Inadequate coverage for illness abroad

People who travel or live abroad may wrongly assume that medical treatment to which they are accustomed in their native country will be available, affordable or covered by their medical insurance policy if they should fall ill abroad. Some insurers will not handle foreign language claims or foreign currency bills. Further, they will not pay for locally available treatment or drugs unless the treatment is recognized in the home country. Pre-existing conditions are often not covered, for example, birth defects and AIDS.