Traveling internationally is an exciting experience, but you can also be faced with complicated situations. Getting an excellent international health insurance plan is essential when traveling to foreign countries. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, you shouldn't have to worry about any unexpected accidents or illnesses. Global health insurance coverage can help eliminate the obstacles of currency and language when seeking medical treatment or need other traveling assistance.

The international market includes: U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad, non-U.S. citizens traveling or residing outside of their home countries, U.S.-based corporations with employees and families traveling or residing abroad, yacht crew, diplomats, missionaries, and students.

The most important part of the international coverage is the Emergency Medical Evacuation, which will provide transportation to the nearest medical facility in an emergency situation. This is especially important in the less developed countries, where the medical care might not be as advanced. The patient may then be air-lifted to a hospital where the necessary medical attention will be available.

The international plans have a deductible that the insured has to meet before the insurance company will pay for the benefits. The deductibles ranges from $250 to $1000 per person and per year, or policy period. The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium will be. After the deductible is met, the insurance company will pay the bills at 100%. Domestic insurance plans usually also have a deductible to be met by the policy- holder, and in addition, co-insurance. The co-insurance is usually 80/20 after the deductible is met, and the insured is also responsible for 20% of the bills after the deductible is met. The international plan offers more flexibility when it comes to doctors and hospitals; you have the freedom to go anywhere! There are no provider networks.If you use your U.S. policy when traveling abroad in an emergency situation, the out-of-network deductible will double, and the co-insurance will most likely be 50/50 instead of 80/20, and therefore you'll be out of your pocket with some serious money!

The following are five questions you should ask your health insurance agent, prior to making a purchasing decision:

1. What is the maximum coverage amount for each family member? Does the plan offer full coverage for hospitalization? Does it provide full coverage to all family members? Does it cover you only in your current country of residence, or can you return to the U.S. for any treatment?

2. Does it provide for emergency medical transportation services, (air-ambulance)? If it doesn't, this will run you anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 per incident