We believe that you should never leave home without travel insurance, especially when you are a U.S. citizen traveling outside of the United States. Traveling long distances, which may be outside of the governmental structure and language you’re accustomed to, can complicate situations quickly.
In many cases, your health care plan is insufficient to provide you the coverage and services you need abroad. Even if your current health insurance is applicable to countries outside of the U.S., common coverage plans such as Emergency Medical Evacuation, Political Evacuation, and Trip Cancellation and Interruption are rarely included in your plan, but crucial if something unexpected occurs.
The most commonly purchased plans for international travel are comprehensive travel insurance plans. Here’s why:
| Travel Scenario | Travel Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|
| Your flight is cancelled due to weather conditions in Iceland, your destination, and you’re rebooked for a flight the next day. | Trip Delay coverage would provide reimbursement for your hotel and meals. |
| You lose a loved one unexpectedly and need to cancel your vacation to Australia | Trip Cancellation would reimburse you up to your Total Trip Cost. |
| You become ill and spend a few days in a hospital in Japan | Medical Expense Benefits would cover the cost of your stay in the hospital and the treatment you receive. |
Travel medical insurance plans, on the other hand, are a valid option if you’re traveling for extended periods of time or are concerned about higher medical limits. These plans are only applicable to travel outside your country of citizenship, and typically focus on high amounts of medical and medical evacuation coverage. If you’re traveling on a budget and your reason for seeking travel insurance is primarily to cover major medical events, Travel Medical may be your best option.
International Travel Insurance FAQsInternational travel insurance is designed to help protect travelers from unexpected events that occur while traveling outside their home country. Depending on the plan, coverage may include emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, and lost baggage. Standard health insurance plans don’t usually provide coverage abroad. However, international travel insurance fills in the gaps with financial protection and travel assistance.
While travel insurance isn’t required for every international trip, it can be valuable if you’re concerned about medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, or other unexpected disruptions. Healthcare costs, emergency transportation, and itinerary changes can be expensive abroad, making international travel insurance worth considering for many travelers.
Some health insurance plans provide limited coverage outside the United States, while others may not cover international medical expenses at all. Even if your health insurance works abroad, it may not include benefits such as emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, or travel delay coverage. Reviewing your existing coverage before traveling internationally can help you identify potential gaps.
International travel insurance may a good idea if you have prepaid trip expenses, are traveling far from home, or want protection against unexpected medical emergencies and travel disruptions. The value of coverage depends on your destination, trip cost, health concerns, and risk tolerance. However, many travelers purchase travel insurance for the financial protection and peace of mind it can provide while abroad.
