How much medical insurance do I need for travel to Europe?
Travel medical 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.
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.
We advise that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
If traveling to a remote location or going on a cruise, Squaremouth recommends $250,000 in coverage. You can buy medical evacuation insurance coverage for up to $1 million, depending on the travel insurance plan you buy.
The U.S. Department of State points out that medical evacuation can cost $50,000 or more in many countries depending on your location and the care you need. Fortunately, most travel insurance companies with travel medical insurance also provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
| Company | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Travelex GET QUOTE | $212 | Yes, up to 75% |
| Nationwide Travel Insurance GTE QUOTE | $175 | Yes, up to 75% |
| Seven Corners Travel Insurance GET QUOTE | $216 | Yes, up to 75% |
| Trawick International GET QUOTE | $212 | Yes, up to 75% |
Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.
The average national monthly health insurance cost for one person on an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan without premium tax credits in 2024 is $477.
- ICICI Lombard.
- HDFC Ergo.
- Bajaj Allianz.
- Reliance Insurance.
- Royal Sundaram.
Does my US health insurance cover me in Europe?
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.
While travel insurance for Europe isn't a legal requirement, it's still a good idea. It can ensure you're financially covered for things like cancelled flights, lost luggage or illness and injury while abroad.
Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States.
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
Travel medical insurance is offered either as part of comprehensive travel insurance plans, or may be purchased as a stand-alone plan. If you have a comprehensive plan, you may also be covered by other travel-related coverages, such as trip cancellation or interruption.
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.
International health insurance is designed to provide a comprehensive level of health care to those relocating from their home country for a sustained period of time, whereas travel insurance provides cover for emergency treatment while you are in another country for a shorter space of time.
How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,500 per year.
Get travel insurance.
Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.
Which medical insurance is best for Schengen?
| Company | Average Plan Cost | COVID-19 Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Trawick International GET QUOTE | $208 | Yes |
| Generali Global Assistance GET QUOTE | $228 | Yes |
| Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection GET QUOTE | $273 | Yes, limited |
| HTH Travel Insurance GET QUOTE | $72 | Yes, limited |
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.
International health insurance can cost from $200 to $900 per month, with an average of $500. However, the final cost of an international health insurance policy depends on many factors.
You can purchase a comprehensive international travel plan through Allianz that includes all the major coverages you would expect, or opt for specialized coverage for international medical expenses, car rentals and more.
You're covered for worldwide trips up to 180 days at a time when you take out an Aetna Travel plan with an Aetna Pioneer plan or Aetna Summit plan. You're not covered for any medical conditions you had within the 24 month period before you booked a trip or joined the plan.
