Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?
Asked by: Emely Friesen | Last update: April 2, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (71 votes)
Will my medical insurance cover me in another 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.
Should you bring health insurance card abroad?
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs advises the following for international travelers: Learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before going abroad. Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance as well as a claim form.
What happens if I have a medical emergency in another country?
If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends. If needed, consuls can also help with the transfer of funds from family or friends in the U.S. Payment of hospital and other medical bills are the traveler's responsibility.
Does travel insurance cover medical expenses overseas?
Medical Expense Coverage will cover you for accidents and emergency medical and dental care when you travel abroad. Even if you are covered for basic emergency care overseas (again, a big IF), your current health insurance provider will almost certainly NOT pay to evacuate you and repatriate you back to the U.S.
Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
How much medical insurance do I need for international travel?
For example, SquareMouth recommends international travelers get around $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for cruises or travel to remote areas. Carefully review the full details of your travel insurance policy.
What is the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?
A quick definition
A travel medical policy primarily focuses on emergency medical, medical evacuation and dental emergencies. Travel insurance, on the other hand, primarily covers trip-related negatives, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption or lost baggage.
What happens if an American gets sick in Europe?
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
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.
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.
What happens if I get sick overseas?
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).
How much is international health insurance?
How much does international health insurance cost? The average annual cost of an international medical insurance plan is $5,500 per year. * However, plans range from as low as $500 with limited benefits to as much as $8,000 - $10,000, or more, for a comprehensive policy that includes coverage in the USA.
Can I use my UnitedHealthcare in another country?
No matter where your assignment takes you, you have access to the health care resources you need. Your UnitedHealthcare Global insurance plan works efficiently and simply, wherever you are in the world.
What countries accept U.S. Medicare?
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.
What does travel insurance not cover?
According to Allianz Global Assistance, a travel insurance provider, "Trip cancellations and trip interruptions due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, or fear of travel are generally not covered."
Does U.S. health insurance work abroad?
Generally, U.S. health insurance benefits will not cover you while outside of the U.S. Your domestic U.S. health insurance plans will cover you in a specific region within the USA. Sometimes they will offer limited coverage outside of the USA, but that is rarely the case.
What happens if you need to go to the hospital in a different country?
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
How to travel with prescription medication internationally?
The medication should be in its original container with the doctor's instructions printed on the bottle. If you don't have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication.
What is the most common illness during international travel?
Common travel-related illnesses include: Diarrheal disease. Most travel-related diarrheal diseases are acquired by consuming contaminated water and food.
Can Americans get free healthcare in Europe?
While Europe's healthcare systems are robust and generally more accessible than in the U.S., Americans moving to Europe still need health insurance.
What to do if you need medical care abroad?
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family and friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States.
How much does travel medical insurance cost?
On average, travelers should expect to pay 6.87% of their total trip cost for travel insurance. The minimum you might expect to pay is 4.15%, but it can go as high as 15.8%.
Is travel healthcare worth it?
So, is travel nursing worth it? Yes! With more money, flexibility, career options, travel perks, and personal growth, it's still one of the most exciting nursing opportunities in 2024. If you're thinking of level up in your nursing career now, travel nursing jobs might just be the adventure you're looking for.
Do I need travel insurance if I already have health insurance?
Even if your health plan does cover you internationally, you may want to consider buying a special medical travel policy. Much of the additional coverage available is supplemental (or "secondary"), so it covers whatever expenses your health plan doesn't, such as deductibles.
What is the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance?
International health insurance is designed to provide a comprehensive level of health care to those relocating from their home country for a sustained period of time, whereas travel insurance provides cover for emergency treatment while you are in another country for a shorter space of time.