International travel medical insurance provides coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries while abroad, ensuring access to quality care and financial protection during your trip.
If you’re planning a trip abroad, consider purchasing travel health insurance and indulge your wanderlust with peace of mind. Don’t let an accident or serious illness on the road result in eye-watering medical bills.
For international travel, a health plan that explicitly covers care received abroad is essential — not to mention coverage for medical evacuations, repatriation, trip interruption, and other related expenses.
Travel medical coverage is recommended for trips lasting up to one year. For trips lasting longer than a year, consider international health insurance plans or a more comprehensive expatriate insurance plan.
When traveling outside your home country, buying travel medical insurance as part of your international travel plan provides extra protection so you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical costs from accidents or illnesses.
Even if you have domestic health insurance, it may not cover you abroad. International travel typically requires a special plan through an insurer specializing in travel health benefits.
What Does Travelers’ Medical Plan Cover?
Each plan is different, and you can find comprehensive travel health plans and budget-friendly basic plans. Depending on the plan you choose, your travel insurance policy might offer coverage for the following:
Emergency medical care: Coverage for emergency medical treatment in case of sudden illness or injury while traveling. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and other necessary medical procedures, with the freedom to seek treatment at a hospital or with a doctor. Maximum limits range from $50,000 to $8,000,000, with deductible options from $0 to $25,000, and renewable for up to 36 months.
Accidental death and dismemberment: Provides a benefit in the event of accidental death or loss of limbs/eyesight while traveling.
Repatriationandemergency evacuations: These are the costs associated with transporting you to the nearest hospital from a remote location or back to your home country for treatment if the local facilities are inadequate. Repatriation of remains is also covered in case of death.
Emergency transportation: Coverage for ambulance services or other transportation required during a medical emergency.
Hospital allowance: Daily allowance for hospital stays to cover incidental expenses unrelated to medical care.
Prescription drugs: Costs for medications prescribed by a doctor during your trip with universal Rx pharmacy discount savings.
24/7 assistance services: Access to a helpline for assistance with medical emergencies, finding doctors, and other travel-related help.
Trip interruption: Compensation for the non-refundable portion of your trip if it is interrupted due to a medical emergency.
Personal liability: Coverage for legal expenses if you accidentally cause injury to someone else or damage their property.
Travel protection: Get coverage for travel delays or cancellations, and for baggage loss or delay.
Is Travel Health Insurance Worth It?
Yes. Illness and accidents can strike at any time, and specific issues may even be more likely when traveling abroad, such as:
Food poisoning due to inadequate food safety standards
Tropical diseases and mosquito-borne illnesses
Respiratory infections due to different allergens or heavy environmental pollutants
Accidental injuries sustained from hiking, swimming, or adventure sports
Traffic accidents, particularly if riding motorbikes or traversing unsafe roads
Sunburn and heat-related illnesses in certain climates
Be sure to purchase international trip coverage before departure to protect you from unexpected medical costs. The best plans combine the benefits of travel insurance with medical coverage.
Our Recommended Medical Travel Insurance Plans
We offer excellent options to cover you and your family during travel abroad. Whether you’re a U.S. national seeking coverage for an international trip or looking for coverage for your visit to the United States, you’ll find various options here.
For US Citizens Traveling Abroad
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions’ Single Trip Platinum plan is designed for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It offers excellent benefits while remaining very affordable. Most importantly, the customer service is outstanding, which is essential when you need to reach someone in a medical emergency.
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
Premium Travel Medical Plan for US and International Travelers
The IMG Patriot Platinum plan offers extensive benefits and high policy limits, making it an ideal choice for extended international stays, luxury vacations, or VIP 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
Trawick offers an excellent plan for non-U.S. nationals traveling outside their home country, except to the United States. Coverage options are global, benefits are comprehensive, and coverage levels are available to meet all budgets.
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
Safe Travels USA from Trawick is the best option for international citizens visiting the United States and other countries. In addition to those listed above, 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
Affordable Plan for All Nationalities with Great Coverage and Benefits
If you’re looking for a plan that offers excellent coverage and benefits at a reasonable price, we recommend Atlas Travel Insurance. Don’t be fooled by the price — the benefits are comparable to those of more expensive travel medical insurance providers.
Atlas Travel Insurance
Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits
Annual, Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Plans for Frequent Travelers
A multi-trip or annual travel insurance plan can cover all trips outside your home country during the year. This plan is valid for a year and provides coverage for up to a certain number of days per trip. It’s a more cost-effective option, especially for frequent travelers.
The IMG Patriot Multi-Trip plan is our recommended plan for all nationalities. One of the best annual travel policies for U.S. citizens is the BCBS Global Solutions Multi-Trip annual travel plan. For more details on the policies and to obtain a quote before purchasing online, please see the links below.
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
The cost of travel medical coverage can vary widely depending on the plan you choose, the length of your trip, your age, your chosen deductible, and other factors.
For a basic plan, you can find coverage for as little as $0.80 per day, whereas more extensive coverage may cost $5 or more per day. Monthly rates ranging from $40 to $60 sometimes provide better value.
Emergency medical plans cost about $2 per day on average. If you’re generally healthy and on a budget, it may be worth considering this option because, while these basic travel health policies do not offer travel protection, they provide essential coverage for unexpected medical emergencies.
Compared to the high cost of medical care without insurance, any international travel medical insurance plan offers protection and peace of mind. And while your private health insurance plans may be costly, you might be surprised by how affordable travel health insurance is. Travel health policies also do not cover trip cancellations, so their premiums are lower than usual.
Costs and Benefits of Medical Travel Insurance for International Trips
When evaluating the costs and benefits of a travel medical insurance plan, it’s important to weigh the potential financial impact of unexpected medical events against the insurance premium.
Costs to consider include:
Premiums: The cost of travel medical insurance varies based on age, health status, destination, length of travel, and coverage limits. On average, premiums can range from $2 to $10 per day.
Deductibles: Some plans require a deductible before insurance coverage kicks in. Deductibles can vary widely, from $50 to several hundred dollars.
Copayments and coinsurance: Depending on the policy, you may be responsible for some medical costs through copayments or coinsurance.
Exclusions: Certain conditions or treatment types may not be covered. Read the policy details to understand what is excluded.
Benefits can include:
Emergency medical coverage: Covers the cost of medical treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription medications.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: Provides coverage for transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to your home country, if necessary, as well as repatriation of remains in the event of death.
Emergency dental coverage: Covers urgent dental care due to accidents or sudden pain.
24/7 assistance services: Access to a helpline for medical emergencies, locating doctors, and other travel-related support.
Hospital allowance: Daily allowance for hospital stays to cover incidental expenses unrelated to medical care.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Some plans offer limited coverage for medical emergencies related to pre-existing conditions, subject to certain conditions.
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): Provides a benefit in the event of accidental death or loss of limbs/eyesight while traveling.
While you may need to budget a little extra, the benefits of a travel medical insurance plan generally outweigh the cost. Even if nothing goes wrong, it’s worth having peace of mind.
How Optional Coverage Adds to the Cost of Your Policy
Many plans offer additional optional benefits, meaning you can build a plan that works for you. For example, if you’re planning an action-packed trip, you can add coverage for adventure sports, mountaineering, or accidental death and disability (AD&D).
Each additional benefit will increase the price of your plan. However, the increase is generally minimal and worth the added expense if you feel you may need that extra coverage.
Cost of Travel Medical Insurance for US Citizens
The rate tables below show the cost per day for U.S. citizens traveling internationally under the following plans:
It depends on where you’re going, your home coverage, and your plans.
For shorter trips, you can probably get away with less coverage. But if you’re traveling extensively, you might consider a more comprehensive policy. If you are taking several trips throughout the year, consider annual travel insurance so you’re always covered.
The cost of medical care in countries like the United States, Japan, and Switzerland is very high. As such, you might need a higher maximum to ensure you don’t hit the limit.
How’s your health? If you have conditions that require regular treatment or medications, ensure your policy covers the level of care you need while abroad. Most plans will exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, so be aware.
If you’re going somewhere with a high level of medical care readily available, you probably don’t need medical evacuation or repatriation. Consider adding it if you’re going into the wilderness, staying somewhere rural and far from care, or making an adventure trip.
What are you planning to do on your vacation? You might be surprised by what insurance companies consider “extreme sports.” If planning anything outdoorsy, check if your activity requires special coverage.
Some countries require a travel policy to get a visa. For instance, the Schengen visa requires a minimum $50,000 of medical coverage. Check the visa rules for the place you’re traveling to.
A Quick Recap of Our Recommended Travel Health Plans
BlueCross BlueShield Single Trip Platinum: Best for U.S. Citizens and Residents Abroad
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
It depends. Some countries require travel health insurance, while many do not. However, it is advisable to purchase at least a basic emergency travel medical plan — your health plan at home might not cover you, and embassies and consulates typically do not provide medical assistance.
We offer a variety of medical plans for traveling abroad at a range of different price points.
If you’re looking for the best value travel insurance plan, a basic emergency medical plan might be right for you. Keep in mind that inexpensive plans sometimes offer basic coverage, and paying a bit more up-front can pay off in the event of a costly medical emergency.
We’ve filtered the best insurance providers that offer affordable plans with good coverage and excellent service. For the most affordable and reliable plans, we recommend:
There are various levels of international travel health insurance plans available, ranging from basic emergency health coverage to comprehensive health care and coverage for high-risk activities.
The most basic level of travel health insurance covers emergency medical needs while you’re away from home. If you fall ill or get injured while traveling, this type of policy will usually cover your treatment.
Depending on where you’re going, what you’re doing and how long you’ll be away, you might opt for a plan with a higher maximum. This means that you’ll have more extensive financial protection in the event of a medical event.
You can add specific benefits to your policy like prescription plans, repatriation, emergency evacuation and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Depending on the plan, some of these might already be covered.
You can also add riders for “extreme sports,” which cover activities like paragliding, mountain climbing and zip lining.
Some travel plans include both health coverage and coverage for non-medical expenses, such as trip cancellation, rental car coverage, trip interruption, personal liability, and lost, stolen or delayed baggage.
Choosing a plan can be daunting, which is why we’re committed to helping you choose the plan that’s right for you. Here are a few insurance options we recommend:
Among our most popular plans for U.S. citizens is the BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions’ Single Trip Platinum plan, which allows travelers to customize their coverage with different medical maximums and deductibles.
Atlas Travel Insurance is a comprehensive travel medical policy that includes hospitalization and doctor coverage. It also includes coverage for lost luggage. You can customize the policy to include optional coverage for extreme sports.
The Patriot Platinum Insurance plan provides optional coverage for extra riders, including personal belongings and extreme sports. This is perhaps the best medical policy for traveling abroad because it provides world-class coverage and access to the best service and assistance for traveling outside your home country.
For long-term travelers, expats, or individuals moving abroad for a year or longer, an international medical insurance plan might be a better option. These plans provide more comprehensive medical benefits but lack some of the coverage offered in travel health plans, such as trip interruption.
Applying for a travel health plan is easy. Just answer a few questions about yourself and your trip to get an initial quote. You can then adjust the plan by selecting different benefits, coverage amounts, deductibles and optional add-on features to see the total cost of the policy.
When you’re satisfied with the quote, you can proceed with the online application and pay using your credit card. You’ll get a confirmation email with your policy documentation and relevant contact details should you need emergency medical assistance on your trip.
In most cases, they do. The short-term medical insurance plans we offer are designed to meet or exceed the visa requirements of most countries, including the Schengen Zone.
Read More: Insurance for Your Travel Visa
Yes, definitely. An international travel medical insurance plan will cover emergency medical expenses should you get sick or injured while traveling abroad. However, coverage is often limited to medical costs related to your trip. This option may be worth considering if you bought trip protection through your airline and are not planning to rent accommodation during your trip.
If you feel you may need more extensive travel coverage, you might consider a comprehensive policy that includes both health and trip insurance, or buy a separate trip cancellation plan.
Not sure where to start? Use our Pick a Plan tool.
Travel insurance is a somewhat vague term that encompasses any insurance plan purchased for travel. This can include trip insurance and travel health insurance.
Trip insurance is a short-term solution that covers non-medical costs related to your trip. This could be the cost of your tickets, accommodation, and other travel expenses. This type of policy is usually available only for up to 62 days.
Travel health insurance covers medical costs incurred during a short-term trip (typically up to 1 year). This typically includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medical evacuation, repatriation, and other health-related costs.
Some plans include trip insurance and travel health insurance, meaning both your trip and your medical needs are protected.
If you’re considering longer-term coverage or more comprehensive medical benefits, read these guides to help you see the available options:
You can find this list of countries that still require travel medical insurance as of December 2023.
Notably, most countries that were requiring medical travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage at the height of the pandemic are no longer requiring it. However, it is still highly recommended. (Read our guide for more specific details on the latest travel insurance requirements.)
It is important to double-check all requirements before booking your travel policy.
Severe illness or injury abroad may result in a financial burden on you and your family. Although planning for every possible contingency is impossible, travelers can reduce the cost of a medical emergency by considering the purchase of 3 types of insurance for their trip: trip insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance. These insurance policies can be purchased before a trip to provide coverage in the event of an illness or injury and may be of particular importance to individuals with chronic medical conditions. Basic accident or travel insurance may even be required for travelers to certain destinations.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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