Medical Insurance
You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out before you leave. You should ask your insurance company two questions:
(1) Does my policy apply when I’m outside the United States?
(2) Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?
In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. You can’t simply give them your insurance card and expect it will go through. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to purchase a separate policy for your trip.
The Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I be concerned about medical coverage abroad?
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- The Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
- Many health insurance plans do not provide coverage overseas. Those that provide "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad may not pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can cost $10,000.00 and up depending on your location and medical condition.
- Many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service.
- Uninsured patients may be refused service.
- Countries with socialized medicine may not provide full services to non-residents.
- Payment of hospital and other expenses abroad is the responsibility of the traveler.
- Some countries require tourists to carry accident or travel insurance. Check the Country Specific Information for the countries you plan to visit for detailed information.
- What questions should I ask my health insurance company?
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- Does this insurance policy cover emergency expenses abroad such as returning me to the United States for treatment if I become seriously ill?
- Does this insurance cover high-risk activities such as parasailing, mountain climbing, scuba diving and off-roading?
- Does this policy cover pre-existing conditions?
- Does the insurance company require pre-authorizations or second opinions before emergency treatment can begin?
- Does the insurance company guarantee medical payments abroad?
- Will the insurance company pay foreign hospitals and foreign doctors directly?
- Does the insurance company have a 24-hour physician-backed support center?
- Senior citizens may wish to contact the American Association of Retired Persons for information about foreign medical care coverage with Medicare supplement plans.
- Can the U.S. government assist me if I become disabled overseas?
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- If an American becomes ill or is seriously injured abroad, a U.S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends.
- If necessary a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States.
- Payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.
- Where can I find a list of physicians abroad?
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- For detailed information on physicians abroad, the authoritative reference is The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and its certifying member boards.
- U.S. embassies and consulates abroad maintain lists of hospitals and physicians, many of which are posted on the embassy or consulate web site.
- What’s the difference between Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance?
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- Travel Insurance insures your financial investment in your trip. Typically it covers such things as the cost of lost baggage and cancelled flights, but it may or may not cover costs of medical attention you may need while abroad.
- Travel Medical Insurance covers costs of medical attention you may need while abroad.
- What insurance information should I carry with me abroad?
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- Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of your insurance and a claim form.
- Where can I find a list of companies that provide medical evacuations and services?
- Several private organizations will provide medical information and insurance for overseas travelers. Most charge a fee for
this service. The following is provided for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Department of State.
U.S.-Based Air Ambulance or Medical Evacuation Companies
AIGASSIST
American International Group, Inc.
Houston, TX
800-626-2427 / 713-267-2525AIR AMBULANCE WORLDWIDE, INC.
35246 US Hwy 19 N #210
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
877-922-9675 / 727-781-1198
Fax: 727-786-0897
info@airambulanceworldwide.comAIRESCUE INTERNATIONAL
Van Nuys, CA
800-922-4911 / 818-994-0911CRITICAL AIR MEDICINE
San Diego, CA
800-247-8326 / 619-571-0482EUROP ASSISTANCE USA
4330 East-West Hwy, Suite 1000
Bethesda, MD 20814
240-330-1000
info@europassistance-usa.comINFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL INC.
Naples, FL
800-432-4177 / 941-594-0800INTERNATIONAL SOS ASSISTANCE
Philadelphia, PA
800-523-8930 / 215-244-1500
Also provides travel insurance servicesMEDEX ASSISTANCE CORPORATION
Baltimore, MD
888-MEDEX-00 / 800-537-2029
Also provides travel insurance services.MERCY MEDICAL AIRLIFT
Manassas, VA.
800-296-1217
(Service area: Caribbean and part of Canada only. If necessary, will meet commercial incoming patients at JFK, Miami and other airports.)TRAVEL ASSIST NETWORK CORPORATION
South Bend, IN
866-500-0333 / 574-272-5400
info@travelassistnetwork.comForeign Based Companies
AEA INTERNATIONAL
Singapore
U.S. Phone: 800-468-5232
Service worldwide, also provides travel insurance servicesExecutive Medical Services Companies
Medical Escort Companies
AIR MEDICAL ESCORT SERVICES
1135 Kildare Farm Road, Suite 200
Cary, NC 27511
877-400-0463 / 919-342-4598AIR AMBULANCE WORLDWIDE, INC.
35246 US Hwy 19 N #210
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
877-922-9675 / 727-781-1198
Fax: 727-786-0897
info@airambulanceworldwide.comGLOBAL MEDICAL ESCORTS
16192 Coastal Hwy,
Lewes, DE 19958
888-797-9011 / 302-703-7052 ,
Fax: 855-532-9238
info@GlobalMedicalEscorts.com - Where can I find a list of companies that provide travel insurance?
- Several private organizations will provide medical information and insurance for overseas travelers. Most charge a fee for
this service. The following is provided for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Department of State.
U.S.-Based Travel Insurance Companies
EUROP ASSISTANCE USA
4330 East-West Hwy Suite 1000
Bethesda, MD 20814
240-330-1000
info@europassistance-usa.comGATEWAY INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE PLANS
Marsh Consumer
Washington, DC
800-282-4495 / 202-367-5097
gateway@marshpm.comM. H. ROSS TRAVEL INSURANCE SERVICES
Northridge, CA
800-423-3632TRAVEL ASSIST NETWORK CORPORATION
South Bend, IN
866-500-0333 / 574-272-5400
info@travelassistnetwork.comTRAVELSAFE INSURANCE
40 Commerce Drive P.O. Box 7050
Wyomissing, PA 19610-6050
888-885-7233
Fax: 800-303-6015 info@travelsafe.comUNIVERSAL SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE
Alexandria, VA
800-770-9111 / 703-370-7800Foreign Based Companies
Worldwide Caution
Travel Warnings
- Central African Republic 12/24/2012
- Nigeria 12/21/2012
- Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 12/20/2012
- more
Travel Alerts
Country Information
