Traveling internationally can be exciting, but medical emergencies can quickly turn into expensive nightmares. Since most U.S. health insurance plans (including Medicare) offer limited or no coverage abroad, a travel medical insurance policy can provide essential protection. Here’s how to choose the right plan.

Key Steps to Protect Yourself

Shop Around for Coverage
- Average Cost: Around $89 per trip, according to Squaremouth.
- Use comparison sites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth to evaluate policies based on coverage, exclusions, limits, and costs.
- Many general travel insurance plans include medical coverage, but verify the details carefully.

Look for Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Medical Evacuation: Critical for destinations with limited access to major hospitals, ensuring transport to a qualified facility.
- Emergency Repatriation: Covers costs of returning you to the U.S. if medically necessary.

Research the Provider
- Check for a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau and high marks from A.M. Best to ensure reliability.

Check Preexisting Condition Coverage
- Ensure your plan covers both medical services and prescriptions for any preexisting conditions.

Get Sufficient Coverage
- Basic Coverage: At least $50,000 for emergency medical expenses and $100,000 for medical evacuation.
- Enhanced Coverage: For cruises or remote destinations, consider a minimum of $100,000 for medical care and $250,000 for evacuation.

Why Travel Medical Insurance is Essential

• Covers emergencies such as broken bones, heart attacks, or severe illnesses.
• Helps avoid delays in care caused by time zone differences or difficulties verifying U.S.-based insurance.
• Protects you from significant out-of-pocket expenses, including costly airlifts or extended hospital stays abroad.

Pro Tips

• Review Policy Details: Confirm deductibles, exclusions, and whether your plan pays providers directly or reimburses you later.
• Cruise Travelers & Remote Destinations: Opt for higher limits on evacuation coverage.
• Bundle & Save: Some travel insurance plans also include coverage for disruptions like flight delays or lost luggage.

By planning ahead and securing a comprehensive travel medical insurance policy, you can focus on enjoying your trip with peace of mind.

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