The Real Risk of Traveling Without Health Insurance

By Jakey Fishman – Director of Client Management
Fishman & Associates Insurance Services

As Pesach approaches, many in our community are preparing to travel abroad—whether to Eretz Yisroel, Europe, or elsewhere. With so many moving parts to organize—flights, hotels, and meals—it’s easy to forget one of the most important things: traveler’s health insurance.

Let me explain—there are two very different types of traveler’s insurance, and it’s important to understand the distinction. Trip insurance is what you’ll sometimes see offered when booking a flight or through your credit card. It usually covers things like cancellations, lost luggage, or delays. And while some credit cards offer limited medical coverage, it’s typically only a few thousand dollars, which barely scratches the surface in a real emergency. What you actually need when leaving the country is travel health insurance—a separate policy that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency surgeries, and even medical evacuations while you’re outside the U.S. And here’s the key: you have to buy it before you leave.

We’ve seen what can happen when people travel without the right coverage. A young member of our community was in Southeast Asia this past summer when she suffered a serious medical emergency and had to be air-vacced to another country with more advanced medical infrastructure. She didn’t have travel health insurance, and her family has been left battling with her primary U.S. insurer to cover the costs. The situation was deeply stressful, financially draining—and entirely avoidable.

Another community member had long dreamed of taking his family on their first trip to Eretz Yisroel. Early in the trip while in Tzfas, his wife slipped on ice and was injured. Besides the disruption to their plans, they were left with a bill of over $8,000, none of which was covered by their regular insurance. What should have been a meaningful and uplifting trip turned into a major financial headache—all because they didn’t realize they needed separate coverage for overseas care.

On the flip side, we all recall the harrowing story of Shlomy Greenwald’s medical emergency in Turkey. Baruch Hashem he had the foresight to purchase comprehensive business travel insurance that provided coverage while he was overseas. I personally spoke with him, and he continues to emphasize the paramount importance of having genuine travel insurance in place for anyone embarking on an international journey.

Shlomy’s medical bills were astronomical, and without the insurance coverage, the financial burden would have been an insurmountable obstacle. He can’t help but shudder to think about the dire consequences that would have unfolded had he not meticulously planned ahead. His message is crystal clear: don’t risk it. Whether for business or leisure, proper travel insurance is not a mere suggestion—it’s an absolute necessity.

After working through so many of these situations, we’ve found that GeoBlue/HTH Worldwide offers a reliable and affordable option. The plan provides up to $1 million in medical coverage, connects with the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, and costs just a few dollars per day. In many cases, GeoBlue/HTH will deal directly with hospitals and providers around the world, meaning you may not have to lay out any money up front—or even fill out a claim form. The signup process is quick, and coverage begins the moment you leave the country.

Before you finalize your travel plans, take a moment to protect yourself and your family. Whether it’s bochurim going on Merkos Shlichus, families heading to Pesach programs, or travelers spending Yom Tov in Eretz Yisroel—everyone should make sure their entire family is covered.

Click here to purchase travel health insurance through GeoBlue/HTH Worldwide:

If you have questions or need help signing up, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Fishman & Associates Insurance Services
An independent insurance agency based in California, working nationwide across Group Benefits, Individual Health, Life, and Long-Term Care (LTC).
Email: [email protected]