For most people international travel is an exciting event, whether for business or pleasure most people welcome the opportunity to see new sites, countries, and experience a totally different culture. Medical insurance while travelling is very important for anyone wanting to ensure quality health care in case of an illness or accident. Length of stay medical insurance is a practical and affordable way to ensure adequate medical coverage in the event of a health insurance claim while travelling abroad.

When traveling abroad whether it is for business, study or pleasure, purchasing the right and most affordable health insurance can be a critical decision. Length of stay in a foreign country, as well as frequency of travel and cost of returning to your own country, will help determine the type of coverage required. There are many plans to consider but usually they are broken into two separate categories: short-term (less than 182 days) and

long-term (182 days plus).

Short-term medical health insurance is usually very reasonably price due to the lower risk factor of illness or injury during your visit abroad. Long-term rates are determined by a number of factors and one of the key factors is length of stay. For example an individual can purchase a one year travel policy but stipulate they will be returning to their homeland every 30, 60, 90, or longer. The shorter the time out of the country again the lower the risk of a health claim and the rate lowers. However, by purchasing a one year policy, the rate is also lower than if purchasing a per visit short-term policy. This type of long-term policy is highly attractive to international students, business people and frequent travelers. Long-term policies can be purchased for extended no return home requirements and can be more costly.

Another reason for the lower rate for shorter interludes into foreign countries is the usage of after claim or incident treatment. For example, if a health insurance claim is made for a broken bone, chances are high that follow up services like physiotherapy will be required. If the claimant is returning home once every 30 days or less it is highly probable that they would use a local specialist for their treatment, lowering the international health insurance claim amount.

Previous medical history and existing conditions also highly affect medical insurance rates both for domestic and international coverage. Insurance policy rates are quoted on risk factor. An individual with a history of extended care facility length of stay will pay a higher rate than someone with no history just as someone that is older or has frequent visits to health facilities or someone that has recently placed a medical insurance health claim.