Travel: vaccinated but not yet insured?

You’ve planned everything for your round-the-world trip: up-to-date vaccinations, a well-stocked first-aid kit and a meticulously planned itinerary. And yet, three days after arriving in Peru, you find yourself bedridden with… chickenpox. This is not a made-up scenario: it’s a reality for many under-insured travelers.

This image may make you smile, but it’s true. Many people travel thinking they’re protected. Vaccinations are up to date, everything seems under control. Then a minor virus or accident strikes. And suddenly, the unexpected strikes. Brutally. Because the unexpected can’t be vaccinated against.

Travelling exposes you to the unexpected… and to medical expenses

Going abroad is often synonymous with freedom, discovery and adventure. But it also means breaking away from the protective framework of your national healthcare system. Outside your own country, your local carte vitale or mutuelle is no longer enough. And in some countries, a simple trip to the hospital can make your vacation budget explode.

• United States: One night’s hospitalization can exceed €10,000.
• Japan, Canada, Switzerland: A simple consultation can cost over €200.
• Thailand, Chile, Australia: a radio or infusion can represent several days’ local salary… or a hefty bill on your return.

Without international health insurance, you have to pay for everything. And in an emergency, the lack of coverage can quickly turn into a nightmare: care refused without payment, logistical stress, difficulty finding an English-speaking practitioner…

Up-to-date vaccinations ≠ total protection

Even the most careful globetrotter can get sick. Here’s why your vaccinations aren’t enough:

• They only cover a limited spectrum: hepatitis, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies… but not common illnesses such as seasonal flu, angina, urinary tract infections or allergic attacks.
• Local risks are often underestimated: a benign infection in Europe can worsen at altitude or in tropical climates.
• Some vaccines, such as chickenpox, are not routinely given to adults – and yet the disease can be much more virulent in adulthood.
• You can’t vaccinate against accidents: sprains, cuts, exotic insect bites, food poisoning…

Faced with these limitations, there’s a simple solution to travel with peace of mind: international health insurance.

International health insurance: your safety net abroad

International health insurance is much more than just a contract: it’s a real lifeline in the event of problems abroad. It covers your medical expenses, from routine consultations to emergency hospitalization. It also covers prescription drugs and unforeseen dental treatment, and can even include medical evacuation or repatriation if the situation so requires. In some cases, it goes even further, providing for early return, psychological support or the care of a loved one at your side.

This type of cover is essential for many profiles: expatriates, whether living abroad temporarily or permanently, students on international programs, workers on assignment, digital nomads who criss-cross the world with their computer, or seasoned travelers who backpack for several months at a time. Even for a road trip or a hike at an altitude of 4,000 meters, it’s best to be protected: the unexpected never makes a distinction.

Julie, 29, a digital nomad in Bali, thought she had everything planned. Until she got food poisoning and had to go to hospital in the middle of the night. Without insurance, she would have had to advance over €1,000 in medical expenses. Thanks to her health cover, all she had to do was present her insurance certificate.

What to look for before you buy

Taking out international health insurance is not something to be done lightly. It’s essential to pay close attention to several criteria to avoid unpleasant surprises once abroad. The reimbursement ceiling, for example, must be sufficiently high – or even unlimited – to cover serious or costly situations. The geographical area covered is also a determining factor: some destinations, such as the United States, require a specific option, often at extra cost, due to the very high cost of care.

Another important point is the deductible, i.e. the amount you have to pay yourself before the insurance takes over. A good insurance policy will also take into account pre-existing illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes, which can complicate a stay if not covered. Medical repatriation must also be included, especially if you’re venturing into remote areas with limited medical facilities.

Finally, a 24/7 multilingual and responsive assistance service is a guarantee of peace of mind. And if the insurance also offers a medical teleconsultation service, it’s a real plus for avoiding long waits in local clinics – or simply for getting an opinion quickly, wherever you are.

Pro tip: insurance is also for small problems

Chickenpox, an allergy to an exotic fruit, poisoning from poorly-rinsed ceviche… These are often the little health problems that turn into a nightmare. On a trek, in the jungle or in the middle of nowhere, it’s not enough to have a good backpack: you need access to a doctor, treatment and reimbursement. Otherwise, the trip becomes a race against time.

It’s better to invest €2 a day in insurance than €8,000 in an unplanned night in hospital.

3 misconceptions about health insurance abroad

• “My bank card already covers me.“ → Only for very short stays, with limited ceilings.
• “I’m young and healthy.” → Precisely, accidents often happen when we think we’re invincible.
• “I’m going to a country where healthcare isn’t expensive.” → But what about repatriation or unexpected hospitalization?

International health insurance is more than just comfort

It’s a guarantee of peace of mind, a concrete solution to the unexpected. Even the most seasoned travelers can’t escape a virus, a sprain or a toothache in the middle of the jungle. But with the right cover, these mishaps become mere anecdotes… rather than logistical and financial dramas.