Do Americans need health insurance in Europe?
Asked by: Dr. Pauline Bogan | Last update: August 17, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (15 votes)
Can U.S. citizens get free healthcare in Europe?
Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.
What happens if a U.S. citizen gets sick in Europe?
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
Do I need insurance going to Europe?
Is getting travel insurance a good idea? Travel insurance can be useful for travellers exploring Europe as it may offer financial protection against unforeseen disruptions that could affect your trip. Travelling between multiple countries can increase the likelihood of unexpected situations.
Do I need health insurance if I travel abroad?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel and medical insurance when traveling outside of your country. Travel insurance provides coverage for unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical expenses.
An American Gets Health Care Abroad
Will my U.S. health insurance cover me in Europe?
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.
What happens if I need medical care in another country?
Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it.
Should I carry my medicare card when traveling internationally?
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover you overseas. It depends on your specific plan, so contact your Medicare provider for more information. Also, be sure to bring a copy of your Medicare and health care insurance cards with you when you travel so you have that information at the ready if you need it.
Do Americans need Schengen travel insurance?
This includes U.S. citizens traveling within the member countries for longer than 90 days. If you are obtaining a Schengen visa, travel insurance is one of the main requirements to fulfill.
Is insurance mandatory in Europe?
Health insurance is mandatory in most European countries. However, there are differences between healthcare administration depending on the country, and not all have mandatory health insurance laws— you must verify this before heading out to your new place of residence.
Do US citizens get free healthcare in Italy?
Is healthcare free in Italy? Healthcare in Italy is not free, but the fees are usually quite reasonable and Emergency Medical Assistance is provided to anyone in need, regardless of their nationality, without asking for upfront payment. Healthcare in Italy is provided to anyone with a mixed Public and Private system.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover international travel?
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.
Which country in Europe has the best medical care?
Denmark. Denmark is renowned for its comprehensive, publicly funded healthcare system, which ranks among the best in Europe. The Danish system operates on universal access, funded through taxes, ensuring that all citizens and residents receive free medical treatment.
Can Americans get free healthcare in Spain?
Americans do not automatically receive free healthcare in Spain. Access to Spain's public healthcare system typically requires residency and social security contributions. However, emergency services are available to everyone, though additional costs may apply.
What to do if you get sick while traveling in Italy?
In case of an emergency, for immediate medical attention or to call an ambulance dial 112 from any telephone in Italy. No country code is necessary if calling from within Europe. Private hospitals do not normally have emergency rooms.
Do I need extra health insurance to travel to Europe?
Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.
Can you use American insurance in Europe?
It also covers the expenses for baggage delay, flight delay, trip interruption, loss of baggage... Domestic US insurance cannot be much help in Europe as the coverage is very limited or none when outside of the country.
How does Schengen work for Americans?
With a valid U.S. passport book, you can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period. You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
Does Medicare cover me in Europe?
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Does U.S. health insurance cover international travel?
If you rely on Medicare or Medicaid for your medical coverage, then the answer is no, you're not covered outside of the United States. In fact, Medicaid coverage doesn't extend beyond your state of residence except in rare emergency situations, so keep that in mind when crossing state lines.
Should seniors carry their Medicare card?
It's always good to have your Medicare card on you to ensure you receive affordable care. Once you get your Medicare card, we recommend taking a photo of it with your phone, so you always have the information handy. You can also make note of your Medicare number, so you have it whenever you need it.
What if I get sick in Europe?
In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union's universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask a hotelier, restaurant host, or whoever's around to call an ambulance or taxi for you.
Can Americans get free healthcare in other countries?
Health care in countries that have universal healthcare is paid for by taxation. How many more times will people ask questions like this ? There are NO options for an American to receive free healthcare abroad.
Should you get travel health insurance?
Before you travel, consider getting travel insurance to cover yourself in case delays, accidents, or illness occur on your trip. Your current medical insurance may not cover care in another country. Also, some types of travel insurance help you cover costs if your travel is cancelled or disrupted.