What Is Travel Medical Insurance?
International travel medical insurance is a type of insurance that can help cover the cost of medical care abroad. If you’re on vacation and suffer a sudden injury or illness, you may need to receive care from a local facility, which your domestic health insurance might not cover. Depending on your location, you might even require transportation to a more advanced facility via Helivac or other specialized medical transport.
Without travel medical insurance, coverage is up to the discretion of your health insurance provider. If not covered, you could accrue thousands of dollars in medical bills by the time you return home, especially if you need emergency medical evacuation services. If you have a travel insurance plan with medical coverage, your insurance provider will cover certain expenses up to your coverage maximum.
Travel medical insurance is sold as a part of a larger travel insurance plan or as stand-alone coverage. When bundled with standard travel insurance, you’ll gain benefits like compensation for delayed baggage and nonrefundable trip costs if you’re forced to go home early. Most plans also include 24/7 assistance services that can help you communicate with local medical staff and arrange care payments.
Travel medical coverage is worth considering if your domestic health insurance does not extend to injuries and illnesses sustained abroad. For example, a private health insurance plan might provide coverage overseas, but Medicaid usually won’t. Consider a limited travel medical plan that provides secondary coverage if your health insurance has a higher deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Like other types of travel insurance, travel medical coverage works on a reimbursem*nt-based model — so it is important to keep documentation of all medical expenses you incur while on your trip.
Travel Health Insurance vs Traditional Travel Insurance
A medical-only travel insurance policy provides a limited range of benefits that can help cover the costs of emergency medical bills incurred while traveling.
Medical-only policies are typically more affordable than full travel insurance but will not provide trip delay and interruption benefits. For example, if you get sick on vacation and must go home, medical-only insurance will not compensate you for nonrefundable flights or hotel costs.
The table below summarizes the types of coverage you can expect from travel medical insurance policies versus a complete travel insurance plan.
| Coverage Type | Travel Medical Insurance | Travel Insurance |
| Trip cancellation | ✓ | |
| Trip interruption and delay | ✓ | |
| Dental coverage benefits | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency medical evacuation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lost luggage | ✓ | |
| 24-hour assistance services | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental car coverage | ✓ |
The coronavirus pandemic shifted how most people travel worldwide, and travel insurance companies now typically include COVID-19 coverage within plans. Most reputable travel medical insurance companies list COVID-19 as a covered reason for medical coverage. If you are worried about the virus while traveling, we recommend reading your provider’s sample policy to ensure COVID-19 coverage is eligible for reimbursem*nt.
Who Needs Travel Medical Insurance?
Some travelers may benefit more from travel medical insurance than others. If you have a pre-existing health condition, for example, you may need medical services or assistance abroad. You may also consider coverage if you plan on participating in extreme or adventure sports such as bungee jumping, windsurfing, or scuba diving. While some companies exclude extreme sport-related injuries from coverage, others offer add-on protection. For this reason, it is important to check coverage exclusions associated with a travel medical insurance plan before purchase.
Other types of travelers who could benefit from a travel medical insurance policy include jet-setters with a credit card that offers coverage for travel delays or trip interruptions, as there’s no need to purchase a full trip insurance policy in this case. Travel medical insurance may also benefit those strictly concerned about covering potential health expenses abroad, not trip expenses.
When Is Travel Health Insurance Required?
When you travel outside your home country, travel medical insurance may be required or strongly recommended. Many countries, particularly those in the Schengen Area of Europe, require travelers to have sufficient travel insurance before issuing a visa or allowing entry. This became an especially prominent issue during the COVID-19 pandemic when more and more countries outside of Europe began requiring Americans to carry medical insurance as a condition of travel.
To verify whether travel health insurance is required where you’re traveling, research your destination using the U.S. Department of State website. The Department of State maintains a list of entry requirements for U.S. passport holders and permanent residents. Travel experts recommend shopping for coverage at least one month before your trip to ensure the documentation arrives before you travel.
Depending on entry requirements and your current health insurance provider, your primary health insurance may qualify as sufficient medical coverage for a visa entry. Even if travel medical insurance is not required, you may still choose to invest in some level of coverage. Even with standard health insurance, you might not have any or enough coverage when you travel abroad — meaning even a minor injury could leave you with thousands of dollars in bills when you get home.
Read More: Travel Insurance For Visitors To U.S.
Country
Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bali Barbados Belize Bermuda Brazil British Virgin Islands Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Denmark Dominican Republic Europe France Germany Greece Iceland India Ireland Italy Japan Jerusalem Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Philippines Portugal Singapore Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turks and Caicos United Kingdom
What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?
Travel medical insurance, also known as travel health insurance, is designed to cover various medical expenses incurred during your travels. Just as standard health insurance covers emergencies at home, travel medical coverage helps pay for hospital stays or healthcare expenses if you get hurt while traveling. However, most travel medical plans also include additional benefits beyond coverage for hospital bills.
Policies often have emergency medical evacuation coverage, which covers the cost of evacuation if you get hurt in a location without readily available medical care. Medical transport can become expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars, so this coverage can help keep you from paying out-of-pocket for life-saving services. Coverage may also include benefits for AD&D and repatriation of remains if you pass away abroad.
Also, pay attention to coverage levels and any deductibles when selecting a travel medical plan. Every travel medical plan should include a maximum amount your insurer should pay in the event of an accident, with some policy providers limiting coverage to as low as $5,000. Evaluate included coverages and limitations compared to policy pricing to ensure you’re getting a value for what you pay.
Most travel insurance plans state that the provider will not cover medical bills originating from a sporting injury. If you intend on backpacking, hiking, skiing or participating in another outdoor activity, look for an insurance provider offering a sports extension or add-on. The adventure sports add-on available from most travel insurance providers extends your medical benefits to include recreational accidents.
What To Know About Coverage Maximums, Exclusions and Deductibles
Understanding coverage maximums, exclusions, and deductibles is essential when purchasing a travel medical insurance plan. A coverage maximum is the most an insurer will pay for benefits such as emergency medical expenses. Exclusions include situations and procedures not covered under your travel medical policy. If your plan includes a deductible, it works like a domestic health insurance plan — you need to pay the deductible amount out-of-pocket before your insurance plan takes effect.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect International Health Insurance
Some travelers deal with pre-existing health conditions that could impact their travels. Life-long conditions such as asthma and diabetes to a more recent temporary diagnosis can affect your international health insurance coverage.
A few providers will not offer travel medical insurance to people with pre-existing conditions to avoid responsibility for travelers with a greater risk of medical needs overseas. Most other companies ask you to sign a waiver before agreeing to cover potential medical bills related to recent or ongoing health issues. This waiver typically requires proof that you’re medically able to travel, so expect to provide a letter from your physician stating so.
Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, encourages travelers with pre-existing conditions to “contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose. Being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency makes a huge difference.”
Borden also noted, “There may be a requirement for when you receive treatment for your pre-existing conditions. For example, some Seven Corners travel medical plans require you to receive immediate emergency care within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms for that treatment to be covered.”
We encourage you to read through your policy’s fine print to fully understand any requirements for travel coverage with pre-existing conditions. This way, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Types of Travel Health Insurance Plans
When searching for travel health insurance plans, you may encounter primary, secondary, single-trip, and multi-trip insurance policies. In the sections below, we will explore each of these and detail which policies are best for specific travelers.
Primary vs. Secondary Health Insurance
Some travel medical insurance providers offer both primary and secondary health insurance plans. Primary plans pay for medical expenses before any other coverage you might have. This is especially useful for travelers whose primary plans only cover medical care domestically.
However, if you already have health insurance that extends abroad, consider a secondary travel medical insurance plan. This plan requires your existing health policy to pay first. Once you’ve hit your limits through your primary insurer, a secondary plan should cover the rest.
Do I Need U.S. Health Insurance To Qualify for International Travel Health Insurance?
You do not need U.S.-based health insurance to obtain certain international travel health insurance policies, such as most single-trip plans. However, note that domestic health insurance typically does not cover medical expenses abroad. However, some providers, such as HTH Worldwide, have separate policies available to travelers with and without a primary health plan.
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
If you do not have U.S. health insurance, we recommend purchasing a primary travel medical insurance plan. We also recommend considering primary travel medical insurance if your standard health insurance lacks international coverage.
Single-Trip vs. Annual Travel Medical Insurance
If you’re a frequent traveler and plan on taking multiple trips per year, you might consider annual travel medical insurance over a single-trip plan. Single-trip coverage only covers you for one trip. This trip could involve multiple destinations, such as traveling through various European countries over a few weeks. However, your coverage ends once you return home.
Annual travel insurance, also known as a multi-trip policy, typically covers policyholders planning to take several trips back-to-back, with coverage usually lasting up to a year. If you travel often, this coverage offers a cheaper and more ideal alternative to purchasing multiple single-trip policies.
Note that your rates and coverage will vary based on your travel needs, so we recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers and deciding what’s most important to you in a travel medical insurance plan.
Health Insurance for Expats
If you plan to live and work abroad for more than a year, you may consider health insurance for expats over a standard travel insurance plan. These plans can provide long-term coverage for individuals and family members living overseas, and you can renew coverage annually for as long as you’re abroad.
However, travel medical insurance policies can provide additional protection not typically found through a standard international health insurance plan, such as emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. If you’re an expat who plans to travel between countries often, then a long-term travel insurance plan that covers trip interruption or baggage loss along with medical emergencies may be ideal.
How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
Insurers sell medical travel insurance as a package alongside other travel insurance protections, including trip cancellation and emergency evacuation insurance. When you purchase travel medical insurance as a part of a travel insurance package, expect to pay between 5% and 6% of your total trip cost in coverage.
The table below breaks down the average cost of the plans with the highest medical expense maximum from each listed travel insurance provider.
| Provider | Best Medical Insurance Plan | Average Cost | Medical Expense Coverage |
| Travelex | Travel Select | $248 | $50,000 |
| Faye | Travel Insurance Plan | $298 | $250,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic | $356 | $500,000 |
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Choice | $263 | $500,000 |
| AIG Travel | Deluxe | $319 | $150,000 |
| Trawick International | Safe Travels Explorer | $212 | $150,000 |
| HTH Worldwide | TripProtector Preferred | $284 | $500,000 |
| TravelSafe Insurance | Classic | $270 | $100,000 |
| Allianz Global Assistance | OneTrip Premier | $349 | $75,000 |
*Medical coverage is secondary to primary health insurance. Contact your travel insurance provider to learn more.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Travel Medical Insurance
Understanding what travel medical insurance companies evaluate when pricing policies can help you get the most out of your coverage. The following are the biggest factors that influence travel insurance prices:
- Your age
- Trip duration
- Destination
- Coverage level
- Group size
How Much Is Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to the U.S.?
According to our research, travel medical insurance for people visiting the United States averages $89 to $115, based on quotes gathered for a 30-year-old Australian citizen traveling to the U.S. for 30 days.
The table below shows the average policy costs for top visitor travel insurance plans.
| Company | Plan | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Corners | Travel Medical Basic | $115 |
| WorldTrips | Atlas America | $96 |
| IMG | Patriot Lite | $89 |
| IMG | Patriot America Plus | $97 |
| Trawick International | Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $96 |
How To Purchase Travel Health Insurance
Purchasing a travel health insurance plan is fairly straightforward across most providers, based on our experience. If you already know what you’re most concerned about regarding coverage, you can purchase a plan quickly by following the steps below, which we’ve outlined using IMG’s quote process.
- Find travel medical insurance offerings: Most providers make it easy for you to navigate available plan options. IMG breaks down its coverage online by type of insurance, with its travel medical insurance front and center on its drop-down menu.
- Choose a plan: IMG lists its most popular travel medical plans first, with additional plans located toward the bottom of the webpage. Each plan either has a description of travelers it would suit best or plan highlights. You can also download plan brochures and browse through plan details to help make your decision easier.
- Provide your trip information: Travel medical insurance companies need your trip information to provide you with a quote. Companies will ask questions about your travel dates, destinations, total trip cost, number of travelers and more.
- Compare plans: We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers for similar levels of coverage before deciding on a travel medical policy. Some providers, such as IMG, also allow you to compare plans against each other, which can be helpful in the decision-making process.
- Complete your purchase: Once you’ve decided on a plan, you may have to fill in some additional information to buy a policy, such as your home address, first trip payment date and more. Companies may also ask whether you’d like to purchase additional add-ons with your policy. You’ll then provide a form of payment and complete your purchase.
While this guide details IMG’s purchasing process, most travel medical insurance providers follow a similar process. Be sure to have your trip and traveler information on hand before beginning the buying process.
The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans
Compare our top-rated travel insurers with medical coverage below:
| Company | Average Plan Cost | COVID-19 Coverage | Medical Expense Max | Emergency Evacuation Max | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $212 | Yes | $50,000 | $500,000 | GET QUOTE |
| $298 | Yes | $250,000 | $500,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| $217 | Yes | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | GET QUOTE |
| $251 | Yes, limited | $150,000 | $1,000,000 | GET QUOTE |
| $265 | Yes | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | GET QUOTE |
| Company | Average Plan Cost | COVID-19 Coverage | Medical Expense Max | Emergency Evacuation Max | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $212 | Yes | $50,000 | $500,000 | GET QUOTE |
| $298 | Yes | $250,000 | $500,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| $217 | Yes | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | GET QUOTE |
| $251 | Yes, limited | $150,000 | $1,000,000 | GET QUOTE |
| $265 | Yes | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | GET QUOTE |
No results were found.
Faye Travel Insurance
While Faye only offers one general travel insurance plan with high medical coverage limits of up to $250,000, more than other competitors we reviewed. The company also offers the option to add up to $250,000 in adventure and extreme sports coverage. Also, as long as you purchase coverage within 14 days of your initial deposit and are medically able to travel, Faye will cover some pre-existing medical conditions. We found the average cost of a Faye travel insurance plan is $298.
- Emergency medical coverage: Up to $250,000
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Up to $500,000
- Pre-existing conditions coverage: Yes
- Medical deductible: Not applicable
- COVID-19 coverage: Yes (included under medical coverage)
Learn more: Faye Travel Insurance Review
IMG Travel Insurance
IMG is another one of our top picks for travel medical insurance. It offers a wide variety of medical coverage that caters to many travelers, with limits that go above and beyond other options if you purchase one of its highest-tier plans. The average cost of an IMG Travel Insurance plan is $217. However, it’s worth noting that our team found IMG was more expensive when choosing the highest medical coverage limits offered.
- Emergency medical coverage: Up to $8,000,000
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Up to $8,000,000
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Includes emergency care if a pre-existing condition becomes life-threatening or requires immediate treatment
- Medical deductible: $0–$25,000 depending on the plan.
- COVID-19 coverage: Yes (included under medical coverage)
Learn more: IMG Travel Insurance Review
Travelex Travel Insurance
We chose Travelex as one of our top travel medical insurance providers primarily for its low-priced, affordable coverage. Its travel insurance plans offer up to $50,000 in medical coverage, and you can purchase an adventure sports upgrade if you plan on participating in such activities. However, we found its Travel Med policy — which may benefit spontaneous travelers and is available to purchase the day of your departure. However, this coverage is not available to travelers residing in Pennsylvania.
- Emergency medical coverage: Up to $50,000
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Up to $500,000
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Available with a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if you meet certain criteria
- Medical deductible: Not available for primary coverage plans
- COVID-19 coverage: Yes (included under medical coverage)
Learn more: Travelex Insurance Review
AIG Travel Guard Insurance
AIG Travel Guard’s standard plans offer high limits for emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation, along with trip interruption, baggage, and cancellation coverage. It also offers a plan known as Medevac that provides travel medical and evacuation insurance for trips lasting up to a year. Based on our research, the Medevac plan offers high limits for evacuation of up to $5 million, much more than many other insurers we reviewed.
- Emergency medical coverage: Up to $100,000
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Up to $1,000,000
- Pre-existing conditions coverage: Available with a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if you meet certain criteria
- Medical deductible: Not applicable
- COVID-19 coverage: Yes (included under medical coverage)
Learn more: AIG Travel Guard Insurance Review
Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz offers an affordable medical-only plan for travelers who may not need trip cancellation or interruption benefits or those with a credit card that already offers standard travel insurance benefits. This plan offers emergency medical benefits totaling up to $50,000 and emergency transportation benefits up to $250,000. Pre-existing coverage is also available if you meet the requirements.
- Emergency medical coverage: Up to $75,000
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Up to $1,000,000
- Pre-existing conditions coverage: Available with a waiver if you meet certain criteria
- Medical deductible: Not applicable
- COVID-19 coverage: Yes (included under medical coverage)
Learn more: Allianz Travel Insurance Review
Why Trust Us?
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies
20
Companies ReviewedOur team reviewed over 20 travel insurance companies, collecting and comparing data on cost, number of plans offered, coverage details, CFAR coverage amount and more.
500
Quotes CollectedWe’ve gathered over 500 sample quotes from various travel insurance companies with different age ranges, trip locations, durations and prices. This compilation provides readers with an accurate perspective on pricing and allows them to compare how competitors stack up in terms of rates. We make sure to update our pages regularly to reflect the most current and precise cost information.
36
Rating FactorsOur comprehensive rating system evaluates providers based on 36 data points across 9 key categories: cost and variety of plans, coverage extras, coverage details, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage amount, claim eligibility for delays, cancellation/interruption coverage amount, delay coverage amount, customer service and credit rating.
1000
Hours ResearchingOur team, consisting of insurance professionals, writers, editors, data analysts and expert consultants, has dedicated over 1,000 hours to researching travel insurance companies. Our aim is to deliver the most accurate and relevant information to our readers.
When ranking international health insurance providers, we considered benefits that include emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation, pre-existing conditions and COVID-19 coverage. We also examined each company’s standard travel insurance plans and standalone medical coverage policies. Some providers offer higher medical limits through standard travel insurance policies versus others with standalone medical plans, which could appeal to travelers looking for medical coverage only.
How To Use Travel Medical Insurance
Say you’re taking a three-week trip to Germany. During your trip, your appendix bursts, requiring emergency medical care and surgery. If you have a travel medical insurance plan that provides $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, your insurer will cover up to that amount. If your medical bills extend beyond your purchased coverage limits, you must pay the rest out-of-pocket.
Suppose you suffer a medical emergency abroad in a remote location and require an airlift or transportation to a facility that can provide adequate medical care. A travel medical insurance policy would cover your expenses up to the maximum coverage amount, and you would pay the remaining balance.
Is Travel Health Insurance Worth It?
Travel health insurance is worth considering if you’re concerned about a medical emergency abroad. It offers worthwhile protection for medical emergencies and evacuations and can provide peace of mind. Many providers also offer pre-existing health condition waivers and policies that cover extreme or adventure sports, allowing different travelers to purchase a plan that fits their needs.
Borden, quoted earlier, encourages travelers to start by figuring out what their domestic health insurance does and does not cover when traveling. “Depending on the plan, you might not have any coverage out of the country,” she said. “Even if you do, it could be only for emergencies, and your health insurance company’s definition of an emergency might not be the same as yours.”
Before you purchase travel medical insurance, we recommend you get quotes from at least three providers to compare costs and coverage limits. Also, read sample policies to familiarize yourself with coverage exclusions, and do not hesitate to contact a travel insurance agent with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions Travel Medical Insurance
A security coverage limit is the amount a travel medical insurance plan will cover should you need to evacuate your destination due to political unrest, threats toward your well-being, war or natural disasters. Covered expenses include lodging, meals and transportation.
Yes, travel medical insurance plans cover visits to multiple countries, so long as you specify which countries you will visit during the sign-up process.
Many travel medical insurance providers include a 10 to 15-day “free look period” where you can review a plan’s terms and conditions. If you are unsatisfied with the specified terms, you can cancel for a full refund within that period. However, the company may charge a cancellation fee if you cancel outside the set timeframe.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies
Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:
- Cost (10%): We obtained quotes for seven trips with varying destinations, number of travelers, traveler ages and trip costs. Travel insurance companies at or below our calculated average cost of $221 earn full points in this category
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers that offer a variety of travel insurance plans and can customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): Companies that offer customers reimbursem*nt after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
A.M. Best Disclaimer
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