Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (2024)

To make the most of a trip, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Consider including travel health insurance to your trip preparation, whether you’re traveling internationally or out-of-state. It’s added peace of mind for unplanned situations that may come up. With rates starting as low as $1 per day, cheap travel medical insurance is an affordable way to get insured while away. It’s easy to apply. Get a quote, complete the short application online and pay by credit card, and you’re on your way!

Short Term Health Insurance Coverage for Out-of-State Travel

When your travel takes you closer to home, consider getting short term health insurance while out-of-state. Coverage is temporary and basically covers major medical services, such as hospitalization, urgent care, and emergency room visits if they result in you getting admitted to the hospital. It does not cover medical services such as doctor visits, prescriptions, preventive services, or pre-existing conditions. For more information, click Short Term Health Insurance.

International Travel Health Insurance

Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (1)

Most anyone who is temporarily leaving their home country can benefit. International travel health insurance provides medical protection for American citizens leaving their country as well as for non-Americans while they are traveling in the U.S. Many types of travelers can apply and get international travel health insurance: newlyweds on honeymoon, people on missionary trips, business travelers and many more.

Note that international travel health insurance enrollment is not subject to medical underwriting, so you can’t be denied for pre-existing conditions; however, be aware that pre-existing conditions are not covered.

How does international medical insurance work?

Generally speaking, a travel medical insurance policy helps you with expenses for sudden and unexpected injury and illness while you are traveling outside of your home country. Emergency travel benefits also include some non-medical expenses, such as lost luggage, lodging replacement due to a natural disaster, or assistance with a return trip home due to a covered incident. If a covered incident was to come up, you would pay out of pocket until you reach the deductible amount, if applicable. After the deductible is satisfied, then, the insurance company will pay 80% of the next $5,000 of covered expenses. After that point, the international travel medical insurance carrier will pay 100% of covered expenses up to the overall maximum limit. The maximum coverage period for international travel insurance is 365 days for non-US citizens or residents traveling outside of the U.S. or U.S. Territories. For all other members, the maximum coverage period is 364 days. The minimum age to enroll is 14 days old. We offer international travel health insurance through HCC Travel Medical Insurance Services, which syndicates with Lloyd’s of London to offer international coverage. Their plan offerings allow you to customize the policy. You select the deductible size, coverage limit, and the policy period you want.

What does international travel health insurance cover?

Below are some common benefits on international travelers insurance. Note that restrictions apply and that this list is not all-inclusive.

  • Hospital charges for inpatient and outpatient services.
  • Urgent care in U.S. or Canada, providing it is not preventive or for a pre-existing condition.
  • Prescriptions related to a covered injury or illness. The cost to replace existing prescriptions due to loss, stolen, damaged, or expired medicines is not covered.
  • International Travel Medical Insurance covers health services rendered due to pregnancy complications.
  • Medical costs for an emergency medical evacuation.
  • Travel health insurance covers the return trip home if your trip is interrupted due to:
    • The death of an immediate family member.
    • Your home being severely destroyed.
    • A medical necessity.
  • Emergency dental services due to a covered accident.
  • Medical expenses for illness or injury resulting from terrorism.
  • Replacement accommodations if you are evacuated due to a natural disaster.
  • Lost checked luggage.

What is not covered under international travel healthinsurance?

Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (2)

Again, this is not the whole list, but these are some of the main exclusions.

  • Medical services for pre-existing health conditions.
  • Traditional emergency room visits, unless you are admitted to the hospital.
  • Routine or preventative services.
  • Pre-natal care services.
  • Costs that are over the usual, reasonable, and customary charges.
  • Travel insurance benefits do not apply while an American citizen is traveling in a U.S. state or territory.

Can I cancel my travel health insurance?

Travel insurance can be cancelled. There is no cost if you cancel your travel insurance before the travel dates. If you request cancellation during the policy period, the premium will be pro-rated and a $25 cancellation fee added.

Note: If there is any discrepancy between the above information and the HCC policy provisions, the HCC policy provisions will prevail.

For more information on temporary coverage, click Short Term Health Insurance.

Short Term Health Insurance InformationGet a Free Travel Health Plan Quote

Travel Health Insurance Plans | Health for California (2024)

FAQs

What is the best health insurance for traveling? ›

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.

Can I use travel insurance as health insurance? ›

Travel insurance isn't the same thing as health insurance.

Travel insurance with emergency medical benefits offers just that — benefits for losses due to covered medical and dental emergencies. It doesn't cover preventive, routine or elective medical care.

Which health care plan is best in California? ›

NCQA Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2019-2020 - Summary Report (Private/Commercial)
RatingPlan NameConsumer Satisfaction
4.5Sharp Health Plan4.0
3.5Aetna Health of California Inc.2.0
3.5Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company2.5
3.5Blue Cross of California dba Anthem Blue Cross2.5
17 more rows

Can a visitor get health insurance in California? ›

Both lawfully present and not lawfully present individuals can apply through Covered California to see if they are eligible for a health plan through Covered California or Medi-Cal. There is no “waiting period” or “five-year bar.”

What is the average cost of travel medical insurance? ›

The average cost of a standard travel insurance policy is $221, according to research conducted by the MarketWatch Guides team. However, the destination, number of travelers, trip price and more can affect the exact cost of a policy.

Who gives the best travel insurance? ›

The best travel insurance
  • Santander. Times Money Mentor award winning cover. ...
  • Saga. Best for over-50s. ...
  • Post Office. Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions. ...
  • Aviva. Best for those wanting substantial medical cover. ...
  • LV= Best for a range of unique add-ons. ...
  • Switched On. ...
  • Just Travel Cover* ...
  • InsureandGo*
May 9, 2024

How much does international health insurance cost? ›

How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,500 per year.

What travel insurance will not cover? ›

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.

Does UnitedHealthcare have international coverage? ›

International Travel Medical Plus: Travel protection for trip cancellations or interruptions plus international travel medical insurance to cover you for emergency medical costs. International Travel Medical: Covers you for unexpected health care costs due to accident or illness while abroad.

How much is health insurance per month in California? ›

Average Monthly Health Insurance Premiums for Benchmark Plans by State Without Premium Tax Credits
Location2023Percent Change
California$4328%
Colorado$38019%
Connecticut$6275%
Delaware$549-3%
49 more rows
Mar 14, 2024

Can I buy my own health insurance in California? ›

Buying Individual Health Insurance on Your Own

You can buy an individual policy from an insurance company, a licensed health insurance agent, or from Covered California- California's Healthcare Marketplace. You can reach Covered California at www.coveredca.com or call them at (800) 300-1506.

What is the number one health insurance company in California? ›

Kaiser Permanente is California's best overall health insurer in 2024. MoneyGeek also lists the best providers for various needs and preferences, analyzing factors such as age, maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs and plan types.

What is the best Medi-Cal travel insurance? ›

You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.
  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall.
  • Seven Corners: Best for Families.
  • GeoBlue: Best for Expats.
  • WorldTrips: Best Cost.
Jan 22, 2024

How long can I go without health insurance in California? ›

As a California resident, you should carry insurance throughout the year with no gaps in coverage of 90 days or more. Otherwise, you may face a tax penalty when you file your tax return. There are some exemptions to California's penalty, which we'll discuss later.

What is the best health insurance for visitors to the USA? ›

Compare Travel Medical Insurance Plans for U.S. Tourists
ProviderPlan NameCost
Seven Corners Travel Insurance Get QuoteTravel Medical Basic$115
Seven Corners Travel Insurance Visit SiteAtlas America$96
IMG Get QuotePatriot Lite$89
IMG Get QuotePatriot America Plus$97
1 more row
May 6, 2024

What insurance do you need when Travelling? ›

Travel insurance can cover replacing your baggage and valuables if they're lost, damaged or stolen. Some insurers will also help you organise a replacement while you're away if you need it urgently. Expensive items may cost you more to insure. Think about what you're taking with you.

Is medical travel insurance worth it? ›

“When you've made a financial investment in your trip or need to protect your health when you travel, travel insurance is 100% worth it. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason. “

What insurance is needed for Travelling? ›

Your travel insurance should always include the following cover: medical expenses and cover for getting you home if you're injured or fall ill abroad. personal injury and cover for accidents or damage caused by you. cover for lost or damaged items.

Is travel healthcare worth it? ›

So, is travel nursing worth it? Yes! With more money, flexibility, career options, travel perks, and personal growth, it's still one of the most exciting nursing opportunities in 2024.

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