International travel assistance insurance is your indispensable companion for exploring the world with peace of mind. Unlike traditional insurance, it offers immediate support in your language 24/7, managing any medical or logistical emergency without you having to spend your own money. In Baraglo, we protect you with clear and affordable plans so you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.
International travel assistance insurance is your indispensable companion for exploring the world with peace of mind. Unlike traditional insurance, it offers immediate support in your language 24/7, managing any medical or logistical emergency without you having to spend your own money. At Baraglo, we protect you with clear and affordable plans so you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.
International Travel Assistance Insurance: Coverage and Plans
What is international travel assistance insurance?
International travel assistance insurance is much more than a simple policy; it's a comprehensive support service designed to protect you from any unforeseen event away from home. Imagine having a team of experts available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who speak your language and are ready to resolve everything from a serious medical emergency to the loss of your passport. That's the essence of travel assistance.
It is essential to differentiate it from your local health insurance. The coverage of your EPS, Isapre, or prepaid health plan generally ends at your country's borders. Once abroad, the costs of any medical attention fall directly on you, and these can amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. International assistance insurance fills that void, providing a financial and logistical safety net anywhere in the world.
The key difference: assistance vs. insurance
Here lies the fundamental advantage and the reason why at Baraglo we specialize in "assistance." The difference is simple yet crucial:
- A traditional travel insurance often operates under a reimbursement model. This means that, during an emergency, you first pay all expenses out of your pocket (hospitalization, consultations, medications). Then, upon returning to your country, you initiate a process for the insurer to refund your money, which can be a slow and complex process.
- Travel assistance, such as that offered by Baraglo, works proactively. Unlike insurance that reimburses, assistance like Baraglo's manages and coordinates your medical care 24/7 without you having to pay out of pocket. In an emergency, you contact our central office, and we take care of everything: we coordinate a doctor's visit to your hotel, manage admission to a hospital, guarantee direct payments to the medical center, and monitor your condition. You don't disburse money for the included coverages.
Baraglo, as a leader in assistance for travelers from Latin America, understands your needs. We know that traveling should be an experience of discovery, not worry. That's why our service is designed to be your invisible co-pilot, ensuring that if something goes wrong, you'll have the best support immediately and efficiently, without language barriers or bureaucratic complications.
Essential coverages your travel assistance must include
When choosing international travel assistance insurance, not all plans are created equal. It is vital to ensure that your policy includes a robust set of coverages that protect you from the most common and costly unforeseen events. These are the protections that should never be missing from your plan.
Medical assistance due to illness or accident
This is, without a doubt, the backbone of any travel assistance. It covers medical expenses resulting from a sudden illness or an accident that occurred during your trip. This includes:
- Medical fees and consultations.
- Hospitalization and surgical interventions.
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests, etc.).
- Prescription medications.
- Emergency dental care.
The coverage amount is crucial. For destinations with affordable healthcare systems, an amount of USD 35,000 may be sufficient. However, for countries like the United States, Canada, or Japan, where medicine is extremely expensive, higher coverage is essential. To give you an idea, a simple emergency room visit for a fracture can cost more than $15,000 USD. The average cost of an appendectomy in the United States can exceed $50,000 USD. Our Essential Plus Plan covers you for that amount for only $5.29 USD per day. Therefore, it is vital to choose a plan with adequate coverage like those we offer at Baraglo.
Medical and funeral repatriation
This is a coverage that many underestimate, but it is of vital importance. If you suffer a serious accident or illness that prevents you from returning to your country on a conventional commercial flight, medical repatriation covers the cost of a special transfer, often in an ambulance aircraft with medical personnel. This type of service can easily cost between $50,000 and more than $150,000 USD if paid privately.
Similarly, in the tragic event of death, funeral repatriation handles the complex and costly procedures and the transfer of the body back to its country of origin, relieving the family of an overwhelming logistical and economic burden at such a difficult time.
Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
Arriving at your destination and discovering that your suitcase is not there is one of the biggest frustrations for a traveler. Good assistance protects you in these scenarios:
- Luggage delay: If your suitcase is delayed (generally more than 6-12 hours), assistance provides you with financial compensation so you can buy essential items (clothes, toiletries) while you wait.
- Lost or stolen luggage: If the airline definitively loses your luggage or it is stolen, assistance provides you with additional compensation to what the airline may offer, which is usually very limited.
Expenses for trip cancellation or interruption
Sometimes, unforeseen events happen even before you start traveling or force you to return earlier than planned. This coverage financially protects you and reimburses you for non-recoverable travel expenses (flights, hotels, tours) if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to a force majeure event covered in the policy. Valid reasons usually include:
- Serious illness or death of the policyholder, a direct family member, or your travel companion.
- Unexpected court summons.
- Job loss.
This coverage transforms a potential financial disaster into a mere setback, allowing you to reschedule your adventure for later.
Legal assistance and advancement of funds for bail bonds
Having a legal problem in a foreign country, where you do not know the laws or the language, can be a nightmare. Legal assistance gives you access to a lawyer for advice if you are accidentally involved in a problem with justice (for example, a traffic accident). Additionally, most high-end plans include an advance of funds to pay a judicial bond and avoid preventive detention.
Considering these coverages when contracting your plan is the best investment to guarantee a safe trip without financial setbacks.
Is travel assistance insurance mandatory?
The obligation to have international travel assistance insurance depends exclusively on the country or region you plan to visit. However, beyond the obligation, it is a universal recommendation for the peace of mind and financial security it provides. Let's analyze the most common cases.
The Schengen Area: an indispensable requirement
For most Latin American travelers who wish to visit Europe, this is the most well-known case. All 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area require as an obligatory entry requirement that tourists have Schengen travel insurance. To enter the Schengen Area, a minimum medical coverage of €30,000 is required. Baraglo's Standard plan offers $35,000 USD, meeting and exceeding the requirement.
This insurance must cover medical assistance for illness and accident, and medical and funeral repatriation. The immigration officer has the authority to request proof of your policy upon your arrival, and not having it can result in denial of entry. Our Standard, Essential Plus, and Premium plans far exceed this requirement, guaranteeing your smooth entry.
Other destinations that require or strongly recommend it
In addition to the Schengen Area, a growing number of countries have implemented similar requirements to protect both tourists and their own healthcare systems. Some examples are:
- Cuba: It is mandatory for all foreigners to present a medical assistance policy to enter the country.
- Turkey: Although it depends on the type of visa, it is highly recommended and often required.
- Argentina and Chile: On several occasions, especially during and after the pandemic, they have established mandatory requirements. It is crucial to verify the current requirements before traveling.
The case of the United States: not mandatory, but a financial necessity
The United States does not require travel insurance to enter as a tourist. Paradoxically, it is the destination where having assistance is most crucial. The American healthcare system is private and notoriously the most expensive in the world. A minor accident or illness can generate bills of thousands of dollars, and a serious emergency can lead to lifelong debt.
Some examples of average medical costs in the U.S.:
- Emergency room consultation: $1,500 - $3,000 USD (not including tests).
- Hospitalization day: $4,000 - $10,000 USD.
- Appendicitis surgery: $30,000 - $60,000 USD.
- Treatment for a broken leg: $20,000 - $40,000 USD.
Traveling without assistance for traveling to the United States with high coverage (we recommend a minimum of USD 50,000, like our Essential Plus plan) is a very high-risk financial gamble. The investment in travel assistance is minimal compared to the potential debt you could face.
Baraglo international assistance plans: prices and coverages
At Baraglo, we believe in transparency and simplicity. Unlike competitors who hide their prices behind forms, we clearly show you what you get and how much it costs. We understand that every traveler and every trip is unique, so we have designed a portfolio of plans that adapts to your needs and budget. And most importantly: we are a direct provider, not a comparator. This means that when you need us, you will speak directly with us, without intermediaries, guaranteeing faster and more efficient service.
International assistance insurance costs less than a daily coffee; Baraglo plans start at $2.99 USD per day. Below, we present our main plans so you can choose with complete confidence.
| Plan |
Maximum Medical Coverage |
Ideal For |
Price per Day/Person |
| Visa Schengen |
USD $30,000 |
Travelers from Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Bolivia applying for a Schengen visa. |
From $2.99 USD |
| Standard |
USD $35,000 |
Europe (meets Schengen requirements), South America, Southeast Asia. |
From $4.99 USD |
| Essential Plus |
USD $50,000 |
United States, Canada, Caribbean, Japan and multi-destination trips. Excellent coverage/price ratio. |
From $5.29 USD |
| Premium |
USD $100,000 |
Travelers seeking maximum peace of mind, long trips, families, or exotic destinations. |
From $8.99 USD |
Detailed analysis of each plan:
- Visa Schengen Plan: This is a specific and economical solution designed exclusively for citizens of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Bolivia, who need to present a policy with USD 30,000 (or €30,000) coverage as part of their Schengen visa application process. It strictly complies with the requirement at an unbeatable price. For other LATAM citizens traveling to Europe without a visa, the recommended plan is the Standard.
- Standard Plan: It is our quintessential "Europe Plan" for most Latin Americans. With USD 35,000 of coverage, you not only more than meet the Schengen requirement, but you also travel with solid protection for most destinations in the world, especially Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia.
- Essential Plus Plan: We consider this plan the ideal balance point between price and protection. For just a few cents more per day than the Standard plan, you raise your coverage to USD 50,000. It is the smart and highly recommended choice for trips to the United States, Canada, and any destination where medical care is expensive. It gives you a much greater margin of safety against serious unforeseen events.
- Premium Plan: For the traveler who leaves nothing to chance. With USD 100,000 of medical coverage, this plan offers maximum peace of mind. It is ideal for long trips, family vacations with children, people with pre-existing conditions (conditions apply), or for those who venture to remote destinations where medical evacuation might be necessary.
Important note about the Basic Plan and older travelers: Our Basic plan, with USD 20,000 coverage, is not mentioned here as it is not suitable for traveling to Europe/Schengen Area as it does not meet the minimum required. It is an option for short trips to neighboring countries. Additionally, for travelers over 75 years of age, a 50% surcharge applies to the price of the chosen plan, guaranteeing the same quality of coverage for our most experienced travelers. You can quote your travel assistance here and get the final price in seconds.
How to activate your Baraglo assistance in case of an emergency
Knowing that you have coverage is important, but knowing how to use it quickly and effectively in a stressful moment is crucial. At Baraglo, we have simplified the process as much as possible so that you receive help without delay. Remember: our goal is that you pay nothing out of pocket for covered emergencies.
If you face a medical or any other type of emergency during your trip, follow these simple steps:
-
Contact us immediately. Before going to a hospital or paying for any service (except in cases of imminent life-threatening risk), contact our Emergency Center. We are available 24/7 through multiple channels:
- WhatsApp: The easiest and fastest way. Add our number to your contacts before traveling.
- International phone call: We have collect call numbers from most countries.
- Baraglo App: Access all contact details and your policy directly from our application.
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Have your information handy. When you contact us, one of our advisors will ask for your full name and policy number or identification document. Describe the situation as clearly as possible: what happened, where you are, and what kind of help you need.
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Follow our instructions. From that moment on, we take control. Depending on your situation, we can:
- Coordinate sending a doctor to your hotel.
- Direct you to the nearest hospital or clinic in our network of providers.
- Manage an online medical consultation via video call.
- Guarantee direct payment with the medical center so you don't have to use your credit card.
- Provide advice for the next steps in case of document theft or legal problems.
The most important message is: call us first. By centralizing management through us, we ensure that you receive the best possible care and activate direct payment coverage, freeing you from the financial burden in a moment of vulnerability. We are with you, in your language, every step of the way.
Ready to travel with the peace of mind you deserve? Don't leave your safety to chance. Quote and purchase your international travel assistance insurance with Baraglo in under 3 minutes and travel protected to any corner of the planet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between travel insurance and travel assistance?
Traditional travel insurance generally works on a reimbursement basis, meaning you pay for the service and then request reimbursement. Travel assistance, like Baraglo's, manages and covers the cost of the emergency at the moment, so you don't have to use your own money.
How much does international travel assistance insurance cost?
The cost varies depending on the destination, length of travel, and coverage level. At Baraglo, we offer transparent plans starting from $2.99 USD per day, allowing you to choose the protection that best suits your budget and needs.
What travel assistance insurance do I need to travel to Europe?
To enter the Schengen Area, you need a minimum coverage of €30,000. Our Standard (with USD 35k), Essential Plus (USD 50k), and Premium (USD 100k) plans meet and exceed this requirement, ensuring your smooth entry.
Can I purchase assistance if I am already traveling?
No, international travel assistance insurance must always be purchased before starting your trip and from your country of residence. This is an essential condition for the coverage to be valid.