ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel? - Medicoverage.com (2024)

ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel?

By Katie Banks+

3 Recent Comments

ObamaCare health plans offer coverage that stay within certain networks, but does it cover you when you travel? It depends.

ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel? - Medicoverage.com (1)

What if I Have a Health Emergency in Another Country?

Most ObamaCare health plans do not cover foreign emergency care. When traveling abroad and while cruising you’ll want to get travel insurance.

What if I Have a Health Emergency in Another State?

One of the essential health benefits of ObamaCare is that all emergencies must be covered at in-network costs. So you don’t have to worry if you break your arm in hiking in Utah but your plan is in California.

What if I Travel in the U.S. and Need Non-Emergency Care?

While most Obamacare health plans have a limited network within your area and do not cover you for out of network costs, some plans, like a PPO, allow you to visit out of network doctors. However, just because you may be able to visit out of network doctors for non-emergency care does not always mean you will have coverage outside of your state. You will need to check with your provider or agent to see if you are covered. Click here to see the difference between an HMO, EPO, and PPO.

To learn more about a health plans network call 800-930-7956 or to apply go to HealthApplication.com.

Comments and Questions

Click to leave a Comment

Comment from Richard Cupryjak on May 19, 2016

I have currently medical coverage as required by Obamacare. I will be leaving USA for 4 months on extended vacation and I know that I need to purchase insurance in another country since my coverage is only valid in USA. Can I suspend my medical coverage for the time I spent abroad since it does not provide me with any benefits while I am outside USA?

MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Richard,

I just checked with my contact at Covered Ca and they said that you would have to maintain your coverage while you’re gone for 4 months. If you choose not to, you will be subject to a penalty and may not be able to enroll in insurance until January 1st. You would have to be out of the country for 330 days or 3 months or less to qualify. If you were out of the country for 330 days, when you return you have a qualifying event to enroll. If you were out of the country for 3 months, you may not have a qualifying event to enroll. Hope this helps!

-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/


Comment from Amy on April 16, 2016

Does “Obama Care” insurance include coverage for American students studying abroad? (for example: on a Semester abroad program, or on a year long study program). Thank you.

MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Amy,

Obamacare plans do not offer international health coverage. You will want to contact the company you are working with to study abroad, and they should put you in touch with the right insurance.

-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/


Comment from lori ferguson on January 01, 2015

I am looking to start travel nursing with in the usa, what plan would you recommend I obtain? My primary resifence will be ny. I plan to go to tx, ca, and ak.

MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE

Lori,
There may be an insurance company that will offer nationwide coverage, however without knowing additional information about you we wouldn’t be able to suggest a plan. Please call 800-930-7956 to speak to an agent who may help you find the right plan for you.
-Chris www.medicoverage.com


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ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel? - Medicoverage.com (2024)

FAQs

Does my health insurance cover me while traveling? ›

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

Does Obama Care cover international travel? ›

Most ObamaCare health plans do not cover foreign emergency care. When traveling abroad and while cruising you'll want to get travel insurance.

Can I use ObamaCare in another state? ›

If you move to a different state

When you move out of state, you'll need to start a new Marketplace application and enroll in a plan in your new state.

How much medical coverage do I need for international travel? ›

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

What countries accept US Medicaid? ›

Medicaid does not cover you outside the U.S. and most Medicare plans also do not cover you outside the U.S., although some provide emergency care in Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov or check with your Medicare supplement provider.

What conditions are not covered by travel insurance? ›

Conditions which may not be covered

Conditions like terminal illness, the need for oxygen, pending surgery, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, specific types of cancer, congestive heart failure, and recurring pain are generally excluded from coverage.

What is the best medical insurance for international travel? ›

Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.

What happens if you have a medical emergency abroad? ›

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).

Does Obamacare work abroad? ›

The answer depends on how long you live abroad during a calendar year. According to the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. citizens who live abroad for at least 330 days within a 12-month period don't have to comply with the Obamacare insurance mandate, which requires most Americans to have health insurance as of Jan.

Which state has best Obamacare? ›

  • Hawaii. #1 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • Vermont. #2 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • Massachusetts. #3 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • Iowa. #4 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • South Dakota. #5 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • Rhode Island. #6 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • Minnesota. #6 in Health Care Affordability. ...
  • Maine.

Which states do not have Obama care? ›

Coverage under the Medicaid expansion became effective January 1, 2014 in all states that have adopted the Medicaid expansion except for the following: Michigan (4/1/2014), New Hampshire (8/15/2014), Pennsylvania (1/1/2015), Indiana (2/1/2015), Alaska (9/1/2015), Montana (1/1/2016), Louisiana (7/1/2016), Virginia (1/1/ ...

Which health insurance covers all 50 states? ›

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Healthcare coverage is one of the most important decisions you make. Choose the card that opens doors in all 50 states.

What is the average cost of travel medical insurance? ›

The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.

Is 100000 medical travel insurance enough? ›

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.

Will my medical insurance cover me in another country? ›

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.

Can I use my US health insurance in another country? ›

Before you go, consider your insurance options.

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.

Should you bring your health insurance card when you travel? ›

Check Your Health Insurance – Are You Covered Abroad? Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States.

Does my US auto insurance cover international travel? ›

In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go. Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums.

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