, as well as the needs for upcoming years (a quick internet search for your age and/or gender can tell you if there are wellness tests or vaccines suggested). Make sure to check medical care, prescriptions, vision, and dental/orthodontics as they may all need separate plans. This information will guide you to finding a plan–keep in mind, you may need separate coverage plans within your household.

Who needs covered Some plans will cover the entire family, some individuals. Be sure you know who needs what coverage so you are getting what you need, nothing more or less.

Your budget Yes, price is important, but it’s more important to have coverage you need so that your care is affordable. A low monthly premium that doesn’t cover more than an annual check up isn’t helpful if you fall ill or if you need sick visits or have a condition that requires prescriptions.

Where you will travel If you are going to travel within one state, you may have more options available. Keep in mind, some plans won’t cover you out of state our out of country, so a coverage plan that does may cost more. Some countries allow you to get short term health insurance for emergencies, so research that if it applies.

How to file a claim or billing Some plans will have the healthcare provider file the claim directly to them and either collect the copay at that time, or bill you later. Some plans will have you pay out of pocket then submit a claim via their process. Make sure you are clear on the process and time frame since some only allow claim filing within a certain period. If you do have copays or pay up front first, be sure this is a budget item, or a separate fund, in advance.

BASIC OPTIONS TO RESEARCH…

Employer coverages If you work for an employer, some provide coverage for free or low cost for the employee. Some may also offer coverage for dependents for a cost. These will start based on the employer’s time tables.

Government (Marketplace) coverages The US government offers coverage through a marketplace that allows you to choose options based on what you need for coverage. They usually have an open enrollment time.

Private coverages You can find private coverage through major healthcare providers without being an employee with an organization. Many of these can be purchased anytime throughout the year.

Share plan coverages Share plans are usually a group with certain criteria that join together and everyone contributes to a fund, then pays out of pocket and submits a claim for reimbursement. Many have different levels to choose from, so if you will need to use it more, you contribute more. These can be purchased any time of year. Keep in mind, many start on the 1st of the month, so if you enroll at any other point of the month, you may pay a full month’s premium for a partial month.

Providers While some people like to see the same individual provider every time, there are some chain providers that have a network across an area, so you could be covered in many locations, even with different medical providers. You may luck out with some nationwide providers, or find regional ones, but definitely something to look for if you think it may be easier for you.

Suggestions to look for when shopping Think about what you may need. What is considered “in network” or “out of network”? Do they offer office visits verses telehealth? For prescriptions, what are the locations for pick up or delivery or if you can get a bulk supply in advance? Do they cover you outside of your home state if traveling? What are the copays? What are the annual deductibles? How will they bill you?

And what if an emergency happens while on the road? Well, we figure it’s not if but when, especially since we are active in nature a lot and have a teenager. We make sure we have an emergency fund and our coverage cards, and the dog’s most current vaccination record and rabies certificate everywhere we go. We also have our primary healthcare provider’s numbers in our phone, but also in our IMPORTANT INFORMATION page of our travel planner (we told ya it’s a one stop option for travelers!).

Since people get sick or injured all over the world, we aren’t worried about not finding care, if needed. When the time comes, we will find someplace close by for the emergency, then coordinate and plan after that, whether it’s in that area, heading to our home base provider, or someplace else. For routine care, just plan visits for when you will be in that area.

The most important thing is to have a plan and know what coverage you have and don’t have. Be sure to read thoroughly and keep up with premium payments. Keep a downloaded or printed copy of your policy coverages in your emergency/grab folder so you have it to reference. You don’t want to worry about internet access when trying to figure something out.

If you have other questions or options you’ve found in your research, let us know in the comments. We, and others in the RV community, are always looking for ways to do things better.

Stay safe and healthy out there!