QUICK SUMMARY- INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR TRAVEL
I’m turning 50 this year. Yup, the big 5-0!
As I sit here reminiscing about my journey as an expat for nearly a decade, one thing becomes abundantly clear: living abroad is rarely dull. The world is filled with adventures I need to make (Mt. Kilimanjaro, I am coming for you), food I want to eat, and cities I want to live.
Expat life is a journey that has enriched my life in countless ways. However, it has also taught me some valuable lessons, one of which I’m about to share with you.
Picture this: You’re in a bustling market in Bangkok, surrounded by Thailand’s vibrant colors and aromatic spices. A bit of rain keeps you cool from the tropical heat, and life couldn’t be more exciting.
Out of a blind alley, a motorbike driver with his mind elsewhere doesn’t see you cross the street.
WHAM!
After waking up in the hospital, the diagnosis is two wrecked knees and multiple compound leg fractures. The prognosis is surgery and several months of hardcore rehabilitation.
Even in a lower-cost healthcare system like Thailand, treatment costs will be severe. But you have travel insurance, right? You should be covered up to your maximum limit.
Probably not. If you check the plan documents, you’ll see that while your travel health insurance plan will pay for ambulance service and emergency treatment up to your medical limit, the plan benefits stop once they stabilize your condition.
The several months of costly rehab and physical therapy, maybe not.
Wait, it gets worse.
What if your medical insurance company thinks it’s cheaper to fly you home than pay for additional treatment to get you a full recovery?
Guess what? Your travel insurance provider’s only obligation is to get you “ambulatory.”
Ambulatory – is a term used to describe a patient who does not have to stay in a hospital or other medical facility.
Once you can check out of the hospital, they have the option to fly you home and have you and your home health insurance foot the rest of the rehab costs and out-patient hospital bills.
That should be a sobering thought for any expat seeking peace of mind and financial protection from their primary insurance.
But it’s not just accidents where your travel health insurance policy falls short for expats.
International travel health insurance, great for short getaways, might not be enough for full-time expats overseas.
And that’s the crux of our discussion today. You see, while international travel insurance works for a one-month trip, it often falls short when it comes to the unique needs of expats like you and me who have chosen to make a foreign land our home.
In this article, I will delve deep into the details of international insurance policies. I’ll share insights and experiences that show where an overseas travel insurance policy makes sense and what situations require additional coverage.
I’ll help you understand the differences between international medical insurance for travel and expat health insurance, guiding you through the intricacies of each and helping you make an informed decision about what to get.
This post may contain affiliate links. I may get a commission if you purchase something using my link. Please note, there is NO ADDITIONAL COST to you. For more information, please see my disclosure.
Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?
Most likely no. Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. To get protection while living abroad, there are two options:
- Travel Health Insurance– This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you to maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
- Expat Medical Insurance– If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the “normal” insurance you are familiar with from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than in the US.
International Travel Insurance Plans: Your Safety Net Abroad
What is Travel Medical Insurance?
Travel medical insurance, a vital companion for short-term voyagers, covers unforeseen medical situations during your trip. This insurance offers peace of mind for your travels, from unexpected illnesses to sudden injuries. It also provides coverages against unanticipated financial losses such as trip disruptions or damage/loss of personal items.
In general, there are two types of travel medical insurance available:
- Stand-alone medical insurance plans – These plans take care of any unexpected medical and dental expenses while traveling. But remember that a medical plan excludes travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation or baggage coverage.
- As part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy – Besides emergency medical benefits, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can bundle coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss, and more. It’s the best way to protect against all possible issues.
INSIDER TIP: Home Health Insurance Requirement- Maintaining your domestic health insurance is required to buy a travel policy. Suppose you require complex medical attention due to injury or illness while traveling and must return to your home country. In that case, the travel insurance company can arrange for repatriation if your condition remains stable and the travel doesn’t pose additional health risks. Your domestic health insurance plan will pay for ongoing medical costs in such cases.
Cigna Global Medical Insurance Plan
- Perfect for expats who need need comprehensive protection and 24/7 service.
- An international network with over 1.65 million trusted hospitals and doctors.
- All plans include mental health and cancer care.
Coverage Types
Here’s a quick look at the types of coverage a travel medical insurance policy provides. Please note that different policies may provide various levels of coverage, so I encourage you to review the terms and conditions of your plan carefully.
- Medical emergencies – The coverage primarily focuses on medical expenses that result from accidents or sudden illnesses. It’s important to note that medical treatment for pre-existing conditions is generally not covered unless there are specific cases where it applies.
- Medical evacuation or repatriation – Suppose you’re on vacation, have a severe accident, or get sick. In that case, travel insurance will cover your evacuation back to your country or a hospital better equipped to handle emergencies.
- Trip interruption – If your trip gets delayed, disrupted, or unexpectedly cut short, the insurance can cover the costs of any affected parts of your trip, like flights, accommodation, or land transfers.
- Trip cancellation – The policy can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip deposits if your trip gets canceled for a covered reason. Acceptable reasons to cancel could include illness, injury, a severe family emergency, or civil unrest.
- Flight delay – If you experience a delay for a reason covered by your policy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses—up to the coverage limit specified in your policy. These expenses could include meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
- Loss of personal belongings – If your baggage, passport, or other covered items get lost, stolen, or damaged, travel insurance will help reimburse you for part of the loss.
- Third-party liability compensation – If you cause any damage to another person or their property, travel insurance will have your back and cover the following costs.
Safety Wing
FINANCIAL RATING:
A++
CUSTOMER ReVIEWS
- Travel medical and trip insurance that you can purchase without long-term commitments or annual contracts.
- You can sign up and start your coverage abroad, even after leaving your home country.
- Very restrictive limitations and exclusions for pre-existing conditions and chronic illness.
Average Cost
$
Maximum Limits
$250,000
Travel or International Medical
TRAVEL ONLY
Ideal For- Younger digital nomads with no pre-existing conditions needing travel health insurance.
Trawick International
FINANCIAL RATING:
A+
CUSTOMER ReVIEWS
- Purchase travel medical and trip insurance coverage even after you left your home for trips between 5 days to 6 months
- Obtain documented COVID-19 coverage to allow entry into restricted countries.
- Policies are confirmed and insurance cards issued immediately with a visa letter to show to immigration as proof of insurance.
Average Cost
$$
Maximum Limits
$500,000
Travel or International Medical
TRAVEL ONLY
Ideal For- US Citizens outside the USA needing inexpensive emergency coverage for < than 180 days
What Is Excluded From Travel Health Insurance Coverage?
The coverage and exclusions of a travel medical insurance plan may vary depending on the insurance company. But here are some commonly excluded items.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Coverage for pre-existing conditions can vary among travel insurance companies, with each insurer defining what constitutes such a condition. In assessing your eligibility, some insurers will review your medical history to determine if the condition existed within a specific timeframe, which may range from 90 days to one year, depending on the policy.
Substance Abuse and Drug Consumption
Travel medical insurance generally excludes coverage for emergency medical expenses resulting from intoxication or drug use. For instance, if you were to become intoxicated and accidentally fall off a balcony, your travel medical insurance would not provide coverage for the costs associated with your injuries.
Injuries Resulting From Engaging in Extreme Sports
Certain travel medical insurance policies may not cover expenses incurred from activities such as mountain climbing, skydiving, scuba diving, or parasailing. If you intend to participate in such activities, it’s advisable to coordinate with your travel insurance agent to compare different travel insurance plans. It’ll ensure that your specific activities are adequately covered.
Other Exclusions
Besides the ones I mentioned earlier, there are a few other things that travel medical insurance typically doesn’t cover:
- Regular medical checkups, including vaccinations and immunizations
- Intestinal bypass surgery or weight modification
- Cosmetic treatments
- Organ or tissue transplants
- Optical aids and medical devices, like eyeglasses or contact lenses
Different Types of Travel Medical Insurance Policies
To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to comprehend the different types of policies available and their respective features.
Primary Medical Coverage
If your insurance is primary, it will provide coverage before any other health insurance you may have. If you already have health insurance and purchase travel medical insurance as secondary coverage, your primary health plan must be the first to pay.
Secondary Medical Coverage
Secondary medical coverage, on the other hand, will provide coverage after any additional health insurance you may have. If you already have health insurance and purchase travel medical insurance as secondary coverage, your primary plan must be the first to pay for your needs.
When traveling abroad without coverage from your US health plan, a secondary travel medical plan becomes your primary coverage due to the absence of other insurance. This ensures that you are adequately protected in case of any medical needs while overseas.
Single-trip Travel Insurance Plan
A single-trip travel insurance plan should meet your needs if you embark on a one-time trip. Coverage begins when you leave your home and remains in effect until you return, providing comprehensive protection throughout your trip.
Multiple-trip Travel Insurance Plan
A multi-trip travel insurance plan, also known as annual travel insurance, provides coverage for all trips taken during the validity of the insurance plan (typically 365 days). This eliminates the inconvenience of purchasing insurance before each trip and can be more cost-effective if you travel multiple times within a year.
Long-Term Travel Insurance Plan
Also known as long-stay or expatriate coverage, this insurance provides international travel medical coverage for extended stays abroad, typically over 90 days. Like other travel insurance, it covers medical emergencies, trip delays, baggage loss, and repatriation. However, it’s unsuitable for permanent residents abroad as it only covers emergency medical expenses, not routine care.
Does Travel Medical Insurance Offer COVID-19 Cover?
Medical coverage includes a wide variety of healthcare costs associated with contracting COVID during your trip, such as doctor bills, medication, and hospitalization.
Travel insurance benefits, like travel delay insurance, can help cover the additional expenses of COVID-19 quarantines. For instance, if you contract COVID during your trip and have to extend your stay due to a quarantine, your trip interruption coverage can reimburse you for the extra accommodation expenses—assuming the plan includes COVID-19 coverage.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Excellent for expats looking for an affordable global plan with the flexibility
- Your choice of plan options, geographic area, and deductibles
- Enjoy preventative care with no waiting period on wellness benefits
How Much Does International Medical Insurance For Travel Cost?
Medical insurance providers consider various personal details to determine the premium cost, which includes the following.
- Age of the travelers
- Number of travelers
- Travel length
- Destination
- Level of coverage
- Deductible and additional optional coverage
Among these five factors, the age of the travelers is considered to be the most important one. A medical insurance provider will charge higher premiums for travelers who are on the older side. In my case, I pay approximately $60 per month for a $500,000 maximum limit and a $1,000 deductible.
INSIDER TIP: Health Insurance Coverage For Senior Citizens– Many travel health insurance companies stop covering older adults. The cut-off age depends on the insurance provider, but most will significantly increase costs after 60. And many travel insurance plans, like Safety Wing or IMG, will cut off all coverage after 69.
Most expat health insurance companies will not drop coverage due to the age of existing members. For example, GeoBlue will cover you as you get older, as long as you are 74 years old when you apply. At the same time, Cigna Global allows you to apply for international health insurance at any age and stay insured with them for life.
How Much Travel Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need?
When deciding on the appropriate level of coverage for your travel medical insurance, here are some factors to consider:
- Trip cost – The cost of your trip can help determine the level of coverage you may need. Some travel insurance policies are priced as a percentage of the total trip cost, typically 5% to 10%.
- Insurance requirements of destination country – Some countries have specific insurance requirements for visitors, and it’s essential to research what those are before you travel. Make sure that your policy meets any required minimum coverage amounts.
- Existing health insurance – Check if your existing health insurance provides coverage while traveling. Domestic health insurance policies typically don’t extend coverage beyond the country’s borders, so it’s essential to supplement your coverage with travel medical insurance when traveling abroad.
- Emergency medical evacuation – Consider the potential expenses associated with emergency medical evacuation. For instance, the cost of evacuating from a cruise ship due to a medical emergency can range from $50,000 to $100,000.
International Medical Insurance: Your Comprehensive Protection for Expat Life Abroad
International medical insurance, including expat health insurance, casts a broader net, catering not only to travelers but also to expats and long-term residents in foreign countries. It’s the go-to choice for those who seek extensive coverage during extended stays.
Key Differences Between Travel and International Medical Insurance
Differentiating between travel and international medical insurance can be perplexing. However, there are a few critical points to keep in mind when choosing an international insurance policy:
Duration of Coverage
- Travel Insurance – An overseas travel insurance policy period targets short-term trips, typically lasting up to six months. It’s an ideal choice for expats embarking on a holiday, a business trip, or a short visit overseas.
- International Medical Insurance – International health insurance plans are designed with long-term stays in mind and can extend coverage up to several years. It’s the top choice for expats living abroad for an extended period.
INSIDER TIP: Duration Impact On Long-Term Expats– Travel health insurance typically only covers you for a duration of 6 months, with rare policies allowing renewals for a maximum of up to two years. Once the policy ends, your coverage ends. To continue coverage, you must apply for an entirely new policy.
Here’s the kicker. If you claim an injury or medical condition during your initial policy term, it won’t be covered once that policy expires. Why? Because it becomes a preexisting condition.
That’s where international health plans shine. They offer annual renewability, so you’re covered for illnesses that pop up while you’re abroad, no matter how long you stay. Whether it’s 5 years or forever, these plans have your back, ensuring expats continuous coverage while overseas.
Geographical Coverage
- Travel Insurance – Most travel medical plans are tailored to cover a single trip, often covering multiple countries during the same journey. Some plans allow you to extend your coverage beyond the initial period of validity.
- International Medical Insurance – International health insurance offers comprehensive coverage globally, providing expats with cross-border coverage and allowing them access to medical care regardless of location.
Trip Disruptions Coverage
- Travel Insurance – Provides coverage for trip cancellations, trip delays, missed flight connections, baggage loss, and other trip disruptions.
- International Medical Insurance – Primarily focused on providing coverage for medical coverage while living or working abroad for a prolonged period of time and doesn’t typically cover travel expenses.
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
- Travel Insurance – With travel medical insurance, pre-existing conditions are generally excluded.
- International Medical Insurance – International health insurance plans may or may not cover pre-existing conditions, depending on the insurance company and the specific plan. These plans undergo medical underwriting, where a medical underwriter reviews the applicant’s medical history to determine coverage. The underwriter may approve the application, limit or exclude the pre-existing condition, add a premium for additional risk, or deny the application.
INSIDER TIP: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver- Travel insurance companies usually exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. However, you can get a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. It’s a feature available with specific comprehensive travel insurance policies that covers or “waives” the health insurance provider’s right to exclude pre-existing medical conditions from their policy.
Usually, you can get a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions only within 14 to 21 days of making your initial deposit for a trip. You’ll need to insure the total nonrefundable costs of the trip to be eligible for the waiver. So, buying travel insurance right after booking your trip is a good idea. Usually, there’s no additional charge for the waiver.
Emergency and Non-Emergency Care
- Travel Insurance – Travel medical insurance is designed to offer temporary coverage for emergency treatment during a specific period. Consequently, if you require a minor or non-emergency medical procedure, you may be burdened with a significantly costly medical bill.
- International Medical Insurance – is a comprehensive policy beyond emergency care and provides more extensive coverage than travel medical insurance. It includes benefits like coverage for pre-existing conditions, routine checkups, vaccinations, dental care, and optical treatment.
Coverage for Prescription Drugs
- Travel Insurance – While most standard travel insurance policies don’t offer coverage for prescription drugs, specialized policies provide supplemental coverage to cater to the needs of frequent travelers who rely on medication.
- International Medical Insurance – With international health insurance, you can maintain coverage for prescription drugs regardless of your travel destination. If you take medication in the US, you can continue receiving it when you travel abroad. However, coverage may vary depending on the plan, and certain medications or conditions may have limitations or exclusions.
- Travel Insurance – The more affordable option, with typically lower monthly costs but limited coverage for travelers. For instance, most coverage terms limit pre-existing or chronic conditions claims. For example, if you experience an asthma attack or require diabetes medication, you might find yourself out of luck.
- International Medical Insurance – Although an international health plan costs more, this type of policy offers extensive coverage, including regular checkups and routine treatments, frequently not covered by travel health plans.
Should I Get International Medical Insurance For Travel?
- If you’re not a frequent flyer and are just going on a vacation, a business trip, or a short international trip and need the lowest cost.
- If your domestic insurance provider doesn’t provide coverage outside the country, purchasing a travel medical insurance plan makes sense.
- If you’re an international traveler with connecting flights or multiple destinations, travel insurance offers valuable protection against unforeseen delays or cancellations.
- If you’re traveling to remote or underdeveloped areas with limited healthcare facilities, medical evacuation insurance coverage ensures you can be evacuated to a nearby hospital for quality care.
- If you’re traveling to Schengen Countries, visa applicants must provide proof of travel medical insurance. This insurance should cover expenses for repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, and other related costs.
- If you want travel assistance with a wide range of trip coverage, such as lost luggage, trip cancellation, and flight delays, in addition to emergency medical benefits, you may consider a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
When to Consider International Medical Insurance?
- If you’re an expat or planning an extended stay in a foreign country over one year.
- If you’re older than 60 and need insurance options, many expat health insurance companies will continue coverage for life as long as you apply BEFORE you hit their maximum age cut-off.
- If you live abroad full-time and need additional benefits and health care plan options, including translation services, dental, vision, and chiropractic care.
- If you have cancer, diabetes, or other chronic pre-existing conditions, you’ll find peace of mind with comprehensive coverage of international medical insurance.
- If you are an expat or long-term traveler who wants a comprehensive plan to cover non-urgent care such as preventative medical services, routine doctor visits, and annual health checkups.
- If you’re traveling to a country that requires a certificate of insurance or proof of adequate health coverage to get a visa.
- If you have plans to travel to different countries and need personalized concierge service dealing with unfamiliar healthcare systems.
- If you’re in a country where the skills or equipment of medical providers are inadequate, and you want medical transport or emergency evacuation to your home country for treatment (repatriation).
GeoBlue
FINANCIAL RATING:
A-
CUSTOMER ReVIEWS
- Offers global citizens several types of plans, from trip insurance to premium level comprehensive international medical coverage.
- Has a global private network of 1.7 million healthcare practitioners, clinics, and hospitals in 190 countries.
- The largest expat insurance company in the world. Part of US insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield that protects 1 in 3 US citizens.
Average Cost
$$$
Maximum Limits
Unlimited
Travel or International Medical
BOTH
Ideal For- American expatriates who need comprehensive benefits and frequently return to the US
Cigna Global
FINANCIAL RATING:
A
CUSTOMER ReVIEWS
- Most popular expat medical insurance company
- Customizable plans allowing you to pay for only the coverage you need, while offering flexible monthly rates
- Extensive global medical network of over 1.65 million hospitals and healthcare professionals in over 200 countries
Average Cost
$$
Maximum Limits
$1,000,000 – Unlimited
Travel or International Medical
International Only
Ideal For- Older expats with health concerns or chronic conditions
Compare Expat Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance
| Travel Insurance | International Health Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical emergencies | ✔ | ✔ |
| Non-emergency medical treatment | ✘ | ✔ |
| Prescription medication | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical evacuation | ✔ | ✔ |
| Repatriation | ✔ | ✔ |
| Regular checkups | ✘ | ✔ |
| Maternity care | ✘ | ✔ |
| Newborn care | ✘ | ✔ |
| Pre-existing conditions | ✘ | ✔ |
| Mental health care | ✘ | ✔ |
| Rehabilitation | ✘ | ✔ |
| Cancer treatment | ✘ | ✔ |
| Dental emergencies | ✔ | ✔ |
| Non-emergency dental treatment | ✘ | ✔ |
| Vision care | ✘ | ✔ |
| Trip cancellation | ✔ | ✘ |
| Trip interruption | ✔ | ✘ |
| Flight delay | ✔ | ✘ |
| Loss of belongings | ✔ | ✘ |
| Liability insurance | ✔ | ✘ |
| Maximum Age Limit | ✔ | ✘ |
Making an Informed Choice: Which One to Choose?
Whether planning a short vacation or a long-term stay abroad, having the right medical insurance coverage is crucial. While travel medical insurance is suitable for short trips, expat medical insurance provides comprehensive coverage if you have plans of living or working overseas.
Accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere, and with a clear understanding of the differences and considering your unique circumstances, such as travel frequency, duration, and existing health conditions, you can embark on every journey with the confidence that your health is well protected.
If you’re ready to start finding the right coverage for your trip, request a free quote today for the best medical plans available on the market – it may be the most crucial step of your journey!
FAQ- International Medical Insurance For Travel
Some travel insurance allows you to buy it at your destination, while others require you to buy it from your home country in advance. If you buy a policy that requires advance purchase and file an injury claim, the insurance company may use your passport stamps to verify compliance.
Make sure to read the policy’s terms and conditions.
Renewal is usually easy on the insurer’s website. If you’re getting an open-ended ticket, get coverage that starts on the day you leave and covers the minimum length of your trip. If you extend your trip, remember to renew your coverage before it expires.
International medical insurance plans usually have a network of preferred healthcare providers for treatment. These providers have agreements with the insurance company and may offer direct billing.
However, some plans may let you choose your provider and reimburse expenses. Review plan details to understand the provider network and reimbursement options.
If you plan to spend every winter (or any other time of the year) outside your home country, purchasing a travel policy each time you head to your destination is the most affordable way to stay covered.
One downside of this approach is that whenever a new travel policy starts, it won’t cover any pre-existing conditions – both those from the previous year and any new ones that have come up.
Depending on how long you’ll be abroad, it might be a good idea to consider getting a comprehensive medical policy covering both locations. That way, any new conditions that may arise as you age will be covered by a policy that is guaranteed to be renewable. Plus, if you ever decide to move abroad for a while, you’ll already have the coverage you need.
Yes, the original Medicare doesn’t cover emergency medical care for travelers outside the US. However, supplemental plans like Medicare Advantage and Medigap can give you some extra coverage in limited circumstances.
However, there are a few limited emergency exceptions when Medicare covers you abroad, such as when traveling through Canada to reach Alaska and face a medical emergency where a Canadian hospital is the closest facility.
Yes, purchasing international medical insurance while you are abroad is possible. However, the availability of plans and coverage options may vary depending on the insurance provider.
Whether you can cancel or modify your international medical insurance plan depends on the provider and the specific terms and conditions. Some plans might have a grace period for changes, while others may have restrictions or fees.
Make sure to check the plan details and reach out to the insurance provider to know your options.