Imagine you’re on an international vacation, and the worst possible scenario happens: you have to receive medical care in an unfamiliar place. For example, you get extremely ill from eating contaminated street food, or you slip and fall on an uneven surface during a tour.
While the injury or illness itself is stressful, especially because it puts a wrench in your long awaited trip, many travelers may not realize that health insurance works differently abroad.
Many travelers may arrive at a medical facility and try to present their home country’s health insurance card, only to be met with the fact that your insurance is no good there.
Without travel insurance, you’ll be left responsible paying for medical bills out-of-pocket. Even if you have health insurance at home, this doesn’t mean you have coverage abroad.
Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Another Country?
For most US-based health insurance plans, medical expenses incurred abroad are not covered. Typically, once you leave the state or country where you have health coverage, your coverage won’t follow you.
Additionally, international medical providers will not take your insurance or directly bill your insurance. This means you will have to pay out-of-pocket for your medical expenses.
Should I Get Travel Insurance if I Have Health Insurance?
It is highly recommended to get travel insurance with medical coverage, even if you have health insurance in your home country.
This is mostly due to the fact that your home country health insurance most likely isn’t going to cover any medical expenses from abroad, leaving you vulnerable to potentially high out-of-pocket medical costs in the event of an emergency.
With travel insurance, you can ensure that you have medical coverage if you need to seek healthcare for an unexpected injury or illness overseas.
Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Have Medicare?
If you are a senior on Medicare traveling abroad, you may wonder if your Medicare coverage will protect you if you have a medical emergency outside of the United States.
Most Medicare plans do not offer coverage internationally. However, there can be some exceptions, depending on the type of plan you have. It is best to check with your Medicare provider to understand international coverage.
Since most Medicare plans do not cover you abroad, it is crucial for seniors traveling internationally to secure a travel medical insurance plan to have vital coverage outside of the United States.
What Is Travel Medical Insurance and How Does It Work?
Travel medical insurance is short-term health insurance that can cover treatment for medical emergencies that occur abroad.
For example, travel medical insurance can offer coverage for treatment for new injuries or illnesses, including:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation
- Prescription Medication
- Lost Luggage
- & more
When using travel medical insurance abroad, you will receive your care and likely pay up front for your treatment. However, you can quickly file a claim for your expenses with the travel insurance provider for reimbursement for your expenses.
How Much Does International Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
The cost of international travel medical insurance can depend on a number of factors.
Factors that can impact the cost of travel medical insurance include:
- The length of your trip
- Destination country
- Your age
- The type of plan you choose
- Plan benefits
- Add-on coverage
For the most accurate estimate of how much travel medical insurance will cost for you, get a quote in just minutes using your specific trip details.
How Much Medical Travel Insurance Do I Need?
The amount of coverage you should have for your trip greatly depends on things like your health, age, and destination country.
If you are traveling to a country that has notoriously high medical care costs, you may opt for a travel medical insurance plan that has a higher policy maximum.
You may also want to have more comprehensive coverage if you are older or have previous health issues.
Ideally, a travel medical insurance plan should cover at least $50,000 in emergency medical expenses and $250,000 for emergency medical evacuation.
Get Coverage Today!
Don’t risk leaving your home country without vital health insurance coverage.
If you are planning a trip abroad, secure a travel medical insurance plan for the ultimate peace of mind and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my health insurance cover emergency medical evacuation or repatriation?
Most health insurance plans will not offer coverage for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if needed abroad. Travel medical insurance can offer these benefits.
Will my health insurance cover the costs of emergency medical services and hospital stays while traveling?
Most domestic health insurance plans will not cover the costs of emergency medical services that you receive while outside of your home country. Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of hospital stays and emergency medical services abroad.
Q: How do I find medical providers or facilities that accept my health insurance while abroad?
Most medical providers or facilities will not accept health insurance from another country. Therefore, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for your care. However, if you have a travel medical insurance plan, you can file for reimbursement of your eligible expenses afterwards.
Does my health insurance cover treatment for pre-existing conditions when traveling internationally?
Most health insurance plans do not offer any coverage for treatment when traveling abroad, including for pre-existing conditions.
Will I need to pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement for medical expenses incurred abroad, or will the insurance company handle direct billing?
Yes, most countries will require you to pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement for medical expenses incurred abroad, unless you are traveling to the United States and purchase a travel medical insurance plan from a US-based provider.
What does senior travel insurance cover?
Senior travel insurance can cover medical expenses related to new and unforeseen injuries or illnesses that happen during one’s travels.
