How much does travel medical insurance cost?
Many travel medical policies start at less than a dollar a day. Costs can vary widely depending on factors such as coverage level, age, destination, and trip length. A full week of coverage may cost less than $4 or more than $100.
| Number of Travelers | Average Policy Cost | Policy Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler | $176 | $88–$274 |
| Two adults | $191 | $88–$282 |
| Two adults and one child | $211 | $105–$326 |
| Two adults and two children | $224 | $116–$368 |
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.
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.
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.
Travel medical insurance is offered either as part of comprehensive travel insurance plans, or may be purchased as a stand-alone plan. If you have a comprehensive plan, you may also be covered by other travel-related coverages, such as trip cancellation or interruption.
Health Care Resources for Travelers
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).
Important: While travel insurance policies may be more comprehensive than credit card protections, it has limitations. They typically won't cover non-essential medical expenses, high-risk sports or activities, or pre-existing conditions — at least without paying for add-on coverage.
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.
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.
Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?
Purchasing health insurance for traveling abroad is a simple way to save money in an emergency, and anyone can benefit from the coverage. If you're traveling to a country in which your health insurance provider doesn't provide coverage, buying travel medical insurance is a must.
International health insurance can cost from $200 to $900 per month, with an average of $500. However, the final cost of an international health insurance policy depends on many factors.
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.
| Best travel insurance category | Company winner |
|---|---|
| Best for medical coverage | Travelex Insurance Services. |
| Best if you have travel credit card coverage | Seven Corners. |
| Best for long-term travelers | IMG. |
| Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands | Tin Leg. |
Credit card travel insurance is a benefit included with certain travel credit cards. You'll often see this perk with travel rewards credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or The Platinum Card® from American Express.
You might be able to get some emergency coverage abroad to an extent, but you won't be able to visit a doctor for a routine procedure or buy prescription medication and expect a reimbursem*nt. Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have.
What type of travel insurance do I need? There are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection plans and travel medical plans.
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
When Is the Best Time to Get Travel Insurance? If you're wondering when you should buy travel insurance, the simple answer is as soon as possible. Ideally, you'll buy coverage no later than 15 days prior to your trip.
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 happens if a US citizen gets sick in Europe?
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.
Buying travel insurance might not be necessary if you're traveling domestically or going on a refundable trip, or if you carry adequate coverage through a credit card.
Annual travel insurance policies provide Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage for multiple trips throughout one year. These policies last one year from the start date, which should be the departure date of your first trip. Annual policies are well-suited for frequent business or leisure travelers.
What is annual travel insurance? Annual travel insurance – also called multi-trip insurance – covers you for a full calendar year from the date the policy starts. You're covered for as many trips as you like in those 12 months, but you'll usually be limited to around 31 days per trip.
