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How To Survive a Dental Emergency Abroad | WorldTrips Travel Insurance

Written by WorldTrips | August 1, 2024

Read the Other Blogs in the Accident-Prone Tourist Series:

Dear WorldTrips,

As a travel writer, I'm always on the road. And as someone who's accident prone, I've learned the benefits of preparing for the unpredictable by purchasing travel medical insurance. Which brings me to a recent trip to Germany.

Prior to a conference, I visited several major cities throughout Germany. I'm happy to say, despite being a klutz (a word of German origin, by the way), I didn't trip or fall even once. It seemed like I was going to get through the trip without incident, until a fateful encounter with a gummy bear.

You see, instead of placing chocolates on pillows, hotels throughout Germany showcase what seems to be their national snack of choice – gummy bears. And, let me just tell you… they're delicious. And chewy. Very, very chewy.

At one four-star hotel, a bag of gummy bears was waiting for consumption upon check-in. Delighted, I popped a morsel into my mouth and proceeded to chew. Then, a funny thing happened. Well, not so funny. A dental crown on one of my teeth was suctioned off by a dreaded gummy bear. This resulted in instant pain. A lot of it.

In horror, I stared at it in my hand and wondered: what should I do? And, will my travel medical insurance cover dental mishaps whilst overseas?

In this case, the hotel concierge was able to locate a dentist just across the street. Despite the conveniently located dentist, I still wasn't sure if my medical bills for the emergency procedure would be covered. Do you offer insurance for travelers with an incessant sweet tooth?

Sincerely,

The Accident-Prone Tourist

 

Dear Accident-Prone Tourist,

You're in luck! Our Atlas Travel medical insurance plan includes an Emergency Dental benefit that covers up to $300 for eligible dental treatment per certificate period.

This benefit is not subject to your deductible. It provides coverage for emergency dental treatment necessary to: 

  1. resolve pain or
  2. restore or replace teeth lost or damaged in a covered accident.

If a follow-up dentist visit is required upon returning home, Atlas Travel’s benefit period will cover eligible medical expenses in your home country for 90 days after the beginning of treatment, as long as the related injury or illness:

  • is eligible under your coverage,
  • began while your coverage was still in effect, and
  • treatment began while you were outside your home country.

Seeking Dental Treatment

For future reference, WorldTrips can provide you with referrals to dental practices in Germany (or another destination) that speak English. Give us a call at +1 (317) 262-2132 (collect calls accepted) when traveling outside the United States, or (800) 605-2282 (toll-free) when traveling within the United States.

Sincerely,

WorldTrips