Insurance Coverage Overseas (2024)

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The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. For more information on health, visit our page onYour Health Abroad. You should also review thecountry information pagefor your destination before you travel.

Before you go, consider your insurance options.

  • 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 theCDC insurance page.

ALL / ALL /

Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Pays for medical care and emergency transportation.
  • Can be purchased separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy.
  • Is strongly recommended, particularly if you are visiting countries with limited health care facilities.

ALL / ALL /

Travel Health Insurance
  • Travel Health Insurance pays for emergency and/or routine medical services overseas.
  • If you have health insurance in the United States, find out if it provides coverage for routine and/or emergency medical services abroad. More information is available on our page aboutYour Health Abroad.
  • If your health insurance coverage does not provide full coverage overseas, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.

ALL / ALL /

Trip Cancellation Insurance
  • Covers your financial investment in your trip, such as flights, cruises, or train tickets.
  • May not cover any medical care you need overseas, so you may need a separate travel health insurance policy.
  • Familiarize yourself with your travel and medical coverage before going overseas.

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Considerations When Looking at Travel Insurance

Travel insurance varies widely, so you should carefully read the terms of an insurance policy to make sure it fits your needs. Before selecting a Travel Insurance, make sure it covers:

  • The region(s) you will visit
  • Your duration of travel
  • Emergency medical care
  • Medical transport back to the United States
  • Travel/accommodation costs
  • Enough financial coverage for worst-case scenarios
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Activities you plan on engaging in

You should also make sure the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line, so that you and/or your medical provider overseas are able to reach the company if needed.

Disclaimer

The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, any provider.

Last Updated: February 23, 2024

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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  • Customs and Import Restrictions

  • Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

  • Lodging Safety

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Insurance Coverage Overseas (2024)

FAQs

Does my insurance cover me in another country? ›

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.

Does your health insurance cover you overseas? ›

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.

Is $250,000 enough for medical travel insurance? ›

Overseas travelers should have these minimum levels of protection: Medical Insurance Coverage - $100,000. Medical Evacuation Coverage - $250,000.

How much medical travel insurance is enough? ›

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.

What happens if you have a medical emergency abroad? ›

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Does my US auto insurance cover me in Europe? ›

Does my U.S. auto insurance cover me in Europe? No, your U.S. car insurance doesn't protect you while driving in Europe.

Which health insurance is best for international travel? ›

Consider getting multiple travel insurance quotes through TravelInsurance.com to get an idea of the cost of coverage for your upcoming travel plans.
  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall.
  • AIG Travel Guard: Best for the Cost.
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical.

Is 100000 enough for travel insurance? ›

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.

Which international travel insurance is best? ›

Our Rankings of the Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
  • AIG Travel Guard: Our pick for families.
  • Trawick International: Our pick for college students.
  • Generali Global Assistance: Our pick for emergency assistance.
  • Travel Insured International: Our pick for well-rounded coverage.

What does travel insurance not cover? ›

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.

What is a good rate for travel insurance? ›

The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.

How much travel medical insurance do I need for Europe? ›

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.

How does car insurance work in other countries? ›

If you buy a car in your new country of residence, you are generally required to buy an auto insurance plan from a local company. International car insurance is specifically designed for people who are taking their current vehicle to a foreign country.

Does travel insurance cover different countries? ›

Yes, you can travel to multiple countries on a single trip, unless the FCDO advises against it. Travel insurance is usually split into UK, European, worldwide (excl USA, Canada, Mexico & the Caribbean) and worldwide cover, so you'll just need to specify on your policy which countries or regions you'll be visiting.

Do I need medical travel insurance for Europe? ›

If you suffer an injury or illness and need medical treatment in Europe, you will likely have to pay out of pocket unless you have travel insurance for medical emergencies.

How much does international health insurance cost? ›

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.

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