Calls on Industry and Government Leaders To Make Insurance Compulsory For All Travel

March 26, 2013 - PRLog -- iPMI Magazine Press Release. Private Medical and Travel Insurance News.

International Private Medical Insurance Magazine Calls on Industry and Government Leaders To Make Travel and Medical Insurance Compulsory For All Travel.

A recent study by ABTA, the UK’s leading travel association, suggests that some 54% of the 2500 questioned, did not know that they required a European Health Insurance Card to access state healthcare when travelling abroad. Sean Tipton, spokesman for the travel association Abta said "It is important to have an EHIC because if you do find yourself in an accident while abroad, it allows you to get access to state healthcare anywhere in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland."

"An EHIC will get you basic state care. In some countries, you will get treatment, but other things - such as food, drink or even changing your bed linen - are not regarded as the responsibility of the nurses. They are things for your family to take care of," added Mr Tipton.

The Association of British Insurers are also voicing concerns in consumer understanding. Whilst the European Health Insurance Card assists travellers access state healthcare when travelling abroad, it does not substitute medical or travel insurance. In tight economic times the ABI are concerned travellers may cut back on insurance spend, and therefore face tragedy and emergency abroad. It is really important for travellers to understand that the European Health Insurance Card will not cover travellers for lost baggage, travel assistance or medical related items like evacuation by air ambulance. More so, state run healthcare systems abroad, in some cases, are a far cry from the standards one may be used to at home.

"It is absolutely not a substitute for travel insurance," said Linsey White of the ABI.

David Bond, CIO, iPMI Magazine said “It is absolutely critical to obtain the correct and appropriate travel AND medical insurance before you travel. The moment you book your trip, book your insurance. Then if travelling in the EU, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card, and that it is valid and up-to-date. Make sure you plan your travel well and do some homework on the healthcare system in the country you may visit. The public run healthcare system may not be anything like what you are used to at home. Ask your insurance company for local data and information. Get up-to-speed on when pharmacies may be open and where you can access a doctor. What about local hospitals in the vicinity of your hotel? What’s the number for an ambulance? The more you know, the better, and insuring you have the correct insurance in place, is the first step.”

Sean Tipton, at Abta commented "Currently we have an example of a young couple who have flown out to Spain. She was quite heavily pregnant but able to travel. She gave birth prematurely while on holiday, She is getting great healthcare because of her EHIC in Spain, but can't fly home, because they do not have medical insurance to cover the cost of taking her and her baby by air ambulance back to Britain."

Kristina Kellstrom, CMO, iPMI Magazine added “The world in 2013 is home to an array of new risks that travellers haven't experienced before. Civil unrest, political instability and the current economic crisis means you never know what may happen. Look at the recent events in Cyprus; we knew something would happen, but we didn’t expect Senior Citizens and expats to have bank accounts frozen and have a limited supply of cash. Put yourself in those peoples shoes and you should see and understand the importance of travel and medical protection worldwide.”

David Bond, CIO, iPMI Magazine added “Compulsory travel and medical insurance is the way forward. Just like motor insurance, medical and travel insurance should be mandatory for all travel abroad. For expats, business and leisure travellers, plus the new breed of Health traveller seeking treatment abroad, knowing protection is in place and up-to-speed, is going to improve the well being of the planet. It could help take pressure of state run systems that may not offer the standard of care travellers are seeking, and ensure no nationals are turned away at embassies seeking funds to cover medical or travel emergencies. Examples like the one highlighted by Mr. Tipton at Abta, simply couldn't happen. We already see such policy in Abu Dhabi, and talk of such plans in Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, and Cuba officially say you need insurance to enter the country (although it doesn’t seem to be very well policed) so what’s preventing such policy on a global scale?”

Abu Dhabi first came up with the idea for mandatory health insurance in 2005. Since the system was put in place, employers and sponsors have been obliged by law to provide health insurance to employees and their families.

Talking about mandatory medical insurance in Dubai Dr Haider Al Yousuf, director of health funding at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said March 2013 "The director general said it would be finalised in 2013 and that is still very much the plan. We are very much in the final stages now. Technically, we are ready to go, but certain things need to be finalised by the Dubai Executive Council. We are changing the face of the way the health service is in Dubai; something of this enormity has to be done right."

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is working in close contact with all health bodies and health insurance providers to ensure a smooth transition phase, he said. Once the health insurance law becomes compulsory, it will take about three years for the scheme to be rolled out fully, Dr Al Yousuf said.

About International Private Medical Insurance Magazine http://ipmimagazine.com

International Private Medical Insurance Magazine (iPMIM) is the ultimate Private Medical Insurance online platform and health insurance magazine, serving expatriate, corporate, health and travel insurance markets. Due to the nomadic nature of the international healthcare industry iPMI Magazine is an internet based news service, and health insurance magazine, for worldwide healthcare professionals, who need to understand the impacts of healthcare and insurance policy, regulatory, and legislative developments.
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