Medical
InsureMyTrip’s 3 Most Important Things to Know about Travel Medical Insurance
1
Your health insurance may not cover you internationally.
Many U.S. health plans offer limited or no coverage once you leave the country. International travel medical coverage fills that gap by covering emergency care abroad, out of state, and out of network, so you aren’t stuck with large medical bills.
2
Emergency medical evacuation can get expensive fast.
If you need transport to a better-equipped hospital, evacuation costs can climb into the tens of thousands of dollars. Medical insurance for overseas travel helps cover that cost, giving you access to quality care if a serious emergency hits.
3
This coverage is for the unexpected, not everyday care.
Travel medical insurance is designed for emergencies, not routine care. It’s there to protect you through the unforeseen (like an injury, sudden illness, or medical evacuation) so you can focus on getting care, not worrying about the bill.
Medical Plans
View All Medical Plans
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WorldTrips Atlas International
Medical Schengen Visa SingleTravel medical coverage for trips outside your home country (excluding the United States). Helps fill gaps left by primary health insurance while abroad. Customizable limits and deductibles let you tailor coverage.
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Medical Limit
Medical limits may vary
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Emergency Medical Evacuation
$1,000,000
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Repatriation of Remains
Included
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Medical Limit
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Medical Coverage for Travel: Single Trip Platinum
Medical SingleIdeal for travelers who want flexible, high-quality medical coverage for a single international trip. Includes customizable limits and deductibles, plus emergency medical care and evacuation with no pre-existing condition exclusion. Also adds trip interruption and baggage coverage for extra backup.
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Medical Limit
Medical limits may vary
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Emergency Medical Evacuation
$500,000
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Repatriation of Remains
$25,000
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Medical Limit
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International Medical Group Patriot International Lite
Medical SingleTravel medical coverage if you’re going outside your home country (excluding the United States). Helps fill gaps where your regular health insurance may fall short abroad. A flexible option for medical protection while traveling internationally.
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Medical Limit
Medical limits may vary
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Emergency Medical Evacuation
$1,000,000
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Repatriation of Remains
Included
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Medical Limit
Frequently asked questions
What is international travel medical insurance?
International travel medical (or international health insurance) is coverage designed to help cover the cost of unexpected medical emergencies while you’re traveling outside your home country. You can buy it as a standalone policy or as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
What do the best travel medical plans cover?
While coverage varies by policy, the best travel medical insurance plans typically include:
- Emergency medical treatment for covered illnesses and injuries
- Hospitalization and surgery for medically necessary care
- Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility if local care isn’t available
- Medical repatriation to return you home when medically necessary
- Repatriation of remains in the event of a covered death during your trip
- Prescription medications needed to treat a covered illness or injury
- Emergency dental treatment for sudden, unexpected dental injuries or pain
- 24/7 travel assistance services to help coordinate medical care, emergency transport, and other travel emergencies
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions on eligible plans, subject to policy terms and limitations
When comparing plans, be sure to check coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, pre-existing condition waiver availability, eligibility requirements, and optional benefits to find the plan that best fits your trip and healthcare needs.
Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?
Yes, both comprehensive travel insurance and standalone travel medical insurance plans provide benefits for emergency medical care, medical evacuations, and emergency dental work. They don’t cover preventive care or routine visits.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by plan, so review limits and look-back periods closely to see how your medical history factors in.
How much travel medical insurance do I need?
The amount of travel medical insurance you need depends on your destination, local healthcare costs, any adventure activities on your itinerary, and your personal health needs.
As a general guideline, we recommend:
- $50,000 or more in emergency medical coverage for most international trips
- $100,000 or more in medical evacuation coverage for most international trips
- $250,000 or more in medical evacuation coverage for cruises or remote destinations
Who should buy travel medical insurance?
Travel medical insurance is a good choice if you:
- Are traveling internationally or to a remote area
- Have limited health coverage outside your home country
- Want financial protection against high emergency medical bills
- Want coverage for emergency medical evacuation
- Are visiting a country that requires proof of medical insurance
Where can I get travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa?
Schengen visa plans are designed to meet the medical and evacuation requirements for entry into the 29 countries in the Schengen Area. InsureMyTrip offers visa-compliant plans that include medical coverage, evacuation, accidental death benefits, and limited baggage and interruption protection. Requirements are based on citizenship, not residency.
What are the limits for travel medical insurance abroad?
Travel medical insurance limits typically range from $50,000 to $2,000,000. Choose based on your existing health insurance, destination, trip length, and planned activities.
Medicare rarely covers care abroad, so older travelers may want to look at higher limits. On the other hand, if your trip involves higher-risk activities, confirm they’re covered or consider adding a sports rider.
Do medical travel insurance plans have deductible options?
Most single-trip medical plans start with a $0 deductible, but you can often increase the deductible to lower your premium. Multi-trip medical plans always include a deductible that can’t be removed. You’ll find deductible details in the “Additional Benefits” section when comparing plans.
Do travel health insurance plans have exclusions?
Yes. Plans may exclude pre-existing conditions based on a look-back period (often ranging from six months to three years). Certain activities, like scuba diving or extreme sports, may also be excluded unless you add an optional hazardous sports rider. Always review the certificate of insurance for specific exclusions before buying.
How does travel medical coverage work within comprehensive plans?
Comprehensive plans include medical coverage with stronger protection for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage issues. If you want both medical support and broader trip coverage, a comprehensive plan may be a better fit. Both plan types include access to 24/7 emergency assistance.
How does international medical coverage work while I’m abroad?
Always carry your policy number and emergency assistance contact information with you. In most emergencies, you’ll need to call your assistance provider before receiving care or arranging an evacuation. They’ll help coordinate treatment and avoid claims issues down the line. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts to make the process of filing a travel insurance claim as smooth as possible.
How much does travel medical insurance cost?
Cost depends on your age, trip length, number of travelers, and coverage amount. Medical-only plans are typically more affordable than comprehensive travel insurance plans. To get a real sense of pricing, compare quotes for your specific trip and review what’s included in each plan.
Why buy a travel medical plan instead of a comprehensive one?
Travel medical insurance is ideal if you’re heading abroad and don’t need trip cancellation coverage. These plans provide essential protection for medical emergencies, evacuation, and 24/7 assistance, which are key benefits when your health insurance won’t help overseas. Comparing plans is the best way to find the right fit for your trip.
Which insurance providers offer travel medical plans?
Most major travel insurance carriers offer emergency medical coverage for international travelers.
Which travel health insurance covers pre-existing conditions abroad?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by plan.
Some travel medical policies may:
- Exclude pre-existing conditions entirely
- Offer limited coverage after a lookback period, such as six months or three years
- Require your condition to be stable for a set period before travel to qualify for coverage
InsureMyTrip allows you to filter and compare plans that may offer pre-existing condition coverage, making it easier to find options that align with your medical history.
What are the best travel health insurance options for retirees?
Retirees and older travelers often prioritize:
- Higher medical limits
- Strong medical evacuation coverage
- Emergency medical coverage where Medicare doesn’t apply
Many travel medical plans are designed specifically for international travelers over 60, with coverage limits up to $2,000,000. InsureMyTrip makes it easy to compare age-eligible plans and find coverage that fits your needs.
Which policies combine travel health and trip cancellation coverage?
If you want both medical protection and trip cancellation benefits, a comprehensive travel insurance plan is likely the better fit.
Comprehensive plans typically include:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Baggage protection
- 24/7 assistance
Travel-medical-only plans focus on health coverage, while comprehensive plans offer broader financial protection overall.
Where can I buy affordable travel medical insurance?
Medical-only plans are generally more affordable than comprehensive plans, especially if you’re an international traveler who doesn’t need trip cancellation coverage.
The most affordable travel medical insurance option for you depends on your:
- Age
- Trip length
- Destination
- Coverage limits
- Deductible selection
InsureMyTrip lets you compare prices and benefits across multiple providers, helping you find cost-effective coverage without sacrificing essential protection.
Does annual travel insurance include medical benefits?
Yes, many annual travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage, although the limits may run lower than what you’d get with a standalone travel medical plan or a comprehensive policy.
Does my U.S. health insurance cover me abroad?
It depends on your plan. Many U.S. health insurance policies offer little to no coverage for medical care received outside the United States. Even when international coverage is available, it can be limited or require you to pay out of pocket first and seek reimbursement later.
Before traveling internationally, check with your health insurance provider to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. If your plan’s international benefits fall short, a travel medical insurance plan can help fill coverage gaps.
