Missionary Health Insurance Helps You As You Help Others
Working internationally as a missionary can create a great sense of fulfillment and joy, but it also carries certain risky elements with it, just as any sort of travel experience does. With that in mind, you’ll certainly want to purchase missionary health insurance as you prepare to depart. But with many choices available, which travel insurance policy is right for you?
Missionary health insurance can be classified into two primary types: short and long term. These classifications can be explained very easily; short term insurance for missionaries is designed for persons taking brief trips lasting anywhere from 5 days to 24 months. Long term insurance is available in annual increments and is designed for missionaries who are residing in a foreign country for a long period of time and/or who are making frequent trips to another country.
If you’re traveling as a missionary as part of large group, you may be able to participate in a group missionary insurance plan. This may help make it easier to absorb some of the costs associated with the plan as you may be able to get a cheaper rate when enrolling with your colleagues. Check with your insurance policy representative to learn more about this option.
Once you’ve settled on the terms of coverage you need, your next decision will revolve around how to purchase it. As with so many other goods and services, the Internet has made it very easy to make an informed, savvy purchase decision for missionary travel insurance.
Do a quick Google search and you’re bound to come across a number of missionary insurance providers. Do some research, find out which ones are the most reputable, and from there you can begin requesting quotes on pricing and plan features. Be sure you understand all the various features of a plan before making a decision, otherwise you may see a lower rate and not realize it’s missing critical elements.
While online research is easy and convenient, not everyone will feel comfortable making their purchase online. In that case, a great idea is to ask fellow missionaries and church congregation members if they can recommend any policies based on their own experience. You can even gather recommendations from the U.S. State Department, as they offer information on this subject.
In terms of pricing, you’ll find that prices vary according to the terms and conditions of the policy you purchase. Deductibles are available at a number of levels, and that is a factor that certainly influences the price. Your policy maximum will also help dictate the expense for this benefit. It’d be a good idea to talk to other missionaries who have made similar purchases to see what their opinions are on what a reasonable deductible is based on their own personal experience.
Choosing to spread your good fortune and beliefs internationally as a missionary is a commendable choice and an exciting adventure. Be certain that you prepare for the unexpected by purchasing a good missionary medical insurance policy, as you never know what may happen during your travels.
Dan Miller often writes about international insurance.