If you’re planning an international getaway, you may be doing your research and considering whether or not you need medical insurance for overseas travel.
Overseas travel insurance is a valuable safeguard for those who are leaving their home country to adventure abroad. It gives you proper protection against unforeseen medical emergencies and gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll be protected during your trip.
What Is Overseas Travel Insurance?
Overseas travel insurance is short-term health coverage for individuals who are leaving their home country to visit another for a short stay.
Overseas travel health insurance offers a variety of benefits, but is namely a safety net in the event that you suffer a medical emergency during your travels such as a serious illness or injury.
Overseas travel insurance can cover:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Urgent care
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Lost luggage
- Border entry protection
How Much Is Overseas Travel Insurance?
Overseas travel insurance can vary in price, depending on a number of factors.
The price of your policy can be dependent on things like the length of your trip, your travel destination, your age, and more.
However, many affordable overseas travel insurance plans are available.
Can I Travel Overseas Without Health Insurance?
You may be able to travel overseas without health insurance, depending on where you are traveling to.
Some countries may require that visitors hold a travel health insurance plan in order to be approved for a visa or for border entry.
However, if your destination country does not require travel insurance, you technically can travel overseas without health insurance, although not recommended.
Does Health Insurance Cover Overseas Travel?
Most home country health insurance plans will not cover medical expenses incurred overseas. For example, most U.S.-based health insurance plans do not cover individuals internationally.
There can be some exceptions, so it is important to check with your health insurance provider to discover if you can be covered for emergencies abroad.
Overseas travel insurance can help you stay covered, even when traveling outside of your home country.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Bills Overseas?
Unfortunately, Medicare typically does not offer overseas coverage for medical bills incurred outside of the U.S. and its territories.
There are some exceptions, and there are a few different Medicare plans that may offer some coverage abroad.
Can I Get Travel Insurance if I Am Already Overseas?
Yes, you can purchase a travel insurance plan for your trip, even if you are already overseas.
However, it is important to note that your coverage begins only after your policy is active, so your coverage will only apply to instances that occur after the effective date of your policy, not when you entered into your destination country.
Additionally, purchasing after you arrive overseas may result in some benefits being excluded from your policy. Be sure to review your policy’s schedule of benefits to understand any limitations it may have with buying after you are already overseas.
Best Overseas Travel Insurance
The best travel insurance for overseas travel should provide adequate emergency medical coverage and other added benefits such as border entry protection and lost luggage reimbursement to ensure you are protected across all fronts.
Secure Coverage for Overseas Travel
Don’t venture abroad without proper coverage for you and your loved ones. Traveling overseas can be exciting, and overseas travel insurance can give you that added peace of mind that you have insurance if anything were to happen.
Ready to purchase overseas travel insurance? Compare international travel insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team for assistance.
