Do you need overseas health insurance?
Asked by: Vicente O'Connell | Last update: June 25, 2025Score: 5/5 (48 votes)
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.
Can I use my United Healthcare 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.
Do Americans need travel health insurance in Europe?
If you're visiting Europe for a short period, travel insurance that includes health coverage is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and even medical evacuation if necessary. Many European countries require proof of travel insurance when applying for a visa.
What happens if I get sick in another country?
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.
Does Medicare Provide International Travel Insurance?
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.
Do you need health insurance to travel internationally?
Travel health insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding. Check if your current health care covers emergencies that happen while traveling.
Can Americans 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.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover 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.
How much does international health insurance cost?
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 USA insurance 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.
Can I use UnitedHealthcare anywhere?
With UnitedHealthcare Options PPO health plans, you can use any doctor, clinic, hospital or health care facility in the national network.
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.
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.
What happens if you don't pay a foreign hospital bill?
If no action is taking on your medical bill and you do not pay what is owed, additional charges can be added to your account balance in the form of late fees and interest. Additionally, the healthcare provider can move your balance into international debt collection or file a lawsuit against you.
Can I use my health insurance card 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.
How does Blue Cross Blue Shield Global work?
Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors, hospitals and other health services in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world. Call the Service Center in these situations: You need to locate a doctor or hospital or need medical services.
How do I know if my health insurance is international?
Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have. So, the best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider.
What happens if a US citizen gets sick in Europe?
In case of an injury or sickness in Europe, Americans on vacation can contact Medical Air Service for an air ambulance to get back home in the US. Medical Air Service can arrange for an air ambulance flight for you usually within two days of the booking being made.
Does my US health insurance cover me in Europe?
Goverment-funded health plans, such as Medicaid in the U.S., often do not cover overseas costs. In these cases, think about whether returning home for treatment would be a viable option. If your primary insurance will cover you abroad, you may need to pay up-front and get reimbursed upon your return home.
What happens if I get ill in Europe?
If you need medical treatment while you're in another EU country, presenting your European Health Insurance card (EHIC) can simplify payment and reimbursement procedures. With your EHIC you can get healthcare - and claim reimbursement for the costs you incur - on the same terms as nationals of the country you are in.
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.
Can I see a doctor in another country?
Consult Your Embassy or Consulate
Another useful resource for finding a doctor abroad is your embassy or consulate. For example, U.S. citizens can often find a list of international hospitals and doctors under the "American Citizens Services" section of their embassy's website.
What happens if an American gets sick in Canada?
Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.