ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel? - Medicoverage.com (2024)

ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel?

By Katie Banks+

3 Recent Comments

ObamaCare health plans offer coverage that stay within certain networks, but does it cover you when you travel? It depends.

ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel? - Medicoverage.com (1)

What if I Have a Health Emergency in Another Country?

Most ObamaCare health plans do not cover foreign emergency care. When traveling abroad and while cruising you’ll want to get travel insurance.

What if I Have a Health Emergency in Another State?

One of the essential health benefits of ObamaCare is that all emergencies must be covered at in-network costs. So you don’t have to worry if you break your arm in hiking in Utah but your plan is in California.

What if I Travel in the U.S. and Need Non-Emergency Care?

While most Obamacare health plans have a limited network within your area and do not cover you for out of network costs, some plans, like a PPO, allow you to visit out of network doctors. However, just because you may be able to visit out of network doctors for non-emergency care does not always mean you will have coverage outside of your state. You will need to check with your provider or agent to see if you are covered. Click here to see the difference between an HMO, EPO, and PPO.

To learn more about a health plans network call 800-930-7956 or to apply go to HealthApplication.com.

Comments and Questions

Click to leave a Comment

Comment from Richard Cupryjak on May 19, 2016

I have currently medical coverage as required by Obamacare. I will be leaving USA for 4 months on extended vacation and I know that I need to purchase insurance in another country since my coverage is only valid in USA. Can I suspend my medical coverage for the time I spent abroad since it does not provide me with any benefits while I am outside USA?

MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Richard,

I just checked with my contact at Covered Ca and they said that you would have to maintain your coverage while you’re gone for 4 months. If you choose not to, you will be subject to a penalty and may not be able to enroll in insurance until January 1st. You would have to be out of the country for 330 days or 3 months or less to qualify. If you were out of the country for 330 days, when you return you have a qualifying event to enroll. If you were out of the country for 3 months, you may not have a qualifying event to enroll. Hope this helps!

-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/


Comment from Amy on April 16, 2016

Does “Obama Care” insurance include coverage for American students studying abroad? (for example: on a Semester abroad program, or on a year long study program). Thank you.

MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Amy,

Obamacare plans do not offer international health coverage. You will want to contact the company you are working with to study abroad, and they should put you in touch with the right insurance.

-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/


Comment from lori ferguson on January 01, 2015

I am looking to start travel nursing with in the usa, what plan would you recommend I obtain? My primary resifence will be ny. I plan to go to tx, ca, and ak.

MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE

Lori,
There may be an insurance company that will offer nationwide coverage, however without knowing additional information about you we wouldn’t be able to suggest a plan. Please call 800-930-7956 to speak to an agent who may help you find the right plan for you.
-Chris www.medicoverage.com


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ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel? - Medicoverage.com (2024)

FAQs

Does my health insurance cover me while traveling? ›

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 Obama Care cover overseas travel? ›

Most ObamaCare health plans do not cover foreign emergency care. When traveling abroad and while cruising you'll want to get travel insurance.

Can I use ObamaCare in another state? ›

When you move out of state, you'll need to start a new Marketplace application and enroll in a plan in your new state. How you apply depends on whether your new state uses HealthCare.gov or its own website.

How much medical coverage do I need for international travel? ›

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.

Do I need additional medical 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. Enroll with the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment ProgramExternal Link (STEP).

What countries accept US Medicaid? ›

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.

What happens if I have a medical emergency in another 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.

What is the best medical insurance for international travel? ›

Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.

Can Americans get free healthcare abroad? ›

The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses.

Which states do not have Obamacare? ›

Coverage under the Medicaid expansion became effective January 1, 2014 in all states that have adopted the Medicaid expansion except for the following: Michigan (4/1/2014), New Hampshire (8/15/2014), Pennsylvania (1/1/2015), Indiana (2/1/2015), Alaska (9/1/2015), Montana (1/1/2016), Louisiana (7/1/2016), Virginia (1/1/ ...

Which health insurance covers all 50 states? ›

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield members can rest easy since Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage opens doors in all 50 states and is accepted by over 90 percent of doctors and specialists.

What state has the most Obamacare? ›

Florida had the largest number of ACA exchange plan sign ups for 2023, according to new data from CMS. A total of 16.3 million people enrolled in marketplace coverage between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15, the agency reported Jan.

How does health insurance work when you travel internationally? ›

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 50000 enough medical travel insurance? ›

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 health insurance cover a person if they travel internationally? ›

You might be able to get some emergency coverage abroad to an extent, but you won't be able to visit a doctor for a routine procedure or buy prescription medication and expect a reimbursem*nt.

Do you need travel insurance if you have health insurance? ›

Before you travel, consider getting travel insurance to cover yourself in case delays, accidents, or illness occur on your trip. Your current medical insurance may not cover care in another country. Also, some types of travel insurance help you cover costs if your travel is cancelled or disrupted.

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 is not covered by travel insurance? ›

Reasonably foreseeable events. Known storms, epidemics, acts of war. Travel restrictions imposed by government authorities. Pre-existing conditions, unless the Premium plan is bought within the window for coverage.

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