Health Insurance during Summer Vacations

Many Americans are enjoying their summer vacations and using their health plans. They experience everything from allergies to sunburns, bee stings to insect bites, and dehydration to drowning. Some might be prevented, while others might require emergent care. Consumers shared their stories:

• COVID—thanks to another summer surge—infected several employees in a workplace. All had employer-sponsored health insurance, but they had to pay for at-home tests. Health plans no longer covered them at no charge. (One used Paxlovid, which her health plan covered.)
• Hot weather affected a runner. The oncourse medical staff provided cold compresses and fluids, and she recovered quickly. The staff recommended that she go to an emergency room if symptoms such as fever or vomiting occurred, which would’ve required use of her health insurance.
• A boating accident resulted in a child’s broken arm and required a trip to an emergency room. Fortunately, it was not a severe break, and the cast was a huge hit with family and friends. The parents expect to incur significant out-of-pocket costs after their health plan adjudicates the bill.  

Summer is full of surprises, some of which are not welcomed. While these consumers may not have always needed to use it, the best advice might be to carry your health insurance card at all times. In other words, these consumers were Mastering Health Insurance.

Photo: Flowers in full bloom