Why a foreign health insurance is important

Siemens Health Insurance Fund: Private health insurance is important. Many Germans are too careless when planning their vacation.

A cold and wet autumn has arrived. With increasingly uncomfortable weather, it attracts many tourists beyond German and European borders. Long-distance destinations that offer white beaches and bathing weather are particularly popular in the cold season. It is thought of everything. To sunscreen, the first-aid kit, the passport. Only the
Health insurance coverage for foreign countries often falls behind. The Siemens company health insurance SBK summarizes what foreign travelers should pay attention to.

Insured persons do not think too much about their health during a holiday trip
Almost everyone likes to hide that even during the most beautiful days of the year something unforeseen can happen. Illness or accidents do not take into consideration vacation. "We are shocked by the fact that most people are aware of the need for private travel health insurance, but many think that ten days' holiday will be over
happen. The travel time is completely irrelevant. An accident or illness, such as a stroke or a heart attack, can occur at any time, "said Michael Zaubzer, subject matter expert abroad at the SBK." It's fascinating to see how many people insure their luggage, their house and the dog, they just do not think about their own health. " said the expert.

Although most accidents on trips are rather "small in nature" and do not require immediate hospitalization. "One of our statistics shows that about 50 percent of all treatments cost less than 100 euros," says Zaubzer. The conclusion of a private travel health insurance is still advisable on every trip abroad "otherwise it can be expensive."

Without health insurance it could be expensive
Even those who stay in Europe may have to pay a lot without proper insurance cover if they use medical services. If you leave the continent, you should be well informed and insured. The statutory health insurance companies may only pay for services provided abroad if they are an EU member state or one
so-called treaty states such as Turkey, Tunisia, Bosnia, Macedonia or Croatia. As a rule, only the rates that would have been reimbursed in Germany are paid. There are EU countries that are adopting the European Health Card (EHIC), which has been in force for several years. Although acceptance is increasing from year to year, there are countries that reject the card for various reasons. It is a tremendous advantage to be able to speak the language and be understood. "Otherwise, the patient has to pay for the treatment privately, with the rates often arbitrary, in which case a private travel health insurance, which has an annual premium of between € 8 and € 15, protects the difference between the health insurance paid and the private one sentence.

Have a detailed invoice handed out during a treatment
Even if the cashier pays, it is very important that the insured submits a detailed invoice after treatment abroad. Zaubzer: "Often there is only medical treatment on the bill, then we can not even refund 20 euros." In many cases, however, it turns out when asked that, for example, an X-ray was taken or blood was taken. The costs are of course higher here. Therefore, it always makes sense that the insured himself makes a list of benefits and sends them along.

Statutory health insurance funds such as the SBK strive to make the reimbursement generous even for treatments abroad, but always with a view to the careful handling of the funds of the insured and in compliance with legal requirements. With a private travel health insurance can generally be guaranteed for little money comprehensive insurance coverage, with which the residual risk is covered. (Pm, 17.11.2010)

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