Can my insurance cover me in another country?
Asked by: Elnora Ward | Last update: December 25, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (64 votes)
Can I use my health insurance in another country?
Does my health insurance work internationally? Many health insurance plans do not cover you when you are out of the country. For those that do, the coverage is often limited and requires you to pay at the time of service, save receipts and file for reimbursement once you get home.
Does insurance cover you in a different country?
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
Does my car insurance cover me out of the country?
Typically, your personal car insurance policy will not cover you abroad. But your insurer will likely protect you when you drive into Canada.
Can I use my car insurance in another country?
In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go. Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums.
Cheap Car Insurance! Can you use a different address to get cheaper rates on your car insurance?
Does my car insurance cover a foreign driver?
Most insurance companies offer car insurance for tourists, visitors, and short-term students in the U.S., but you'll need a valid driver's license. Depending on your home country, your original license may be accepted, or you can apply for an international driving permit (IDP).
Does Geico cover me in Mexico?
Mexican law requires that you purchase a Mexican auto tourist policy to legally drive in the country. You're in luck! The GEICO Insurance Agency can help you get affordable insurance in Mexico. So, whether you need a policy for a few days, 6 months, or a year, you can get the coverage you need.
Does your location affect your car insurance?
Your location, where you park your car each day, is a key factor in determining your car insurance coverage price. Your insurance rate can increase for many reasons, including moving to a new address.
How to drive in Europe as an American?
If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).
Does your car have to be insured in the same state it is registered?
As a general rule, you should register and insure your vehicle in the same state. Don't play games with your insurance coverage.
Do I need to tell insurance about going abroad?
Your motor insurance certificate. Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do. An International Driving Permit when necessary.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover me internationally?
As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.
Does my US auto insurance cover me in Canada?
If you are traveling to Canada by car, whether in your vehicle or a rental car, your U.S. insurance will usually protect you with the same coverages and limits that you have at home. Car insurance in Canada for visitors from the U.S. is governed by reciprocal laws between the two countries.
What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country?
Health Care Resources for Travelers
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
Does my insurance work out of the country?
To be sure, you need to read your policy, specifically the exclusions, to see if care outside the U.S. is excluded. If you have coverage outside the U.S., check to see what type of care is covered. Often, it's only emergencies. Is Travel Medical Insurance Worth It?
What happens if you get injured in another country?
If you have a medical emergency while abroad the cost may be covered by the travel insurance you purchased before your trip. Travel insurance is designed for things like emergency services, an air ambulance (to move you off of a cruise ship quickly in an emergency situation), or general medical bills.
Is it worth it to drive in Europe?
The mobility of a car lets you find cheaper accommodations in small towns and away from the train lines. You can also play it riskier, arriving in a town with no reservation — if the hotels are full, simply drive to the next town. And driving is a godsend for those who don't believe in packing light.
Can I drive in Italy with a US license?
Tourists may also use their valid American driver's license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Americans registered as residents with the local Vital Records Bureau (known as Anagrafe) must apply for an Italian license within one year of the date of registration.
Can you turn left on red in Europe?
These turns are typically restricted to turns onto a one-way. Many jurisdictions also require that this type of turn be from a one-way. However, although right on red is equivalent to left on red to a one-way, left on red is not typically permitted in countries outside North America.
Does your car insurance have to match your address?
First of all, your insurance policy and your driver's license (as well as your vehicle registration) should use the same address. Depending on which insurance company you have, that will determine how quickly you should get this taken care of, but generally it's around 30-60 days.
Does your zip code affect your car insurance?
Which States Don't Use ZIP Code? Currently, the only two states that have banned the usage of ZIP codes for auto insurance ratings are California and Michigan. In all other states, it's legal for insurers to use ZIP codes as a rating factor for auto insurance to assess risk.
Is insurance based on location?
Even within the same state, premiums can vary widely. For example, drivers in Los Angeles, California, often pay more than those in Sacramento, even though both cities are in the same state. The difference in traffic, crime rates, and local regulations all contribute to this disparity.
Does my car insurance cover me in another country?
Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.
Does Geico cover out of country?
An overseas insurance policy arranged through GEICO will usually offer more liability coverage than policies issued by local agents overseas who typically focus on policies for residents of the country you're visiting. In addition, we are familiar with US-spec vehicles.
Does US car insurance work in Europe?
Your U.S. policy likely only covers you in the U.S. and Canada, so you'll need a separate policy when driving in all other countries. Whether you plan to drive across a border or rent or purchase a car overseas, you have plenty of options for getting the international auto insurance coverage each country requires.