GeoBlue Travel Insurance–Voyager Plan
The Single Trip Platinum plan offers exceptional protection for U.S. travelers abroad for up to six months.
Travel Health Insurance for International Trips
Travel health insurance provides short-term medical coverage for international trips lasting less than one year. It can fill gaps when your domestic health plan provides limited or no coverage overseas. Benefits may include treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries, hospital stays, doctor visits, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. Costs depend on age, destination, trip length, deductible, and coverage limits.
Travel Health Insurance at a Glance
| Best for | International trips lasting less than one year |
| Main purpose | Covers eligible emergency medical expenses while traveling abroad |
| Common benefits | Emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, prescription medications, and selected travel benefits |
| Often excludes | Routine care, preventive services, or ongoing treatment |
| Long-term stays | Consider international health insurance instead |
| Next step | Compare travel medical plans based on your destination, trip length, and coverage needs |
Headed Abroad? We’ve Got You Covered
Before you travel, explore expert-recommended travel health insurance and trip protection plans to find the right coverage for your journey abroad.
What Is Travel Health Insurance?
Travel health insurance (also called travel medical insurance) is short-term coverage that helps pay eligible medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling outside your home country. It can help fill gaps if your domestic health plan provides limited or no coverage abroad.
Depending on the plan, benefits may include hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuation coverage, and repatriation. Some plans also include limited travel benefits, such as trip interruption or baggage protection.
Travel health plans are generally for trips lasting less than one year. These plans focus on unexpected medical needs. They usually don’t cover routine care, preventive services, or treatment for ongoing medical conditions. Covered benefits, coverage limits, and exclusions vary by policy.
If you plan to live, work, study, or retire abroad for a year or longer, international health insurance may be a better choice. It offers broader, renewable coverage for both routine and emergency care.
Who Should Consider Travel Health Insurance?
Travel health insurance may be suitable for those spending less than one year abroad who want protection against eligible medical emergencies.
This might include:
- Vacationers
- Employees traveling abroad who need business travel insurance
- International students studying abroad for less than one year
- Missionaries who may need missionary insurance
- Digital nomads seeking insurance for temporary stays abroad
- International visitors looking for visitor insurance
- Travelers visiting countries with high healthcare costs
- Those taking part in activities with a higher risk of illness or injury who may need adventure travel insurance
Travel Health Insurance vs. Trip Insurance vs. International Health Insurance
Although people often confuse these types of insurance, they serve different purposes.
| Coverage Type | Best For | Primary Coverage | Often Excludes |
| Travel Health Insurance | Trips lasting less than one year | Eligible emergency medical care, evacuation, and repatriation | Routine care and ongoing treatment |
| Trip Insurance | Protecting your travel investment | Trip cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage, and related travel expenses | Comprehensive healthcare |
| International Health Insurance | Living, working, studying, or retiring abroad | Routine and emergency medical care with renewable coverage | Trip cancellation benefits |
If your main concern is medical emergencies while abroad, travel health insurance is generally the best choice. If you want to protect the money you’ve spent on your trip, trip cancellation insurance may be a better choice. For long-term stays abroad, a global medical insurance plan offers broader, renewable coverage for both routine and emergency care.
What Does Travel Health Insurance Cover?
Travel health insurance primarily covers eligible medical emergencies that occur while you’re abroad. Although benefits vary by policy, many plans include the following:
- Emergency medical care: Doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, tests, and other medically necessary treatment for a sudden illness or injury.
- Emergency medical evacuation: Transportation to the nearest suitable facility when local facilities cannot provide adequate treatment. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to consider medical evacuation insurance, as many health plans do not cover special medical evacuation by air ambulance.
- Repatriation: Transportation home when medically necessary and covered by the policy. Some plans also include repatriation of remains coverage in the event of death.
- Emergency transportation: Eligible ambulance services and other emergency transportation required during a covered emergency.
- Hospital allowance: A daily benefit for incidental expenses during a covered hospital stay.
- Prescription medication: Costs for medication prescribed by a doctor to treat a covered illness or injury during the trip.
- 24/7 assistance services: Access to a helpline for locating medical care, arranging benefits, and arranging covered emergency services while abroad.
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): Provides a benefit in the event of accidental death or loss of limbs/eyesight while abroad.
- Trip interruption: Covers the non-refundable cost of your trip if a medical emergency interrupts your travels.
- Personal liability: Coverage for certain legal expenses or damages if you accidentally injure another person or damage their property.
Benefits, coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions vary by policy. Read the fine print of the travel insurance plan before buying.
What’s Not Covered?
A travel health plan doesn’t replace a comprehensive health plan. Coverage and exclusions vary by policy, but common exclusions include:
- Routine checkups, preventive care, and elective treatment
- Treatment planned before your trip or travel for medical care
- Ongoing treatment for known medical conditions
- Pre-existing conditions, unless specifically covered
- Pregnancy and maternity coverage abroad or newborn care beyond the limited emergency benefits
- Mental health or substance-use treatment
- Injuries resulting from excluded sports or activities
- Alcohol- or drug-related incidents
- Travel against health advice or certain government advisories for international travelers
- Treatment outside the policy period or coverage area
This is not a complete list of exclusions. Coverage, benefit limits, and exclusions vary by policy.
Is Travel Health Insurance Worth It?
Travel health insurance may be worth considering because unexpected illnesses, injuries, and medical evacuations abroad can lead to high costs. Coverage often costs much less than a medical emergency overseas.
Before buying a policy, review what your existing plan covers outside your home country, including:
- Emergency medical treatment abroad
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Direct payment to hospitals abroad
- Global provider networks
If you have limited existing coverage, a travel medical plan can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for eligible covered expenses.
Read our guide, Is Travel Insurance Worth It?, for a closer look at the costs and risks.
Compare Recommended Travel Medical Plans
The best travel medical plan depends on your citizenship or residence, destination, trip length, and coverage needs. Use the guide below to identify the right type of coverage before comparing plans.
How We Select Plans
We assess plans based on eligibility, coverage, benefits, insurer reputation, customer service, travel insurance claims support, and overall value. Our recommendations aim to help you compare travel plans based on your needs. They do not guarantee that one plan is the best choice for every traveler.
Best for U.S. Citizens and Residents Traveling Abroad
These plans cater to U.S. citizens and residents traveling abroad who want coverage for eligible medical emergencies outside the United States.
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions’ Single Trip Platinum plan offers strong medical and travel benefits at an affordable price, along with reliable 24/7 emergency help.
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
IMG’s Patriot Platinum plan caters to travelers seeking higher medical limits and broader global coverage. This makes it ideal for extended stays abroad, luxury vacations, or travelers seeking top-tier coverage.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Best for Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad
These plans are for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country.
Safe Travels International
Trawick’s Safe Travels International plan provides flexible travel health coverage for non-U.S. citizens traveling abroad, excluding the United States. The plan offers multiple coverage levels and flexible trip durations, allowing travelers to choose coverage that matches their itinerary and budget.
Safe Travels International
- Designed for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country (excluding the U.S.)
- Coverage for an unexpected recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition
- Coverage from 5 days to 364 days – extensions are available
Atlas Travel Insurance
Atlas Travel Insurance offers flexible travel medical coverage, including emergency treatment, evacuation, and repatriation, with multiple options to suit different needs.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits
- Choose between basic or more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
Best for International Visitors to the United States and Beyond
Healthcare costs in the United States can be much higher than in many other countries. Visitors to the U.S. might want to consider plans with higher medical limits and emergency evacuation benefits.
Safe Travels USA
Trawick’s Safe Travels USA plan provides coverage for international visitors traveling to the United States and other countries. Benefits include limited coverage for wellness visits and acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Safe Travels USA
- Designed for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. and other countries
- Includes comprehensive medical, evacuation, & repatriation coverage
- Coverage from 5 days to 364 days – extensions are available
Best for Frequent International Travelers
If you take several international trips each year, an annual travel plan can be more convenient than buying separate coverage for every trip. Annual plans provide coverage for multiple trips during a 12-month period, subject to the maximum duration allowed per trip.
We recommend the IMG Patriot Multi-Trip plan for travelers of all nationalities and the BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions Multi-Trip plan for U.S. citizens and residents. Compare the plans below to review benefits, eligibility, and coverage options, and request a tailored quote before buying.
Annual Plan for All Nationalities
Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
- Annual travel medical coverage
- Designed for individuals and dependents
- Full year of cover for trips of 30, 60, or 90 days in length
Annual Plan for U.S. Citizens and Residents
Multi-Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- Up to $500,000 for sickness and accidents
- $500,000 medical evacuation benefit
- Unlimited Trips Outside the U.S. for trips up to 70 days
How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
Travel medical insurance premiums depend on factors such as your age, destination, trip length, medical maximum, deductible, and optional benefits. Some basic plans may cost less than $1 per day, while plans with higher coverage limits or extra benefits may cost $5 or more per day. Actual premiums vary widely, and older travelers or those who select higher medical maximums pay more.
The sample rates below reflect the traveler ages, destinations, coverage periods, medical maximums, and deductibles shown in each table. Prices and eligibility vary by traveler, insurer, and plan selection. We last verified these rates on the dates listed with each table. Get a tailored quote for current pricing.
Travel Medical Insurance Costs for U.S. Travelers
The tables below show sample daily rates for U.S. citizens and residents traveling abroad. These rates apply to the plans listed:
- BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions Single Trip Platinum
- IMG Patriot International
- WorldTrips Atlas International
- Trawick Safe Travels Outbound
BCBS Global Solutions Single Trip Platinum Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$50,000
|
$100,000
|
$500,000
|
$1,000,000
|
|
0-18 years
|
$1.94
|
$2.11
|
$2.33
|
$2.38
|
|
19-29 years
|
$1.94
|
$2.11
|
$2.33
|
$2.38
|
|
30-39 years
|
$2.29
|
$2.51
|
$2.78
|
$2.82
|
|
40-49 years
|
$3.34
|
$3.68
|
$4.03
|
$4.13
|
|
50-59 years
|
$4.86
|
$5.33
|
$5.88
|
$6.01
|
|
60-64 years
|
$6.73
|
$7.39
|
$8.15
|
$8.33
|
|
65-69 years
|
$7.95
|
$8.70
|
$9.62
|
$9.83
|
|
70-74 years
|
$12.58
|
$13.80
|
$15.24
|
$15.54
|
|
75-84 years
|
$22.02
|
$24.14
|
$26.67
|
$27.23
|
|
85+ years
|
$31.31
|
$34.34
|
$37.94
|
$38.71
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
IMG Patriot International Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$20,000
|
$100,000
|
$1,000,000
|
$2,000,000
|
$5,000,000
|
$8,000,000
|
|
0-17 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$2.28
|
$2.86
|
$3.28
|
|
18-29 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$2.40
|
$3.00
|
$3.43
|
|
30-39 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$2.81
|
$3.49
|
$4.33
|
|
40-49 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$4.69
|
$5.68
|
$6.38
|
|
50-59 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$7.95
|
$9.40
|
$9.79
|
|
60-64 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$9.95
|
$11.15
|
$11.88
|
|
65-69 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$11.68
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
70-79 years
|
N/A
|
$17.41
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
80+ years
|
$30.88
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
WorldTrips Atlas International Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$10,000
|
$50,000
|
$100,000
|
$250,000
|
$500,000
|
$1,000,000
|
$2,000,000
|
|
14 days-29 years
|
N/A
|
$1.09
|
$1.32
|
$1.57
|
$1.82
|
$1.93
|
$1.97
|
|
30-39 years
|
N/A
|
$1.33
|
$1.70
|
$1.98
|
$2.21
|
$2.42
|
$2.49
|
|
40-49 years
|
N/A
|
$2.20
|
$2.45
|
$2.84
|
$3.18
|
$3.40
|
$3.51
|
|
50-59 years
|
N/A
|
$3.87
|
$4.04
|
$4.66
|
$4.99
|
$5.39
|
$5.57
|
|
60-64 years
|
N/A
|
$4.74
|
$4.86
|
$5.57
|
$6.09
|
$6.50
|
$6.68
|
|
65-69 years
|
N/A
|
$5.40
|
$5.95
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
70-79 years
|
N/A
|
$8.75
|
$9.67
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
80+ years
|
$16.12
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
Trawick Safe Travels Outbound Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$50,000
|
$100,000
|
$250,000
|
$500,000
|
|
Up to age 21
|
$1.09
|
$1.12
|
$1.16
|
$1.18
|
|
22-29 years
|
$1.62
|
$1.65
|
$1.70
|
$1.74
|
|
30-39 years
|
$1.91
|
$1.96
|
$2.02
|
$2.05
|
|
40-49 years
|
$3.32
|
$3.38
|
$3.48
|
$3.56
|
|
50-59 years
|
$5.75
|
$5.88
|
$6.05
|
$6.18
|
|
60-64 years
|
$7.20
|
$7.36
|
$7.57
|
$7.74
|
|
65-69 years
|
$8.42
|
$8.61
|
$8.85
|
$9.04
|
|
70-79 years
|
$12.68
|
$12.95
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
80-89 years
|
$45.27
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
Rates last updated on March 18, 2026
Travel Medical Insurance Costs for All Nationalities
The table below shows the daily cost of travel medical plans for international (non-U.S.) citizens traveling worldwide, including the U.S.
- IMG Patriot America
- WorldTrips Atlas America
- Trawick Safe Travels USA (covers inside the U.S. only)
IMG Patriot America Plan Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$20,000
|
$100,000
|
$1,000,000
|
$2,000,000
|
$5,000,000
|
$8,000,000
|
|
0-17 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$3.93
|
$4.13
|
$5.24
|
$7.25
|
|
18-29 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$3.93
|
$4.13
|
$5.24
|
$7.25
|
|
30-39 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$4.49
|
$4.73
|
$7.59
|
$9.44
|
|
40-49 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$5.89
|
$6.20
|
$9.06
|
$12.04
|
|
50-59 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$9.99
|
$10.51
|
$14.79
|
$20.60
|
|
60-64 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$13.31
|
$15.24
|
$17.85
|
$25.99
|
|
65-69 years
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$17.01
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
70-79 years
|
N/A
|
$25.16
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
80+ years
|
$66.18
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
WorldTrips Atlas America Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$10,000
|
$50,000
|
$100,000
|
$250,000
|
$500,000
|
$1,000,000
|
$2,000,000
|
|
14 days-29 years
|
N/A
|
$2.13
|
$2.68
|
$3.05
|
$3.83
|
$4.36
|
$4.58
|
|
30-39 years
|
N/A
|
$2.60
|
$3.54
|
$4.23
|
$4.50
|
$4.98
|
$5.24
|
|
40-49 years
|
N/A
|
$3.74
|
$4.58
|
$5.27
|
$6.26
|
$7.17
|
$7.55
|
|
50-59 years
|
N/A
|
$6.14
|
$7.66
|
$9.66
|
$10.97
|
$12.04
|
$12.65
|
|
60-64 years
|
N/A
|
$7.82
|
$10.13
|
$13.72
|
$14.95
|
$16.41
|
$17.26
|
|
65-69 years
|
N/A
|
$9.14
|
$11.53
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
70-79 years
|
N/A
|
$14.31
|
$18.05
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
80+ years
|
$21.26
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
Trawick Safe Travels USA Cost per Day
|
Maximum Limit
|
$50,000
|
$100,000
|
$250,000
|
$500,000
|
$1,000,000
|
|
Up to age 29
|
$2.00
|
$2.00
|
$2.19
|
$2.78
|
$2.99
|
|
30-39 years
|
$2.10
|
$2.88
|
$3.03
|
$3.68
|
$3.82
|
|
40-49 years
|
$3.08
|
$3.86
|
$4.30
|
$5.25
|
$5.67
|
|
50-59 years
|
$4.56
|
$5.74
|
$6.49
|
$8.17
|
$8.43
|
|
60-64 years
|
$5.31
|
$6.95
|
$8.60
|
$10.33
|
$10.62
|
|
65-69 years
|
$6.01
|
$7.81
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
70-79 years
|
$9.07
|
$13.37
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
80-89 years
|
$31.94
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible.
Rates last updated on March 17, 2025
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Your premium may depend on:
- Age: Premiums generally increase with age.
- Destination: Coverage can cost more in countries with higher healthcare costs.
- Trip length: Longer trips generally increase the total premium.
- Medical maximum: Higher coverage limits usually increase the premium.
- Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but increases your out-of-pocket costs before coverage begins.
- Optional benefits: Extra coverage for specific activities or risks may increase the premium.
Costs Beyond the Premium
The premium is only one part of the total cost of coverage. Before buying a policy, review:
- Deductible: The amount you pay before coverage begins.
- Copayment: A fixed amount you may pay for a covered service.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of covered costs you pay.
- Per-benefit limits: Some benefits may have lower limits than the overall medical maximum.
- Excluded expenses: You remain responsible for treatment and services excluded by the policy.
Comparing these factors – not just the premium – can help you select the plan that best matches your needs.
How Much Travel Medical Coverage Do You Need?
How much coverage you need depends on your destination, trip length, health, planned activities, and existing insurance policy. There is no single coverage limit that is appropriate for every traveler.
When comparing plans, consider:
- Destination: Healthcare costs vary by country, and those with higher medical costs may warrant higher coverage limits.
- Trip length and frequency: Longer trips generally increase the likelihood of needing healthcare. If you go abroad several times a year, compare annual and single-trip plans.
- Existing insurance: Review any medical coverage provided through your domestic plan, employer, university, credit card, or other benefits. Check the medical limits, emergency evacuation benefits, provider networks, and whether the insurer can pay foreign hospitals directly.
- Emergency medical evacuation: If you are visiting remote destinations or engaging in higher-risk activities, you may want higher evacuation benefits. If you’re taking a cruise, consider whether cruise insurance fits your needs.
- Pre-existing conditions: Check how each policy covers pre-existing conditions, including any exclusions or limited benefits for an acute onset or unexpected recurrence.
- Planned activities: Confirm that your policy covers activities such as hiking, skiing, scuba diving, climbing, or motorcycling. Some adventure and extreme sports may need extra coverage or have specific exclusions.
- Visa requirements: Some countries require proof of travel medical coverage with minimum coverage limits. For example, Schengen visa applicants generally need at least €30,000 in coverage for emergency healthcare, hospital stays, and medical repatriation. Confirm current rules with the relevant embassy or consulate before buying.
- Budget and risk tolerance: Higher medical maximums and lower deductibles generally increase premiums while reducing your potential out-of-pocket costs. Choose a balance that fits both your budget and comfort with financial risk.
For a step-by-step guide, read our article on How to Choose a Travel Medical Plan.
Travel Health Insurance FAQs
-
Yes. Travel health insurance and trip insurance are separate products, so you can purchase travel health coverage on its own. If your main concern is coverage for eligible medical expenses while abroad, a travel health plan may be sufficient. If you also want to protect prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, consider trip insurance.
-
It depends on the policy. Some travel health insurance plans exclude pre-existing medical conditions, while others provide limited benefits for an acute onset or unexpected recurrence, subject to the policy terms. Review the fine print of the travel policy carefully to understand how pre-existing conditions are defined, covered, and excluded.
-
You can usually buy travel health insurance online before your trip. Follow these steps to choose and purchase a policy:
- Enter your trip details: Provide your destination, travel dates, age, and other required information.
- Compare travel medical plans: Review coverage, medical maximums, deductibles, exclusions, and optional benefits.
- Choose your coverage: Select the medical maximum, deductible, and benefits that fit your needs.
- Complete your application: Provide the required traveler information and purchase your policy before departure so coverage can begin on your selected effective date.
For more detailed guidance, read our guide on How to Buy Travel Insurance. If you’re wondering how late you can wait to purchase coverage, see When Is It Too Late to Buy Travel Insurance?
-
It depends on your destination and the policy you choose. Some countries require travel health insurance with minimum coverage limits or specific benefits as a condition of entry or for certain visa types. Before buying a policy, confirm that it meets the country’s rules. For more information, read our guide to Travel Insurance for Visa Applications.
-
Travel health insurance requirements vary by destination and can change over time. Rules may also differ based on your nationality or visa type. Before you depart, check the latest entry and coverage requirements through the country’s official immigration website, embassy, or consulate, or refer to the IATA Travel Centre.
Before You Travel: CDC Health Advice
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to prepare for unexpected medical emergencies before traveling abroad. According to the CDC, a serious illness or injury abroad can lead to high costs, so travelers should consider travel health, trip, and medical evacuation insurance before departure. For additional guidance on travel health and medical evacuation coverage, see the CDC’s Yellow Book guidance.