Do I need to purchase medical travel insurance?
Again, the majority of travel experts recommend getting the least expensive plan that still contains the coverage you need. Typically, a basic comprehensive plan — which includes perks like trip interruption, delays and cancellations, medical emergencies and more — is more than enough for
How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.
Although many countries have eased their travel restrictions and removed requirements to have travel insurance, we 100% recommend still getting yourself an insurance plan just in case. Depending on the country you're travelling to, medical costs can come with a very hefty price tag and can cause a lot of stress.
Their experts will want to weigh up the likelihood that you might make a claim relating to your condition, which they'll have to pay out. And beware, if you don't disclose relevant medical information in your insurance application, your policy could be invalidated in the event of a claim.
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. Enroll with the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment ProgramExternal Link (STEP).
- Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall.
- AIG Travel Guard: Best for the Cost.
- Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical.
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.
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.
Without this coverage, you are responsible for any medical expenses. The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip. This can be worth it for the medical benefits alone when traveling in Europe.
Travel medical insurance is different from your health insurance because travel medical insurance is a supplemental policy that helps protect you while you're traveling. It's only valid for the length of your trip and is meant to supplement your health insurance when you're out of network.
What does travel insurance not cover?
Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.
Regardless, if you feel too sick to travel it's important to have your opinion confirmed and your diagnosis documented by a doctor. Medical documentation will be required if you're looking to be reimbursed for your non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip.
- Have you had any surgery, inpatient, or outpatient treatment or any referrals or investigations?
- Have you had any unplanned hospital admissions?
- How many medications do you take?
- Are you or have you ever been a smoker?
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
It covers things like an ambulance, X-rays and tests, doctor bills and more. Squaremouth suggests getting a policy with $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage for international trips. There are a lot of factors to consider when determining if you need travel insurance.
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.
The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S. Anywhere else is considered outside the U.S. Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.
How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,500 per year.
Company | BBB Rating | Recommended Plan |
---|---|---|
Travelex GET QUOTE | A+ | Travel Select |
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection GET QUOTE | A+ | LuxuryCare® |
Nationwide Travel Insurance GET QUOTE | A+ | Luxury Cruise |
Generali Global Assistance GET QUOTE | A+ | Premium |
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
Is $250,000 enough for medical travel insurance?
If you read any of our other articles, you'll remember that we always offer a simple recommendation for Medical Insurance. Overseas travelers should have these minimum levels of protection: Medical Insurance Coverage - $100,000. Medical Evacuation Coverage - $250,000.
Ranked as the top provider in our “Best Travel Insurance for International Travel in 2024”, it's no surprise that Trawick International gets the top spot in this category. Trawick has many great plans with high medical coverage at affordable prices, such as their Safe Travels Outbound Cost Saver policy.
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.
This will depend on your situation, but if you are certain you will only travel once in the next 12 months, you should get a single trip policy for that holiday. If you are unsure of how many trips you will take, an annual policy may be more expensive, but it will give you the peace of mind of knowing you are covered.
The average cost of a standard travel insurance policy is $221, according to research conducted by the MarketWatch Guides team. However, the destination, number of travelers, trip price and more can affect the exact cost of a policy.
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