Planning a trip abroad this summer?
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Portugal, France, Hungary, England, and Morocco—and each trip reminded me just how many details go into planning international travel. Between booking flights and learning a few local phrases, one thing that often gets overlooked is this: What happens if you get sick or injured while you’re traveling?
Medical care in another country can be expensive—and your regular health insurance may not cover it. That’s where travel health insurance comes in.
Let’s walk through the basics so you can decide whether it’s worth adding to your travel checklist.
What Does Travel Health Insurance Cover When You’re Abroad?
Travel health insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical expenses while you’re outside the U.S. Depending on the policy, it may include:
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Emergency care
- Ambulance services or medical evacuation
- Some prescription medications
Just like with any insurance, coverage can vary widely. If you’re comparing plans, look closely at what’s included—and what’s not.
Will My U.S. Health Insurance Cover Me Internationally?
Maybe—but maybe not.
Your first step should be to call your current health insurance provider and ask:
- Do you offer international coverage?
- Are there limits or exclusions?
- Will I need to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement?
🚨 Medicare typically doesn’t cover care outside the U.S., so if that applies to you, it’s especially important to explore your options.
Some credit cards offer limited travel insurance benefits, including medical coverage, so that may be another option to check before purchasing a separate policy.
Do You Need Proof of Health Insurance to Enter Certain Countries?
Here’s something many travelers don’t know: some countries require proof of health insurance before they’ll let you in.
Examples include:
- Cuba
- Antarctica (if traveling via a cruise or research excursion)
- United Arab Emirates
Before you finalize your travel plans, make sure to review the entry requirements for your destination.
What Types of Travel Medical Insurance Should You Consider?
Here are a few common types of coverage:
Short-Term Travel Health Insurance
- Ideal for vacations or trips up to six months
- Offers basic coverage for medical emergencies
Long-Term Travel Health Insurance
- For travelers spending several months or more abroad
- Typically more comprehensive and cost-effective for extended stays
Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Covers air ambulance or transportation to a qualified hospital
- May be worth considering for remote locations or high-risk areas
How to Choose the Best Travel Health Insurance for Your Trip
Keep these tips in mind when comparing options:
- Coverage: Does it include emergencies, hospital stays, and transportation? What about preexisting conditions?
- Cost: Compare providers but look beyond the cheapest plan—coverage matters more.
- Provider Network: Will you have access to care at your destination?
- Exclusions: Check for restrictions related to adventure sports, specific destinations, or medical conditions.
- Customer Support: Make sure there’s a 24/7 helpline you can contact from abroad.
Is Travel Health Insurance Worth It for International Trips?
A sudden illness or accident could derail more than just your itinerary—it could seriously impact your finances. While you may not need travel insurance for every trip, it’s worth considering for international travel, especially if your health insurance doesn’t extend overseas.
Even though we don’t offer travel health insurance here at Capital Wealth Management, we help clients plan for big expenses, manage risk, and protect what matters most.
✈️ Heading abroad soon? If travel is part of your retirement plan or lifestyle goals, let’s talk about how it fits into your financial picture.
Tom Hine is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and owner of Capital Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience, Tom works with individuals and families on financial planning, retirement strategies, and investment management. He has a particular passion for special needs financial planning, shaped by his personal experience helping raise his sister Amy, who was born with a severe chromosomal condition. Tom understands the emotional and financial challenges that come with caring for a loved one with disabilities and helps clients navigate complex issues like preserving government benefit eligibility, coordinating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts, and long-term care planning. With offices in Glastonbury and Wilton, CT, Tom serves clients across Connecticut and throughout the U.S. Schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with Tom.
This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete, Any opinions are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.