Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally?
Asked by: Jeramy Breitenberg IV | Last update: September 27, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (3 votes)
Does your health insurance cover you overseas?
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.
What happens if you have to go to the hospital in another 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.
What happens if I get sick in a foreign 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.
Is my insurance valid in other countries?
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.
Should you get medical insurance when traveling?
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.
How much medical coverage do I need for international travel?
Every plan is different, but the coverage amounts and benefits may vary. Determine how much you really need. For example, SquareMouth recommends international travelers get around $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for cruises or travel to remote areas.
Does US health insurance cover you in 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.
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.
What happens if I get injured overseas?
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 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 an American goes to the hospital 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 you have a medical emergency on an international flight?
Many airlines typically work with emergency medical service providers such as MedAire's MedLink or Stat MD. These service providers can be contacted during the flight using a satellite phone. Direct communication with an emergency room or trauma center is also possible.
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.
Do I need to bring my 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 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.
What country gets sick the most?
- Central African Republic. According to the LPI, the Central African Republic is the unhealthiest country in the world, scoring just 31.95 out of a possible 100. ...
- South Sudan. South Sudan is the second unhealthiest country in the world, according to the LPI. ...
- Chad. ...
- Lesotho. ...
- Somalia.
Why do I get sick when I travel internationally?
Extended exposure to recycled air and airborne germs
This means you're repeatedly exposed to whatever germs your fellow travelers might be carrying. The combination of recycled air and close quarters creates an environment where viruses and bacteria can more easily spread.
Should I deworm after traveling?
Worming: If you have visited developing countries you should probably take a course of mebendazole on your return. This is especially important if you have been 'roughing it'.
How do Americans get healthcare in Europe?
Publicly Funded Insurance
A lot of countries in Europe offer publicly funded health insurance. Taxation is the primary means to cover cost and everyone has the option for health care no matter what their situation. Depending on the country, social health care can cover part of or all of prescription medication.
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.
What is traveler insurance?
Travel insurance can help protect you from medical expenses abroad that your normal health insurance doesn't cover. Most health insurance plans don't provide full coverage in foreign countries and some health plans provide no coverage at all, including Medicare.
What is not covered in travel insurance?
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."
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 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.