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Medical insurance abroad: 5 essential things you need to know

Travel medical insurance Health insurance abroad Travel insurance Moldova

1. Why is travel medical insurance important?

In 2024, over 396,900 Moldovans traveled abroad through tourism agencies, marking a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year. The most popular destinations were Turkey (45.9%), Bulgaria (19.0%), Egypt (12.1%), and Romania (9.6%).

In these countries, the cost of medical services can be significant. For instance, one day of hospitalization in Turkey can cost up to 1,000 euros, while in Egypt a medical consultation ranges between 50 and 100 euros. Without medical insurance abroad, these expenses can quickly become a considerable financial burden.

Discover practical details about travel assistance insurance, useful for any trip abroad.

2. What risks does travel medical insurance cover?

A standard travel medical insurance policy typically covers:

  • Emergency medical expenses: consultations, treatments, hospitalization, and surgeries.
  • Emergency medical transport: including repatriation in severe cases.
  • Post-mortem repatriation: covering costs of transporting the body in case of death.
  • Emergency dental care: for acute pain or infections.
  • Baggage insurance and flight delays: optional, but useful in cases of lost luggage or significant delays.

It is important to know that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to essential medical services within EU countries but does not cover all expenses and cannot replace comprehensive travel medical insurance.

3. How to choose the right policy?

When selecting appropriate travel medical insurance, consider the following:

  • Coverage amount: choose coverage of at least 30,000 euros; for destinations with high medical costs, it is advisable to opt for 50,000–100,000 euros.
  • Geographical coverage: ensure that the policy covers the country you are traveling to.
  • Trip duration: check that the policy covers the entire duration of your stay.
  • Planned activities: if you intend to engage in sports or high-risk activities, ensure these are included in the coverage.
  • Exclusions and limitations: carefully read the policy terms to understand which situations are not covered.

It is also recommended to compare market offers and consult an insurance specialist to find the best option for your needs.

UNAM partners in the field of travel health insurance

Within the Union of Insurers of Moldova (UNAM), there are member companies that provide travel health insurance policies. These products are designed to protect citizens traveling abroad, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and other risks that may occur during travel. Through these policies, citizens have access to financial protection solutions tailored both to tourist trips and to business or study stays abroad.

UNAM member companies offering travel health insurance:

4. What to avoid when taking out a policy?

To avoid unpleasant surprises, pay attention to the following:

  • Policies with insufficient coverage: amounts that are too low may not be enough in case of a medical emergency.
  • Unclear exclusions: ensure you fully understand what risks are not covered.
  • High deductibles: some policies require you to pay a minimum amount out of pocket before the insurance covers the rest.
  • Unauthorized insurers: check that the insurance company is licensed and regulated by the National Bank of Moldova.
  • Incorrect health declarations: omitting relevant health information may result in the denial of compensation.

5. How to travel with peace of mind?

Having medical insurance abroad is essential for protecting yourself financially in case of medical emergencies while traveling. Choosing the right policy, with sufficient coverage and clear terms, provides peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation without worries. Make sure you stay informed, compare available options, and don't hesitate to seek advice from a specialist to make the best decision.
The Union of Insurers supports proper information dissemination. If you have any questions about travel insurance, feel free to contact us!
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