When combined with the refusal of many US-based health insurance plans to pay for care out of the country, the patient may be at risk for large medical bills unless covered by travel accident and illness insurance. Although return of mortal remains seems straightforward, this can be a very difficult problem in some countries. This situation can be further complicated if the casket must land in other countries with even more stringent standards than the originating country. Knowing which funeral homes in the country of origin are acceptable to the receiving and final destination countries is critical in what will already be a very trying time for those accompanying. Knowledgeable travel insurance and travel assistance firms are greatly appreciated at these times.
Travel assistance is a broad-based area of service.
It can be as simple as getting lost and requiring an interpreter for assistance to reach your destination. Other things that are offered are assistance in finding an English-speaking physician, dentist or lawyer. Travel assistance also comes into play in accident or illness in determining the medical facilities that are available and capable of meeting patient needs. There are many other valuable services offered under this umbrella. However, most major travel insurance companies will now waive the exclusionary period if the policy is purchased within a specified time of booking the trip.