Does my health insurance cover me while abroad?
Asked by: Lauren Wisoky | Last update: November 1, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (8 votes)
Can I use my US health 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.
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 my health insurance cover me if I travel out of state?
Routine care such as wellness visits, preventive care, and vaccinations may not be covered if you're traveling outside of your plan's network. Generally, many plans will cover emergency and urgent care services even if you're out of state.
Do you need additional health insurance when traveling abroad?
Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.
Medicare for Americans traveling overseas. | Medical insurance in Thailand for expats & foreigners.
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.
Do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?
Medicaid does not cover you outside the U.S. and most Medicare plans also do not cover you outside the U.S., although some provide emergency care in Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov or check with your Medicare supplement provider.
Will Medicare cover me overseas?
Medicare does not pay for medical services you receive outside the United States.
What happens if I get sick 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.
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.
What happens if I don t pay a medical bill in a foreign country?
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.
Does medical cover emergencies abroad?
Emergency medical coverage is included within some comprehensive travel insurance policies but can also be purchased on its own. Even if you have a primary U.S. insurance plan, including Medicaid or Medicare, odds are it will help very little (or often not at all) while out of the country.
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 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 my health insurance cover me out of the country?
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.
Does social security know when you leave the country?
SSI recipients are required to tell SSA when they leave the U.S. for 30 or more consecutive days or a full calendar month. Although most recipients do report when they leave the U.S., some do not, and continue receiving SSI payments while they remain out of the country.
Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?
If you're traveling abroad, going on a business trip overseas or planning an expensive trip, travel insurance or travel protection may be a good choice for you. It's a way to be better prepared for the possibility that your trip may be interrupted or canceled or if you experience a medical emergency while away.
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.
Is international health insurance worth it?
If you intend on traveling outside of the U.S. it's a good idea to purchase some form of travel medical insurance, even if you're in good health. This way, you're not stuck paying medical costs up-front in the case of an accident or emergency, since most U.S. health insurance policies don't provide coverage abroad.
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."
How do I know if I have international health insurance?
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.
Do I need health insurance when traveling to Europe?
For those planning European travel, we recommend policies that offer at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. The Medical Evacuation benefit provides reimbursement for emergency evacuation services to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility or back home to receive the required medical care.