International Health Vs Travel Medical Insurance (2024)

FAQs

International Health Vs Travel Medical Insurance? ›

So, what type of insurance is best suited to your needs? The first question you should be answering is how long you need insurance for. If you're on a short-term trip of a few months or less, then you might want to consider travel insurance. Longer durations of cover are better suited to international expat insurance.

International health insurance is designed to provide a comprehensive level of health care to those relocating from their home country for a sustained period of time, whereas travel insurance provides cover for emergency treatment while you are in another country for a shorter space of time.

Travel medical insurance is different from your health insurance because travel medical insurance is a supplemental policy that helps protect you while you're traveling. It's only valid for the length of your trip and is meant to supplement your health insurance when you're out of network.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

International medical insurance plans cover your healthcare costs wherever you are. Coverage usually includes in-patient, out-patient, wellness, evacuation, dental, and vision treatment, along with other premium benefits. Global policies are often renewable annually for life or until your specified termination date.

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs advises the following for international travelers: Learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before going abroad. Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance as well as a claim form.

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Travelling against medical advice or to get medical treatment. If your doctor says it's not safe for you to travel, then you won't be covered. Similarly, if you go abroad to get planned treatment, sometimes called 'medical tourism', a standard policy will not cover this – you'll need specialist insurance instead.

Cost: Travel insurance will add to the overall cost of your trip. Some may choose to forgo it to save money, especially on shorter or less expensive trips. Exclusions and Limitations: Policies may have various exclusions and limitations, so it's essential to read the fine print.

What happens if you get sick in a foreign country? ›

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Every plan is different, but the coverage amounts and benefits may vary. Determine how much you really need. For example, SquareMouth recommends international travelers get around $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for cruises or travel to remote areas.

Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation.

Travel insurance may pay your expenses upfront if you require emergency medical treatment or emergency transportation while traveling overseas.

While some countries require travel insurance, you do not always need coverage abroad. Whether you're traveling to the Seychelles, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates or Argentina, determining if you need travel insurance should be at the top of your planning list.

What Does International Insurance Mean? International insurance provides coverage for people who are traveling internationally. It can be especially important for people who are traveling for a significant period of time.

Medibank International Travel Insurance offers overseas hospital, accident, and medical evacuation expense cover. If you're travelling overseas, find the right fit with our options of International Comprehensive Plan and International Medical Only Plan.

IMG offers a full line of international private medical insurance, travel medical insurance, and travel insurance, as well as 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance to meet the needs of anyone traveling or residing away from home.