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Happy, Healthy Honeymoons

It's the moment you have both been waiting for — you've tied the knot, your family and friends have wished you well and now it's time for your much-anticipated honeymoon. To ensure your honeymoon and happily-ever-after is everything you dreamed it would be, take a few steps to plan ahead for health needs and insurance coverage during and after your trip. Make sure you've contacted your health insurer to see what type of coverage you have when you're away from home, and how to access that coverage. If your plan doesn't offer a travel benefit, consider traveler's insurance. Also look into vaccinations and joint health benefits before you board the plane.

Your Health Benefits
It is important to know the difference between travel medical coverage and travel protection. Travel medical coverage is designed to reimburse you for unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. While there are many types of supplemental travel insurance options covering everything from lost luggage to canceled vacations, most health insurers cover urgent care expenses while members are traveling outside their local network. Contact your health insurer to find out exactly what your benefits cover when traveling.

Traveler's Insurance
Traveler's insurance isn't honeymoon "mandatory," but it does offer peace of mind. This supplemental coverage can eliminate lots of red tape should your trip be delayed, baggage lost or rental car damaged. More importantly, for trips overseas, travel insurance can supplement your health coverage in case of illness or accident. Look for plans that cover emergency health services, treatment and prescription drug costs in the country you're visiting.

For example, if you catch a severe case of Montezuma's Revenge (a.k.a. traveler's diarrhea), travel insurance can help you get the treatment and medication your body will need to recover. And the good news is that travel insurance is reasonably priced, usually well under $100 per person. Contact your travel agent for advice on finding a policy that fits your needs.

Be Healthy on Your Honeymoon
It's time for your body to relax and detox from the stress and excitement of planning a wedding, all the rich food and possible jet lag from a transcontinental flight. Don't be surprised if you are physically and mentally exhausted, so take it slow the first few days of your honeymoon, rejuvenate and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Make sure you're at your best by staying well-hydrated, but remember to stock up on bottled water and eat only well-cooked food. If your honeymoon is in an exotic locale, avoid salads, fruit (unless it has been peeled by you personally), raw fish and undercooked meat whenever possible.

For more information on vaccinations and healthy travel tips visit the Center for Disease Control Traveler's Health Site.

Choosing Health Coverage When "Me" Becomes "We"
For most health insurance coverage, you have around 30 days after your marriage to add your spouse as a dependent without providing proof of insurability. It can make sense to choose one health benefits plan to cover both of you, since health benefits can be less expensive for couples than they are for singles.

Start by reviewing your individual plans and mapping out what each plan offers. For example, one plan may offer a larger employer contribution, but could leave you with higher premiums, deductibles or co-payments, so it's important to do your homework. Also, make a list of what's most important to you and your spouse about your health benefits currently. Here's a sample checklist:

Benefits Checklist: Choosing What's Important to Us
The following benefits checklist can help you prioritize what may be important to you in choosing a health plan:

Specific Doctor, Hospital or Medical Facility
Premiums, Co-payments, and Deductibles
Vision and Dental Benefits
Choosing Specialists Without a Referral
Life Insurance
Short Term and Long Term Disability
Prescription Costs
Discounts for Vitamins, Fitness Centers or Alternative Health Care Providers

Now, compare the benefits of each of your plans to the checklist to maximize your benefits and financial security at this stage of life.

More Information for Newlyweds:
Health Insurance 101
Five Tips to Pick the Best Benefits
Newly Married Profile (PDF)
Your Health Benefits Priorities

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Related Stories:
Newlyweds: Quick Tips to Maximize Your Health Benefits As a Couple
Tying the Knot: What Not to Forget About Health Benefits and Financial Planning
Going to the Chapel? Five Tips to Pick the Best Benefits