Quick summary for busy readers:
Travel insurance generally doesn't cover planned elective or cosmetic surgery: Standard travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events, not medical procedures that you intend to undergo overseas.
Complications from elective surgery are usually excluded: If you travel overseas specifically for elective or cosmetic surgery, claims relating to the procedure or any resulting complications are generally not covered under a standard travel insurance policy.
Specialist cover may be available: Some insurers offer specialist policies for medical tourism. If you're travelling overseas for medical treatment, compare your options carefully to understand what cover is available.
Read your policy before you travel: If you're planning to undergo elective surgery overseas, check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and speak to your insurer so you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.Travelling overseas for elective surgery is becoming more popular than ever -- and you can easily see why with competitive prices and the rising quality of healthcare abroad.
Travelling overseas for elective surgery?
Travelling overseas for elective surgery, often referred to as medical tourism, has become increasingly popular, with destinations such as Singapore, India and Thailand attracting travellers seeking affordable medical and cosmetic procedures.
If you're planning to undergo elective or cosmetic surgery overseas, it's important to understand how it may affect your travel insurance. Whether you're travelling for laser eye surgery, dental treatment or cosmetic surgery, check your policy carefully before you travel so you understand what is and isn't covered.
Does travel insurance cover elective surgery overseas?
Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events, not situations where the risk is known in advance. Travelling overseas specifically for elective or cosmetic surgery is considered a high-risk activity, which means most standard travel insurance policies will not provide cover.
What does this mean?
If the primary purpose of your trip is to undergo cosmetic or elective surgery overseas, many insurers won't cover your trip at all.
Depending on the insurer, travelling overseas primarily for elective surgery may affect more than just your medical cover. Some insurers may decline to provide cover for the trip altogether, meaning you may not be able to claim for other insured events, such as lost luggage or trip disruption. Always check your PDS to understand what cover applies..
What are the alternatives?
As medical tourism has become more popular, specialist insurance products have emerged to help cover travellers undergoing medical treatment overseas.
At the time of writing, specialist providers such as Global Protective Solutions (GPS) offer insurance designed for medical tourism. As products and availability can change, always review the policy carefully to ensure it meets your needs.
If you're considering medical tourism, make sure you understand exactly what is and isn't covered before you travel, including cover for complications, cancellations and follow-up treatment.
Is it worth travelling overseas for elective surgery?
Travelling overseas for elective or cosmetic surgery may offer cost savings, but it's important to consider more than just the price of the procedure.
When comparing costs, factor in expenses such as flights, accommodation, travel insurance, follow-up appointments and any additional treatment that may be required if complications arise. You should also consider the practicalities of recovering away from home and whether you'll have access to appropriate aftercare once you return to New Zealand.
Before making a decision, research your chosen healthcare provider thoroughly, understand the potential risks and ensure you know what your travel insurance policy will and won't cover.
