Europe's heatwave raises travel insurance considerations

The Weather Channel reports that the United Kingdom recorded its hottest May on record this year, with portions of France setting similar records. In some areas, temperatures have reportedly climbed as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit above the seasonal average. If this pattern continues throughout the summer months, it is likely to create challenges for travelers to popular destinations like Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, as well.

In response to these concerns, travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth recently shared a list of key travel insurance coverages that adventurers should consider during the ongoing heatwave:

• Emergency medical coverage can cover hospital visits, urgent care and treatment for heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke when traveling internationally. Waiver coverage for pre-existing conditions may be available when insurance is purchased within 21 days of the initial trip deposit.
• Medical evacuation coverage provides transportation to appropriate medical facilities if local care is limited, unavailable or overwhelmed.
• Travel delay coverage reimburses additional expenses incurred when travel plans are disrupted.
• Trip interruption coverage helps travelers recover non-refundable costs if a trip has to be cut short due to illness or another emergency.
• Emergency assistance services provide round-the-clock support for medical referrals, coordination of care and emergency travel logistics abroad.

In extreme heat, Squaremouth emphasizes that strong medical coverage is critical, as heat-related illnesses often require immediate care, which can become complicated when a person is abroad and not covered by their normal health insurance or Medicare.