If you plan to travel abroad soon, it is important to carefully examine your primary health insurance policy in the U.S. to determine if it includes international medical coverage. Most health insurance plans in the U.S. have limitations outside the country. Even if your primary policy offers international coverage, you may not be covered if you need transportation on a medically equipped flight to a city or country with a higher standard of care.
A travel medical insurance policy is inexpensive and can be very helpful if you get sick or injured in a foreign country and don’t know where to go or what to do. Most travel medical insurance plans offer great coverage. When shopping for a travel medical insurance plan, pay attention to these important components:
Medical Coverage: This should cover any emergency and non-emergency medical care in any foreign country.
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: This should cover emergency medical transportation to the nearest medical facility, medically equipped flights to a city or country with a higher standard of care if necessary, and repatriation of mortal remains to your primary residence in the U.S.
Direct Pay: This means hospitals and doctors can bill the insurance company directly without requiring the patient to pay upfront and claim later. A good travel medical insurance policy has many participating hospitals and doctors in nearly all foreign countries.
GeoBlue offers one of the best travel medical plans, covering up to $1,000,000 for medical care with $0 deductible for as low as $40 per trip. They provide access to the best providers, and direct pay, regardless of how remote your location is. Click here to compare GeoBlue plans. This is not an affiliate link, and this blog does not earn any commission from GeoBlue. The recommendation is based solely on my personal experience and the experiences of fellow savvy travelers.
You must keep in mind that the travel insurance that comes with credit cards DOES NOT provide medical coverage.
What do savvy travelers do to ensure their health and safety while traveling outside the U.S.?
They purchase a reliable travel medical plan that covers medical care, medical evacuation, and repatriation. They choose a reputable company with many participating hospitals and doctors worldwide.
They also use their credit cards to pay for plane tickets, hotel expenses, tours, and rental cars, ensuring they have adequate coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, baggage delays, and auto rental collision damage waivers. Click here for more details on this subject.
Do savvy travelers buy a travel medical plan for every single trip?
Travelers who travel 5 times or more a year are advised to purchase an annual travel medical plan. An annual plan covers unlimited trips in a 12-month period. Click here for more details. If you travel overseas fewer than 5 times a year, it may be cheaper to buy a single trip plan.
Is there a travel medical plan for travelers spending more than a year outside the U.S.?
Travelers who spend more than a year outside the U.S. often opt for a long-term plan from trusted providers like GeoBlue, Cigna Global, or IMG Global Insurance.