Excess Health Insurance: Why It’s Important If You Get Sick While Traveling

Excess health insurance can be a vital safety net when traveling, especially if your primary health plan falls short abroad. Learn how Generali Global Assistance ’s travel protection plans may help cover unexpected medical costs and why excess coverage matters now more than ever.

Traveling today involves more unpredictability than ever—whether it’s shifting health regulations, rising medical costs, or the complexity of international healthcare systems. That’s why understanding how excess health insurance works—and how it fits into your travel protection plan—is important before your next trip.

What Is Excess Health Insurance?

Excess health insurance is a type of coverage that may help pay for eligible medical expenses after your primary health insurance has paid its portion. It’s not a replacement for your regular health plan, but a valuable supplement—especially when traveling. If your primary insurer does not cover certain expenses, excess insurance may reimburse you for those costs, up to the limits of your travel protection plan.

Generali Global Assistance includes excess health coverage in its travel protection plans, offering travelers support when their primary health coverage falls short—particularly abroad.

Why Primary Coverage May Not Be Enough

Most U.S.-based health insurance plans are designed for domestic care. That means they often have limited or no coverage for medical services received overseas. Even within the U.S., out-of-network providers can lead to high out-of-pocket costs. If you get sick or injured while traveling, your primary insurer may only cover a portion of the bill—or none at all.

For example, if you’re hospitalized in Europe or need emergency care in Southeast Asia, your primary health plan might not cover international providers. That’s where excess insurance may help.

Also read: The surprising connection beween travel and your health

How Generali Global Assistance’s Excess Coverage Works

Generali Global Assistance’s travel protection plans—such as the Premium Plan—may offer up to $250,000 per person in coverage for necessary medical and emergency dental care costs incurred during a covered trip. This may include:

Physician and nurse services
Hospital charges
Local ambulance transportation
Prescription medications
Therapeutic services

Coverage is subject to limitations, exclusions, and conditions. Refer to the Plan documents for full details.

Why This Matters Now

With global travel rebounding and healthcare systems costing more, travelers face new challenges. Medical emergencies abroad may be costly and complicated. Excess health coverage helps ensure you’re not left with unexpected bills or denied care due to coverage gaps.

Additionally, many international providers require payment upfront. Generali Global Assistance’s medical case managers may help coordinate care and payment, working directly with providers and your primary insurer to help streamline the process.

Coordinating Primary and Excess Coverage

If you experience a medical emergency while traveling, it’s important to notify both your primary health insurer and your travel protection provider. Generali Global Assistance’s support team is trained to assist with international medical cases, including documentation, billing, and coordination with your primary health insurer—so you can focus on recovery.

Common Questions About Travel Health Coverage

Travelers often ask how excess insurance works with pre-existing conditions, what’s covered, and how to file a claim. Generali Global Assistance offers detailed resources and sample plan documents to help you understand your coverage. You can also contact customer service for personalized support.

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Get a Quote Today

Travel with confidence knowing your travel protection plan may help with unexpected medical costs. Generali Global Assistance’s travel protection plans offer valuable coverage options, including excess health coverage. Get a fast and free quote today—no obligation required.