International travel medical insurance and travel protection (2024)

FAQs

Which health insurance is best for international travel? ›

Travel protection provides a more basic form of coverage for tourists. It tends to be significantly cheaper but usually only covers trip cancellations. On the other hand, travel insurance offers more comprehensive coverage, often including medical emergency evacuation, baggage delays and flight cancellations.

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.

Many travel insurance plans also provide some coverage for unexpected medical expenses incurred abroad, though typically medical benefits have lower coverage amounts than in a travel medical insurance policy.

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.

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.

Travelling against medical advice or to get medical treatment. If your doctor says it's not safe for you to travel, then you won't be covered. Similarly, if you go abroad to get planned treatment, sometimes called 'medical tourism', a standard policy will not cover this – you'll need specialist insurance instead.

When should you get trip cancellation and/or trip interruption insurance? If you would lose the money you paid for your flights, accommodations, rental car, or activities if you had to cancel or go home early, travel insurance that specifically includes trip cancellation and trip interruption is probably a good idea.

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Should you bring health insurance card when traveling internationally? ›

Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States.

In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go. Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums.

What type of travel insurance do I need? There are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection plans and travel medical plans.

Depending on the plan you choose, travel insurance also can reimburse eligible medical costs in case of a covered medical or dental emergency; reimburse you for losses caused by a covered travel delay or baggage delay; protect you from paying for rental car damage or loss; and help in other situations as well.

The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.

Ideally, you'll buy coverage no later than 15 days prior to your trip.