Originally Posted by
Often1
No different than what US travelers face overseas. Even in emergencies, fairly routine to have full payment demanded upfront.
Typically, treatment facilities, e.g. hosptials, urgent care and the like will only process insurance for carriers which are "in network" and thus where they are certain of payment. Unlikely with most short-term policies.
Sorry, but on what basis do you say that? I've used travel medical insurance in six countries over the last ~25 years and have never been asked for payment up front *except* in the US. In every other instance the hospital called the insurer and confirmed the policy was in place and then provided service. The "in network" claim is also odd - very few countries have the same network-provider set up that the US has. What countries were you thinking of?