medical insurance

[AnnieY]

check out Jp Hayman travel adventures cover most pre-existing injuries based in South of England - very reasonable

woops meant PJ Hayman of Rowlands Castle , Hampshire

 

[MaryEllen Lamothe]

For the most part, at least here in the US, you must buy travel insurance from the country of residence.

I just check with our Kaiser plan and they cover all emergency and urgent care while traveling, less your deductible. Pay the bill and submit a claim. Wow, I was relieved! Leaving on 8/26 and of course (!) there will be no need for this, but it is a relief to know it is there.

 

[Wiebmer]

A request to American pilgrims; past, present and future. I just learned that my health insurance does not cover me while in Europe. In looking on this forum the advice is don't go without it. I did some looking at American insurance companies that offer travel medical insurance and found (1) expensive (2) consumer complaints about them is astronomical. So I would like to know if any American pilgrims can recommend a good insurer. Thank you ERL

Thanks to all for your thoughts on Insurance -- we're going to be on a 49 day walk and are getting both cancellation (in case something happens in the family) as well as extended medical and evacuation insurance (in case something crazy happens!). Yes, it's pricey...but it feels much better to have this support. Right now we're working with "Insuremytrip.com" -- they look at a lot of companies. Goodness, it's confusing, however! So many options! I'll let you all know what we end up with...

 

[joe g texas aggies]

A request to American pilgrims; past, present and future. I just learned that my health insurance does not cover me while in Europe. In looking on this forum the advice is don't go without it. I did some looking at American insurance companies that offer travel medical insurance and found (1) expensive (2) consumer complaints about them is astronomical. So I would like to know if any American pilgrims can recommend a good insurer. Thank you ERL

If you are a USAA member, I recommend that you look at Travel Insured International.

 

[Mike Savage]

Thanks to all for your thoughts on Insurance -- we're going to be on a 49 day walk and are getting both cancellation (in case something happens in the family) as well as extended medical and evacuation insurance (in case something crazy happens!). Yes, it's pricey...but it feels much better to have this support. Right now we're working with "Insuremytrip.com" -- they look at a lot of companies. Goodness, it's confusing, however! So many options! I'll let you all know what we end up with...

Welcome, and do keep in touch here, let us know what you end up with, and mostly bring us along on your Camino!

 

[sneakynin]

I am attempting to get a vacation waver on a prescription refill before I leave on Tuesday (insurance companies are annoying...). If that doesn't work, I'm wondering how difficult it would be for me to get a prescription of a medication from a pharmacy in a town that I'm in for only a night. I did purchase traveler's insurance, and I'll be carrying my current stash of the pills with me.

What have your experiences been with this?

 

[Saint Mike II]

I didn't bother with medical insurance. My experience is that in most places, pilgrims are treated either free or at very little cost.

not my experience at the University Hospital in Salamanca - fee E104.40 regardless of present pilgrim passport.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Not sure about other countries, but here in New Zealand you get free travel insurance which covers medical costs if you purchase your ticket with Visa. I usually do that and then I don't have to bother with separate insurance. I once was very glad for it travelling from NZ to Europe via Japan and my daughter then 10 months old got very sick on the plane with Rota Virus and we spent 7 days in hospital in Japan which cost thousands of dollars. Shit happens eh! Regards, Gitti

Hola Gitti - from what I remember about "credit card" protection there are limitations. Mind (for instance) covers the airline tickets - purchased with MC but as the rest my Camino adventures are purchased "as I go" then MC does not cover. So full medical/travel insurance is required for this Aussie.

 

[Anniesantiago]

not my experience at the University Hospital in Salamanca - fee E104.40 regardless of present pilgrim passport.

Wow! That post was from 5 years ago...

 

[Gailsie]

I would never go anywhere outside the country I reside in without travel insurance. I have never had to use it fortunately but one never knows.

 

[Urban Trekker]

I am attempting to get a vacation waver on a prescription refill before I leave on Tuesday (insurance companies are annoying...). If that doesn't work, I'm wondering how difficult it would be for me to get a prescription of a medication from a pharmacy in a town that I'm in for only a night. I did purchase traveler's insurance, and I'll be carrying my current stash of the pills with me.

What have your experiences been with this?

You can ask your MD for a printout of your medications. I also carry a list of all my medications electronicly. I include the trade and generic names, strengthen, and dosage. That way if you can't buy it across the counter you can see a doctor, show him your paper work to get a prescription and then get your meds refilled.
Buen Camino

 

[EL Guapo]

In reference to insurance ,I purchase a policy through (AAA) . They usually have travel offices in most U.S. Towns. The policy is written by aliantz I think. I do this on all of my out of country trips. I don't bother with trip cancelation policies. Too much fine print and uncovered exceptions to make it worth the extra hassle. Total cost for a month or so is in the $150 range.
In regards to the prescription vacation over ride. I always get the runaround with big brother Insurance for additional meds . What I normally do is pay out of pocket for what ever meds I need to get me through till I return home. Make sure the prescriptions are in the original bottles and no more pills in the bottle than is stated on the container. I've not had a problem entering Spain , but excessive pills in a prescription bottle could be hard to explain . Just a friendly reminder.
I hope this helps.

 

[Atlas Traveler]

I agree with @Gailsie - trafvel medical insurance is inexpensive and worth the small investment. I'm an insurance agent and hear of stories every week of unforeseen accidents and illnesses. Some people have insurance and others don't. The people who don't are usually calling me up trying to get help but it's like to trying to buy home owners insurance after your house has burnt down to the ground.

Because the pilgrimage goes through rural and unfamiliar areas, it's a good idea that your insurance covers rescue, which orchestrates medical evacuation and transportation from the side of the road, the field or even from the side of a mountain.

Safe travels
Adam

 

[movinmaggie]

I would like to suggest that pilgrims take their respective Country's health card with them. I came down with a fairly severe case of bronchitis early on and had two occasions where I needed medical attention both in Burgos and Tricastella. They were very, very helpful. They made a copy of my health card, a copy of my prepaid medical insurance and in both cases scheduled me in with a doctor. There was no charge at either clinic. Another kindness so appreciated…...

 

[joe g texas aggies]

If you are a USAA member, I recommend that you look at Travel Insured International.

I would second this recommendation. I filed a claim with Travel Insured International and they paid the claim without hassle.
The cost of medical care in Spain is very inexpensive compared to the US, but as someone else said, if you need to be evacuated, then you are looking at big bucks.

 

[SYates]

Another insurance option for long term travellers/pilgrims might be also http://www.worldnomads.com Buen Camino, SY

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I had out of country insurance (though short of major injury I knew I could treat myself) and medjet to cover--if needed, medevac (or return of body). I wouldn't count on health care free for pilgrims. I would expect they may write off cheap care via EMTs like blisters or colds, maybe a UTI, but not something serious/costly. I also would not count on pharmacies refilling meds from empty bottle (as I've said before, didn't happen for me I think I was on the Ingles by then)--and THAT was a cheap, generic, non controlled medicine. Definitely do not hope to get controlled meds.

I liked medjet bringing you back to the hospital of your choice, not to the closest one some non-medical number cruncher at the insurance company (or MAYBE some company NURSE) considered acceptable. I get no compensation from medjet, just my opinion on peace of mind.

 

[dougfitz]

I would expect they may write off cheap care via EMTs like blisters or colds, maybe a UTI,

What are EMT, UTI and medjet?

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

sorry. Emergency Medical Technician (paramedic, etc.)...I'm pretty sure if you saw medical personnel in Spain for a foot complaint, it was this sort of medical provider who saw you. Urinary Tract Infection (easy/cheap to diagnose, cheap to treat). Medjet is a company --you pay a joining fee (not truly insurance per se), and if you are hospitalized overseas they will arrange to fly you back to the hospital of your choice. Other insurance-type programs may instead decide if you need to be moved (driven by their costs, not your desire or even necessarily best medical decision)...then they decide how far to move you (again, dollar driven). Anyone who has argued with their insurance company (be it a car accident or medical claim) knows what is right and what is done are not necessarily the same thing. Sorry in advance to any/all who work for insurance companies.

 

[dougfitz]

Emergency Medical Technician (paramedic, etc.)...I'm pretty sure if you saw medical personnel in Spain for a foot complaint, it was this sort of medical provider who saw you. Urinary Tract Infection (easy/cheap to diagnose, cheap to treat).

My experience, now somewhat dated and from Morocco and the UK, not Spain, is that getting to a hospital emergency department is the key. Just turning up at a doctors surgery is an open invitation for them to charge at private rates, perhaps on the basis that your travel insurance will cover your costs, no matter how excessive the charges might be. I don't recall ever being treated by other than a qualified doctor, but then I didn't ask to review his or her qualifications either.

 

[Pathfinder075]

I have tried many brokers and companies since i started planning my walk and am yet to find one that will give me insurance at any cost. So what am i to do. I am told i will probably never get cover in the future. So i can sit at home in the uk and accept that my travelling days are over. Or i can deal with it head on.

I will be walking. Yes i will have an E111, but i will also be carrying enough medication to deal with pretty much any problem that might occur.

 

[movinmaggie]

Since I wrote the post above, I have updated it in another recent thread to correct it. In short, I was mistaken. I assumed there was no charge for my medical treatment on Oct 19 in Astorga because no one asked for payment, nor was I given instructions as to how and where to pay. I would have paid on the spot. After they took a copy of my Canadian health card and a copy of my medical insurance, that was it. After I saw the doctor, they just said Adios. The copy they gave me when I left also showed no specific amount. I 'assumed' there was no charge. But now I have received a Registered letter (30 days after my treatment) requesting payment or legal action will follow. I'm not making a claim with my insurance because the amount is not that great. I will send a wire transfer in Euros. I can write the cost off on my income tax. But while we're in the conversation, if Atlas Traveler is reading this, now that I am 80 years of age as of Nov 2, what do you think my chances are now to even be able to qualify for insurance for future travel? Even though for years, I have perfect scores when it comes to my health…..as I did this year. But I have a friend who is 80 and she has been unable to obtain any trave/medical insurance any more.

 

[Saint Mike II]

This whole question of any type of travel insurance for travellers 75+ really needs investigating. There have been a number of "discussion" letters in the travel sections of the major newspapers in Australia recently, nearly all of them asking "WHY" is it a general cut-off regardless of current or previous medical history. I can understand placing restrictions when there is a current diagnosis but the carte blanche application is discriminatory (imho). With life expectancies, for most "first world" citizens being 80/87 (m/f) we should start agitating for case by case reviews. I (and I am sure many of you) have seen youngersters (under 30) who were definitely a greater insurance risk than any senior citizen I saw on the camino in September. Cheers and best wishes to all pilgrims for 2016.
PS - since my original post it has been pointed out to me that very few countries (probably Japan) have the life expectancy figures I quoted. I will accept this "error", however I still contend that the automatic exclusion of people over 75/80/85 from any form of travel insurance is discriminatory and should/must be challenged. So to all my senior pilgrims keep fighting for your rights. Cheers

 

[grayland]

Is there any information on the U.S. insurers?

Do they have the same restrictions? Not sure how to look into this.

 

[movinmaggie]

Is there any information on the U.S. insurers?

Do they have the same restrictions? Not sure how to look into this.

Grayland I would first check with whomever you have taken out your most recent travel/medical insurance…..

 

[grayland]

In reply to my own question above....^^^

I did a quote request from Travelguard using a birth year of 1934 to insure that the age was over 80.
It returned a normal quote so it appears that there is no age limit with Travelguard in the US.
I just have a couple of years before I have to be concerned.
Hopefully that is correct.

 

[dougfitz]

This whole question of any type of travel insurance for travellers 75+ really needs investigating. There have been a number of "discussion" letters in the travel sections of the major newspapers in Australia recently, nearly all of them asking "WHY" is it a general cut-off regardless of current or previous medical history. I can understand placing restrictions when there is a current diagnosis but the carte blanche application is discriminatory (imho). With life expectancies, for most "first world" citizens being 80/87 (m/f) we should start agitating for case by case reviews. I (and I am sure many of you) have seen youngersters (under 30) who were definitely a greater insurance risk than any senior citizen I saw on the camino in September. Cheers and best wishes to all pilgrims for 2016.

@Saint Mike II, there is only one country in the world that has the life expectancy at birth figure that you suggest here, and that is Japan. Without entering into the debate of what might be a first world country, the median of the OECD countries based on their 2013 life expectancy at birth was around 79(m)/81(f). You are clearly overstating the case here.

Agitate by all means, but do use the right demographic data. There is a more targeted data set available at the AgeWatch website (http://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/) that includes useful country based information like life expectancy at age 60 and healthy life expectancy at age 60. The latter is particularly telling - only one country, Japan, has a healthy life expectancy at age 60 of more than 20 years. The reality for most of us that by our late 70s we will be living with health issues, and you can bet the insurers know that.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Gee Doug - you're a bit tough. The statistics where "examples" to highlight the discriminatory polices of the travel insurance companies. Not testimony before a Royal Commission or Grand Jury.

 

[dougfitz]

Gee Doug - you're a bit tough. The statistics where "examples" to highlight the discriminatory polices of the travel insurance companies. Not testimony before a Royal Commission or Grand Jury.

Not really. Even as 'examples' as you so quaintly put it, making a claim about life expectancy in 'half of first world countries' that is only true in just one is clearly very, very bad rhetoric in any context. Suggesting that the practices are discriminatory for travellers over 75, when it is clear from more relevant statistics that by that stage, most of us will not be healthy, is equally hard to sustain. The case you are trying to make just doesn't seem to stack up.

 

[JillGat]

This thread has been useful as I begin my research into the best travel insurance for me. [[Like another (much earlier) poster, my situation will be complicated by the fact that I will be quitting my job before I leave, so will have to figure out what to do for home insurance (US). With the changes in our insurance options in the US, hopefully this won't be too difficult or expensive). With travel insurance, I mostly care about covering medical evacuation and medical protection. I looked at http://www.travelinsurance.com/ to compare plans, and it's a bit confusing. For example:

Travel Insured International
"Worldwide Trip Protector" Plan: Med Evac - 1,000,000 Med Protection - 100,000 Insurance Cost: $202

AIG Basic Plan: Med Evac - 100,000 Med Protection - 10,000 Insurance Cost: $$268

The plans vary between $400 and about $150, but you don't necessarily get more coverage when you pay more (tho some offer trip cancellation insurance, etc.)

There are consumer reviews, however very few of them had filed claims.
What are other Americans finding out? Any other suggested sites or resources for comparing travel insurance?

 

[SYates]

The important thing is to read the fine print really, really thoroughly and make sure the activity you plan is indeed covered. Also important if the insurance includes a 24/7 support in your language, transport home etc. You might also want to look at https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/ as the specialise in insurance for more adventurous travellers. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yes, religion and politics are two topics that are generally a recipe for "disaster" in forums in general...

So let's try to focus on camino related issues

Greetings from a sunny but cold Santiago,
Ivar

PS! My peach tree at home is in full bloom... spring is here

I was in Santiago on May 22nd and had bautiful sunny weather with green foliage everywhere. I thought spring had already sprung! Hard to believe that a month later end of June it is cold!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This thread has been useful as I begin my research into the best travel insurance for me. [[Like another (much earlier) poster, my situation will be complicated by the fact that I will be quitting my job before I leave, so will have to figure out what to do for home insurance (US). With the changes in our insurance options in the US, hopefully this won't be too difficult or expensive). With travel insurance, I mostly care about covering medical evacuation and medical protection. I looked at http://www.travelinsurance.com/ to compare plans, and it's a bit confusing. For example:

Travel Insured International
"Worldwide Trip Protector" Plan: Med Evac - 1,000,000 Med Protection - 100,000 Insurance Cost: $202

AIG Basic Plan: Med Evac - 100,000 Med Protection - 10,000 Insurance Cost: $$268

The plans vary between $400 and about $150, but you don't necessarily get more coverage when you pay more (tho some offer trip cancellation insurance, etc.)

There are consumer reviews, however very few of them had filed claims.
What are other Americans finding out? Any other suggested sites or resources for comparing travel insurance?

I've used CSA Travel Protection 3 times for my Caminos. I thought the pricing was pretty fair at about $100 and I picked a mid range coverage, with my main concern being the emergency medical evacuation. It had some pretty good reviews from some who had filed claims, however Idid not have any personal experience in using it.

 

[Bradypus]

The difference in cost for travel medical insurance paid by Europeans and Americans is so great that it sometimes is met with disbelief! Last year on the Camino Frances I met an American doctor and the topic came up in conversation. He was astounded that as a 50+ Brit I could buy an annual insurance policy covering all of Europe with medical cover up to £20 million for under £20. The cost of medical treatment in North America is so great in comparison with most of the world that British insurers generally offer 3 different coverage zones for their annual policies: Europe, Worldwide excluding USA & Canada, and Worldwide including USA & Canada. Including the USA and Canada in the cover adds a significant extra cost to the premium.

 

[Tio Huero]

Only a fool travels overseas without a full- covering medical insurance including emergency rescue and transportation to your home country!!!
Buen camino to you!

annie
medical-issues-on-the-pilgrimage/topic6068.html

OUCH! Thanks, never again.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, travel insurance always costs Australians lots more if the USA is to be included.

When my friend Robyn experienced a pain in the hip, on the Vdlp, we were lucky enough to pass an open medical clinic, with a doctor on duty. After a quick examination it was "lie there, on your other side" and whack! A cortisone injection. The charge? Nothing.

Don't expect to be treated for free in Spain, but occasionally it does still happen.

 

[movinmaggie]

Not just Australians Kanga, most insurance companies anywhere charge more if there is any travel in or out of the U.S. No surprise, considering such exorbitant medical costs there.

 

[Texas Walker]

A request to American pilgrims; past, present and future. I just learned that my health insurance does not cover me while in Europe. In looking on this forum the advice is don't go without it. I did some looking at American insurance companies that offer travel medical insurance and found (1) expensive (2) consumer complaints about them is astronomical. So I would like to know if any American pilgrims can recommend a good insurer. Thank you ERL

Hokay, I'll join y'all in the pool. Health insurance is not really the same thing as travel insurance. If you look carefully when you buy your plane ticket, you will likely find an option to buy travel (or trip) insurance. I get my tickets from Orbitz, and when I buy tickets well in advance I buy the insurance. Thus far: I have been stuck in Houston (fog at destination closing all flights) and the first guaranteed seat home required staying for 2 nights. When I got home, I sent the documentation to the travel insurance company and they sent me a check for the policy limits for interruption lodging...about $1 less than the hotel bill, but I was grateful for it. Recently, DH fell on the way into Deba (on the Norte) as the stones were wet and between one foot going one way and the other foot going the other, he injured his leg. Not a compound fracture, thank God. But we staggered into the village, each of us leaning on one of my poles, and the upshot the next morning was we got train tickets at the vending machine in the station and rode to Bilbao and the following morning, a Monday, staggered to the Centro de Salud. Told them about the insurance situation and they said, no problem they'll send you a bill. They looked at the ankle and referred him to the Urgencia for an X ray which disclosed the fracture. This was of course a trip ending injury. When we got home I put together the documentation of the flights, the medical info, the copy I'd made of the Xray printout they gave us, a narrative of how it all happened, and the application for Trip Interruption Claim and emailed it all off. The insurer sent an email recently saying that they are sending a check for the trip interruption. I will likely send a Medical claim too...but what I've gotten from Spain was one invoice for E55 that came with wire instructions. It referred to the clinic visit and so I guess one of these days the emergency room visit will generate an invoice to my email too. At any rate, I have already paid the one bill that came.

As a side note, not only did we have the feeling that the hospital in Bilbao is really experienced at swollen ankles, we also observed that the handicapped-assistance setup in the Spanish airports was really efficient.

HTH

 

[Field Marshall]

We always order medical travel insurance when we travel out of the Country. The main concern is medical evacuation back to home country. This can easily be $100k plus. The insurance is pretty cheap.

ERLEE1905: I sent you a PM with some details on what we use.

Grayland , I am from USA, and have travel Ins. For flights and ground transport, however may I ask you for an opinion of who you have been satisfied with for international Health Insurance ..?
Thx
Clayton

 

[grayland]

@Field Marshall

Hello Clayton....Travel medical insurance is a different thing than the insurance that covers the cost of your flights and any hotel reservations that may be disrupted, as you know.
The travel medical insurance covers medical care, hospitalization, and importantly, medical evacuation should you need to be flown home. All of these things can be very important.
In my opinion (and that of many others here on the forum) is that it is always a good thing to have the insurance. It is very inexpensive.
I suggest you start by looking at Squaremouth.com where you can compare and price many different companies policies.
There are other similar sites, but this is the one I have used and am comfortable with recommending.

The most important factors are:
Primary Insurance
$MINIMUM of $50K...it is cheap to go higher
$MIMIMUM of $500K of evacuation...$1 million is usually just a bit higher price
It is a good thing to have existing conditions waived..but you have to order the insurance within 2 weeks of booking your initial ticket to trigger this. Otherwise they usually look back 180 days for any condition you had treated.
I do not buy the trip/travel portion of the policies..just the medical/evacuation. This keeps the price way down. (you posted you were covered for this anyway)
The price for the policy will be based on your age and the number of days of coverage.

I personally have had claims with TinLeg and Travelguard. Both gave good service to settle the claims.
TinLeg has a funny name but is a reputable company that is a favorite of the backpacker community.

 

[grayland]

Please note that this is a VERY OLD THREAD and the information on the earlier posts may not be entirely valid.

Be sure to look at the dates of the posts to insure you are looking at 2017 information or posts.

 

[Mark Barnes]

I got my travel/medical insurance policy through AAA (American Auto Association). The policy is through Allianz. The emergency medical is 50k and it cost me $51.00. Note that I told them the travel cost was 0 as I was not looking for insurance on the trip and only wanted the medical insurance coverage.

 

[AbbyDee]

A request to American pilgrims; past, present and future. I just learned that my health insurance does not cover me while in Europe. In looking on this forum the advice is don't go without it. I did some looking at American insurance companies that offer travel medical insurance and found (1) expensive (2) consumer complaints about them is astronomical. So I would like to know if any American pilgrims can recommend a good insurer. Thank you ERL

Par for the course: Insurance companies are more than happy to take your money, but when the time comes that you require the services you have contracted, they will fight you tooth and nail for every dollar.

Just some reflections from a jaundiced eye.

 

[Field Marshall]

@Field Marshall

Hello Clayton....Travel medical insurance is a different thing than the insurance that covers the cost of your flights and any hotel reservations that may be disrupted, as you know.
The travel medical insurance covers medical care, hospitalization, and importantly, medical evacuation should you need to be flown home. All of these things can be very important.
In my opinion (and that of many others here on the forum) is that it is always a good thing to have the insurance. It is very inexpensive.
I suggest you start by looking at Squaremouth.com where you can compare and price many different companies policies.
There are other similar sites, but this is the one I have used and am comfortable with recommending.

The most important factors are:
Primary Insurance
$MINIMUM of $50K...it is cheap to go higher
$MIMIMUM of $500K of evacuation...$1 million is usually just a bit higher price
It is a good thing to have existing conditions waived..but you have to order the insurance within 2 weeks of booking your initial ticket to trigger this. Otherwise they usually look back 180 days for any condition you had treated.
I do not buy the trip/travel portion of the policies..just the medical/evacuation. This keeps the price way down. (you posted you were covered for this anyway)
The price for the policy will be based on your age and the number of days of coverage.

I personally have had claims with TinLeg and Travelguard. Both gave good service to settle the claims.
TinLeg has a funny name but is a reputable company that is a favorite of the backpacker community.

Grayland,
Thank you for the info.. very helpful

 

[Atlas Traveler]

Thanks to all for your thoughts on Insurance -- we're going to be on a 49 day walk and are getting both cancellation (in case something happens in the family) as well as extended medical and evacuation insurance (in case something crazy happens!). Yes, it's pricey...but it feels much better to have this support. Right now we're working with "Insuremytrip.com" -- they look at a lot of companies. Goodness, it's confusing, however! So many options! I'll let you all know what we end up with...

What plan did you end up purchasing? And would you recommend the plan you purchased? Did you have to file a claim?

 

[Atlas Traveler]

Grayland , I am from USA, and have travel Ins. For flights and ground transport, however may I ask you for an opinion of who you have been satisfied with for international Health Insurance ..?
Thx
Clayton

Hi Clayton - I would recommend speaking with an insurance agent, preferably someone local. The reason being is if you have to file a claim, you'll appreciate having a local personal contact. If you cannot find a local person, then find an agent who can personally help you. A large company with a call center is not going to give you the personal service from my experience.

 

[Susan Pio]

I didn't bother with medical insurance. My experience is that in most places, pilgrims are treated either free or at very little cost.

This is not my experience! I have on two different Caminos needed medical attention and neither time was it free or cheap! The second time I had a broken ankle. I did have emegency medical insurance, but not travel interuption insurance, so I had to cover the cost of changing my flights. The cheaper option is buying insurance! You never know when you might need it