Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally?
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.
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.
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. Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have.
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.
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs advises the following for international travelers: Learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before going abroad. Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance as well as a claim form.
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.
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If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage. Through the Overseas Assistance Center, you're covered when working or traveling overseas.
The average cost of a standard travel insurance policy is $221, according to research conducted by the MarketWatch Guides team. However, the destination, number of travelers, trip price and more can affect the exact cost of a policy.
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
What happens if you go to the hospital in a foreign 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.
Contact a local pharmacist and show him or her the prescription (or prescription label), assuming language is not a barrier. Contact the embassy for assistance or check the embassy website; many US embassies list reliable local pharmacies.
If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can't be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit Getting Health Care During Travel to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.
- Advice hotlines. Many insurance providers include access to a 24-hour hotline that you can call for medical advice. ...
- Virtual care. ...
- Walk-in clinics at drugstores. ...
- Urgent care centers.
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.
Enjoy peace of mind wherever you travel with global medical coverage. We have over 30 years experience in international health insurance. And more than 500,000 members trust us with their care worldwide.
A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need. Make sure you get a copy of your bill so that, when you return home, you can file a claim to be reimbursed.
Almost all the countries in Europe have a universal healthcare system. There are people who call it a “free healthcare” system but it is actually not free. Each nation has its own variation; however, a common feature is that everyone has to pay for healthcare as a society.
Getting Medical Insurance for Europe
Any international should mean a purchase of travel medical insurance. While traveling in Europe, your U.S. health plan (including Medicare) likely does pay for medical expenses like hospital bills, ambulance costs or doctor visits if you require medical attention.
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.
How much does international travel insurance cost?
Travel insurance is not one-size-fits-all, so the price and conditions of a plan will vary. However, it may be useful to understand pricing guidelines to plan your travel insurance purchase. In general, you should expect a plan will cost anywhere from 4%-10% of your total pre-paid, nonrefundable trip cost.
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.
The comprehensive policy usually covers delays, cancellation due to sickness or death, lost luggage and some emergency medical costs.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Healthcare coverage is one of the most important decisions you make. Choose the card that opens doors in all 50 states.
Discover health solutions that travel with you—even abroad.
Whether you're vacationing, traveling frequently on business, studying, teaching, or living abroad, GeoBlue® offers international travel health insurance plans that will give you and your family peace of mind as you travel internationally.
