Insights on Telemedicine and its Connection with Travel Insurance
In the realm of travel, the integration of telemedicine services into travel insurance offerings is becoming increasingly common. One such service is Air Doctor, a telemedicine platform designed to provide remote medical consultations and emergency health support for travellers.
For digital nomads, families on the move, and anyone embarking on an international journey, Air Doctor's telemedicine service offers a sense of reassurance. It allows policyholders from over 75 countries to request a virtual visit with a board-certified doctor 24/7, 365 days a year, no matter where they are in the world [1].
The benefits of telemedicine for travellers are manifold. Firstly, it provides remote access to physicians, enabling travellers to consult doctors over the phone or via video calls, a feature particularly valuable when physical access to healthcare facilities is limited or when travelling in unfamiliar areas [2][3].
During emergencies, telemedicine consultations can quickly assess and advise on medical conditions, potentially avoiding costly or unnecessary hospital visits [2][3]. Moreover, travel insurance companies may assist in coordinating these services with local healthcare providers, managing billing arrangements, and helping ensure that medical expenses are covered under the insurance plan [2][3].
Telemedicine also enables convenient monitoring and follow-up of health conditions, ensuring the appropriateness and necessity of ongoing care, which helps with insurance claim approvals [2][3]. Some travel insurance services connected to telemedicine also coordinate the replacement of critical prescription medications while abroad, although the actual cost might not always be covered by insurance [2].
Air Doctor's telemedicine service network includes about 20,000 doctors in 21 languages and counting. Policyholders have the option to schedule a video chat or an in-person appointment with a doctor (options vary from country to country) [1]. The meetings with Air Doctor's medical professionals are confidential, and no information will be shared with the website directly [1].
Telemedicine consultations may be more affordable than an in-person doctor visit or urgent care service [1]. However, policyholders should reach out to the customer support team to ensure they are fully covered before moving forward with any doctor's recommendations [1].
In summary, telemedicine enhances travel insurance by enabling immediate, remote medical consultations and effective care coordination for travellers, improving safety and reducing barriers to healthcare access while on trips [2][3]. This integration aligns with the broader industry trend of insurers reimbursing telemedicine services similarly to in-person visits, recognising telemedicine's legitimacy and utility in healthcare delivery [2].
For those times when Air Doctor is not available in a particular country, the customer support team can guide travellers to available options, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible no matter the destination.
References: [1] Air Doctor. (n.d.). How it works. Retrieved from https://www.airdoctor.com/how-it-works [2] American Hospital Association. (2020). Telehealth: A New Era in Healthcare Delivery. Retrieved from https://www.aha.org/system/files/2020-04/AHA-Telehealth-A-New-Era-in-Healthcare-Delivery.pdf [3] World Health Organization. (2020). WHO global survey on digital health: Telemedicine. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/331743
- Air Doctor's telemedicine service, a component of travel insurance, provides digital nomads, families, and international travelers with reassurance, allowing them to seek virtual medical advice from board-certified doctors worldwide.
- The integration of telemedicine into travel insurance can be beneficial in various aspects, including avoiding costly hospital visits during emergencies and ensuring the continuous care of health conditions.
- Encompassing about 20,000 doctors in 21 languages, Air Doctor's telemedicine service network enables policyholders to schedule video consultations or in-person appointments, depending on available options within their destination country.
- In cases where Air Doctor is not available in a specific country, the customer support team can help travelers navigate alternative telemedicine options to sustain accessible healthcare during their journeys.
