Travel insurance abroad: medical protection outside Israel
Travel insurance abroad protects you from high medical expenses while you are outside Israel, from a simple emergency to hospitalization or medical evacuation. This page explains the basic coverage, which add-ons to match to your trip, and what you must disclose in advance so the policy is available when needed.
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The moment you leave Israel, your kupat holim (קופת חולים; health fund) stays behind. Learn how to secure full medical coverage anywhere in the world.
In Israel, we are accustomed to a public healthcare system that covers us in almost every situation, but the rules change abroad. Basic medical treatment, hospitalization, or an emergency evacuation in countries such as the United States or in Europe can cost enormous amounts. Travel insuranceA contract under which an insurance company undertakes to compensate the insured in the event of damage in exchange for a periodic payment. is a relatively inexpensive product purchased for a short period, but it is the only tool that prevents a medical event from turning into a financial crisis.
What does travel insurance abroad include?
The heart of the policy is coverage for medical expenses. Unlike other types of insurance, the coverage limits here are generally very high—millions of dollars—to meet the high cost of healthcare around the world.
The insurance generally includes:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization.
- Medication and urgent tests.
- Air evacuation or a medical flight back to Israel, if necessary.
Common add-ons
In addition to the basic medical coverage, you can add further "layers" according to the nature of your trip:
- Baggage insurance: Compensation if your suitcase or personal belongings are lost or stolen.
- Trip cancellation or curtailment: Reimbursement of expenses if you have to cancel the flight because of illness, an accident, or exceptional family circumstances.
- Adventure or winter sports: Essential if you plan to ski, dive, or trek. Without this add-on, injuries from these activities will not be covered.
- Coverage for a phone and expensive equipment: Relevant if you travel with a laptop or professional camera.
The weak point: a pre-existing medical condition
This is where most claims fail. If you have any medical history, it is important to disclose it in advance.
- Worsening-condition add-on: You can generally purchase additional coverage for a pre-existing medical condition that worsens during the trip.
- Full disclosure: Failing to disclose medical information, even if it seems minor to you, may give the company grounds to refuse payment for treatment abroad.
What affects the price of the insurance?
The price is determined by the risk level of both the insured person and the trip:
- Age: The older the traveler, the higher the daily premiumThe periodic payment made to the insurance company..
- Previous medical condition: You must inform the company about existing or previous medical conditions.
- Destination and length of stay: The longer the trip, the higher the premium. Some destinations are more expensive than others.
Common mistakes and what to learn from them
- Buying at Natbag (נתב״ג; Ben Gurion Airport): A last-minute purchase prevents you from comparing prices and checking whether the policy is genuinely suitable.
- Assuming "they are all the same": There are significant differences in deductibles and in the service quality of the various apps, such as direct payment to a doctor without having to submit receipts.
- Using the free insurance provided by a credit card: It generally provides only very basic coverage. Make sure it is sufficient for your needs before relying on it.
- Using a "default" policy even when you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Bottom line
Travel insurance abroad is your ticket to accessing healthcare overseas without going bankrupt. It is intended to provide assistance in emergencies abroad and give you peace of mind. The policy generally covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation, and it may offer add-ons such as baggage coverage or trip cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy insurance after I have already left Israel?
Generally not. Most companies require the policy to be purchased while you are still in Israel.
What should I do if I need to see a doctor abroad?
Contact the assistance center. Most companies now offer apps through which you can consult a doctor or receive money on a prepaid card to pay on the spot.
In summary
Travel insurance is the simplest way to put medical worries aside and focus on your vacation. A small investment of a few dollars a day ensures that even if your plans change, you will always have medical and financial assistance available.