Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (2024)

To make the most of a trip, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Consider including travel health insurance to your trip preparation, whether you’re traveling internationally or out-of-state. It’s added peace of mind for unplanned situations that may come up. With rates starting as low as $1 per day, cheap travel medical insurance is an affordable way to get insured while away. It’s easy to apply. Get a quote, complete the short application online and pay by credit card, and you’re on your way!

Short Term Health Insurance Coverage for Out-of-State Travel

When your travel takes you closer to home, consider getting short term health insurance while out-of-state. Coverage is temporary and basically covers major medical services, such as hospitalization, urgent care, and emergency room visits if they result in you getting admitted to the hospital. It does not cover medical services such as doctor visits, prescriptions, preventive services, or pre-existing conditions. For more information, click Short Term Health Insurance.

International Travel Health Insurance

Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (1)

Most anyone who is temporarily leaving their home country can benefit. International travel health insurance provides medical protection for American citizens leaving their country as well as for non-Americans while they are traveling in the U.S. Many types of travelers can apply and get international travel health insurance: newlyweds on honeymoon, people on missionary trips, business travelers and many more.

Note that international travel health insurance enrollment is not subject to medical underwriting, so you can’t be denied for pre-existing conditions; however, be aware that pre-existing conditions are not covered.

How does international medical insurance work?

Generally speaking, a travel medical insurance policy helps you with expenses for sudden and unexpected injury and illness while you are traveling outside of your home country. Emergency travel benefits also include some non-medical expenses, such as lost luggage, lodging replacement due to a natural disaster, or assistance with a return trip home due to a covered incident. If a covered incident was to come up, you would pay out of pocket until you reach the deductible amount, if applicable. After the deductible is satisfied, then, the insurance company will pay 80% of the next $5,000 of covered expenses. After that point, the international travel medical insurance carrier will pay 100% of covered expenses up to the overall maximum limit. The maximum coverage period for international travel insurance is 365 days for non-US citizens or residents traveling outside of the U.S. or U.S. Territories. For all other members, the maximum coverage period is 364 days. The minimum age to enroll is 14 days old. We offer international travel health insurance through HCC Travel Medical Insurance Services, which syndicates with Lloyd’s of London to offer international coverage. Their plan offerings allow you to customize the policy. You select the deductible size, coverage limit, and the policy period you want.

What does international travel health insurance cover?

Below are some common benefits on international travelers insurance. Note that restrictions apply and that this list is not all-inclusive.

  • Hospital charges for inpatient and outpatient services.
  • Urgent care in U.S. or Canada, providing it is not preventive or for a pre-existing condition.
  • Prescriptions related to a covered injury or illness. The cost to replace existing prescriptions due to loss, stolen, damaged, or expired medicines is not covered.
  • International Travel Medical Insurance covers health services rendered due to pregnancy complications.
  • Medical costs for an emergency medical evacuation.
  • Travel health insurance covers the return trip home if your trip is interrupted due to:
    • The death of an immediate family member.
    • Your home being severely destroyed.
    • A medical necessity.
  • Emergency dental services due to a covered accident.
  • Medical expenses for illness or injury resulting from terrorism.
  • Replacement accommodations if you are evacuated due to a natural disaster.
  • Lost checked luggage.

What is not covered under international travel healthinsurance?

Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (2)

Again, this is not the whole list, but these are some of the main exclusions.

  • Medical services for pre-existing health conditions.
  • Traditional emergency room visits, unless you are admitted to the hospital.
  • Routine or preventative services.
  • Pre-natal care services.
  • Costs that are over the usual, reasonable, and customary charges.
  • Travel insurance benefits do not apply while an American citizen is traveling in a U.S. state or territory.

Can I cancel my travel health insurance?

Travel insurance can be cancelled. There is no cost if you cancel your travel insurance before the travel dates. If you request cancellation during the policy period, the premium will be pro-rated and a $25 cancellation fee added.

Note: If there is any discrepancy between the above information and the HCC policy provisions, the HCC policy provisions will prevail.

For more information on temporary coverage, click Short Term Health Insurance.

Short Term Health Insurance InformationGet a Free Travel Health Plan Quote

Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (2024)

FAQs

How much medical coverage should I get for travel insurance? ›

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.

What questions do they ask for travel insurance? ›

The questions will vary depending on your condition. We may ask about your treatment, if you've been prescribed any medication, and any recent medical appointments. We will not need to know the name of the medications that you take. We may also ask you about what treatment you are expecting in the future, if any.

What is the best travel medical insurance for US citizens? ›

The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans for 2024
CompanyAverage Plan CostCOVID-19 Coverage
Faye LEARN MORE$298Yes
International Medical Group EXPLORE PLANS$217Yes
AIG Travel Guard EXPLORE PLANS$251Yes, limited
Allianz Global Assistance EXPLORE PLANS$265Yes
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Do you really need travel health insurance? ›

Travel health insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding. Check if your current health care covers emergencies that happen while traveling.

Is $250,000 enough for medical travel insurance? ›

Overseas travelers should have these minimum levels of protection: Medical Insurance Coverage - $100,000. Medical Evacuation Coverage - $250,000.

Is $100,000 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.

Do you have to prove illness for travel insurance? ›

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.

What conditions are not covered by travel insurance? ›

Though this may vary depending on the insurer, travel insurance usually doesn't cover the following pre-existing medical conditions:
  • Conditions that are a result of alcohol or drug dependency.
  • Conditions for which you're awaiting any type of treatment or medical procedures.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition? ›

A pre-existing medical condition (PEMC) is an illness or injury you had before your policy began or was renewed. Examples of pre-existing medical conditions include, diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol or a long-term back condition.

Which insurance company is best for travel insurance? ›

Our Rankings of the Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
  • Faye: Our top pick.
  • Travelex Insurance: Our pick for families.
  • Nationwide Travel Insurance: Our pick for cruise travel.
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance: Our pick for customizable coverage.
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Our pick for luxury travelers.
5 days ago

What is the difference between travel insurance and travel health insurance? ›

Travel insurance covers medical emergencies and other trip disruptions. You get international health insurance if you are moving away for work, studying, retirement, etc. and will spend the majority of your time abroad.

Is travel healthcare worth it? ›

Yes! With more money, flexibility, career options, travel perks, and personal growth, it's still one of the most exciting nursing opportunities in 2024.

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.

What are the disadvantages of travel insurance? ›

Cost: Travel insurance will add to the overall cost of your trip. Some may choose to forgo it to save money, especially on shorter or less expensive trips. Exclusions and Limitations: Policies may have various exclusions and limitations, so it's essential to read the fine print.

How much does travel medical insurance cost? ›

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.

How much medical insurance do I need for travel to Europe? ›

A comprehensive travel policy with at least $50,000 in medical coverage is recommended when traveling to Europe or any country where you don't have health insurance. Travel medical insurance will cover expenses related to an unexpected injury or illness.

What is the difference between travel insurance and medical travel insurance? ›

Medical insurance for travel is specifically designed to cover any medical expenses you may incur while traveling. Travel insurance, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive coverage, including things like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

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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