The idea of health insurance is somewhat universal, though it may be structured differently in different parts of the world. However, most regular forms of health insurance are limited to the country of origin. If the insured party crosses a national border, they are no longer entitled to medical coverage under their original insurance. This means that overseas travelers need to purchase additional insurance before they leave home, or face the prospect of being without coverage during their trip.
Companies like Reliance travel insurance have developed a range of products to fill this gap. Known alternatively as visitor health insurance, visitor medical insurance, travel insurance, and global health insurance, the various plans work much the same as any other form of insurance. Travelers pay a premium to the insurance company, who pools together premiums from all travelers. That fund is then used to pay for any medical treatment that is required by individual travelers.
It is possible to get a health policy for just about any type of travel. Some policies are based on the length and purpose of travel while others are specific to a given country or continent. Still others, like global health insurance, are valid in almost every country in the world and can last for years for those who are permanent travelers, such as sailors, missionaries, students , and even global citizens who are constantly traveling.