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• Cost-effective travel insurance for hundreds of medical conditions
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Why stop seeing the world?

Medical conditions are a fact of life. That doesn't mean they should hold you back from seeing the world. Whether you are returning to your favourite holiday hotspot or want to make memories somewhere new, we are here to provide effective cover for travel lovers with medical conditions.

Rated 5 Star by Defaqto, our Superior policies offer some of the most comprehensive cover on the market. And we provide flexible options so you can make sure your policy is right for your plans as well as your pocket. It's all about providing peace of mind for a fair price. Because sometimes travel is the best tonic of all.

What makes us medical travel insurance experts?

It all begins with our parent company. Since those fledgling days as a small family business in 1973, Rothwell & Towler has pioneered ways to provide fair, friendly and flexible travel insurance policies to people living with medical conditions. That's not just lip service. We were influential in the creation of the first travel insurance policy for people living with HIV.

Being an expert means using our knowledge to help. Our customer service team is trained in the nuances of common medical conditions. And our screening system allows you to explain how your condition is managed - enabling us to offer policies at more realistic prices. Over the years we have helped hundreds of thousands of people get great cover that leaves more in their holiday pot.

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Buying the Best Travel Medical Insurance for You [2024]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

87 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3084 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What Is Travel Medical Insurance?

Plan limits.

• Deductibles

Length of Trip

Does travel medical insurance cover covid-19, what doesn’t travel medical insurance cover, comprehensive travel insurance, health insurance, how does travel medical insurance work, how much does travel medical insurance cost, credit card coverage, travel medical insurance policies, final thoughts.

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The thought of getting sick or injured while traveling can be one of the most stressful aspects of planning a trip. Often, travelers assume that their primary health insurance will cover all costs of medical expenses on their trip, but not every health insurance plan covers every country and situation.

To ensure you have coverage if you need it, you may need to consider purchasing travel medical insurance. This can fill the gap between your regular insurance and any coverage you may have with your credit cards . We’ll break down all of the important details and tell you everything you should know about travel medical insurance.

If you are traveling domestically within your own country, you will likely be covered by your primary health insurance. If you are traveling abroad, your coverage may not extend to those other countries. This is primarily where travel medical insurance comes into play.

Travel medical insurance is a type of international insurance designed to cover emergency health care costs you might face when you are traveling or vacationing abroad.

A travel medical policy can be an important addition to your trip since your primary health plan may not cover you fully if you need assistance outside of your home country. An uninsured injury or illness abroad can result in a huge financial burden that can be significantly reduced by having travel medical insurance.

Bottom Line: Travel medical insurance is recommended by the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Allianz Travel, the most common overseas medical emergencies that are claimed include:

• Fractures from falls
• Cardiovascular problems such as a heart attack or stroke
• Trauma involving motor vehicles
• Respiratory problems such as a collapsed lung

So going with that first item, let’s say you’re exploring Europe and end up twisting your ankle on the beautiful, but uneven cobblestone streets in Rome. Depending on the plan you choose, you may be covered for:

• The cost of a local ambulance to transport you to the hospital
• Your emergency room co-payment
• The bill for your hospital room and board
• Any other eligible medical expenses, up to your plan limits

But there are limitations to travel medical insurance. Before you purchase a plan, it’s important to know exactly what you are buying — including which things are and aren’t included in your coverage.

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?

Travel medical plans are designed to help in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury while traveling abroad. Travel medical insurance offers emergency medical expense coverage as well as emergency evacuation coverage. This means that the plan will reimburse you for reasonable and customary costs of emergency medical and dental care (up to the plan limits — discussed below).

It is important to look closely at all plans you are interested in since many important things are hidden in the details. You might also find it helpful to brush up on your insurance lingo before doing this.

Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical costs up to the plan limit. Plan limits vary greatly by plan but typically fall between $50,000 and $2,000,000. This is obviously a HUGE range, so you will have to determine the correct amount of coverage based on a few key items:

• How much (if any) will your own health insurance plan or credit card cover when you’re traveling outside of your home country? As we discussed above, Medicare doesn’t cover you at all outside of the U.S., so this would be an instance where you might want your plan’s coverage limit to be higher.
• How long is your trip? If you’re going to be away for more than 1 to 2 months, you might want a higher plan limit to account for the greater exposure to risk.
• Do you need extra coverage due to risky activities? For example, if you expect to ski, mountain climb, or do any other risky activities where you might get injured, you might want a higher plan limit.
• What do you feel comfortable with?  If you feel safer having $100,000 as opposed to $50,000, then that may be the right decision for you. This insurance plan should provide you a sense of security so you can enjoy your trip.

Most medical single trip plans have some sort of deductible that you must pay before any benefits will be paid. After this, your travel medical insurance will cover any remaining costs, up to the plan’s limit.

However, you will be offered the option to increase, decrease, or remove the deductible altogether. Based on this choice, the price you pay (aka the premium) will be affected accordingly. For example, if you choose a higher deductible, your premium will decrease. If you choose a lower (or no) deductible, your premium will increase.

You are covered by travel medical insurance based on the type of plan you purchase. These come in 3 types:

Single-Trip Coverage

This is the most common type of travel medical insurance. When you leave your home, go on a trip, and then return home, this is considered to be a single trip. While on your trip, you can still visit multiple countries and destinations all under the umbrella of this single trip. You will be covered for the duration of this trip under a single trip travel medical insurance plan.

Multi-Trip Coverage

Multi-trip coverage is for multiple trips and often purchased in 3-, 6-, and 12-month segments.

Long-Term Coverage

This is continuous medical coverage for the long-term traveler (think expats or people working abroad) and is typically paid on a monthly basis.

Many travel insurance policies offer good medical coverage, but not all plans cover expenses related to COVID-19 . If that’s important to you, make sure to verify that the plan you’re buying specifically covers you in case you contract COVID-19.

In general, cancellations due to fear of travel are not covered. However, some plans cover you if you or your covered traveling companion were to become sick as a result of COVID-19. This means that you could still receive benefits for the losses that are covered by the plan.

Many countries around the world , such as Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates, are even requiring travelers to hold a specific level of medical coverage to account for COVID-19-related medical care and evacuation.

In addition, “ Cancel for Any Reason ” has become a hot topic. This optional coverage is not available with all plans but lets you cancel a trip for a partial refund no matter what your reason — including unexpected travel bans, lengthy quarantine periods, or cancellations due to concerns over COVID-19.

Since travel medical insurance is meant to cover emergencies, certain types of expenses are excluded from most travel medical policies. In addition, for insurance purposes, a pre-existing condition is general defined as any condition:

• For which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within a defined period of time prior to your coverage date (varies from plan to plan, but is typically within 60 days to 2 years)
• That would cause a “reasonably prudent person” to seek medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment prior to your coverage date
• That existed prior to your effective date of coverage, whether or not it was known to you (commonly includes pregnancy)

Hot Tip: You do not need a medical examination in order to purchase travel insurance. If you have a claim, the insurance company will investigate to ensure that your claim occurred during the coverage period of your policy and wasn’t a result of any pre-existing conditions.

Here are some of the most frequent exclusions:

• Pre-existing conditions as defined above
• Routine medical examinations and care (i.e. wellness exams, ongoing prescriptions, etc.)
• Routine prenatal, pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal care
• Medical expenses for injury or illness caused by extreme sports
• Mental health disorders
• Injury caused by the effects of intoxication or illegal drugs
• Payments exceeding the plan limit

Unless you’ve purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan, other exclusions include claims related to:

• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• Rental car damage

Be sure to read the description of coverage for any plan you’re considering before you make the purchase. While reading the entire document front to back can be tedious, it’s better to know what’s excluded before you attempt to make a claim.

What Travel Medical Insurance Isn’t

Now that we’ve let you know what is and isn’t covered by travel medical insurance, we’ll also breakdown the difference between travel medical insurance and other similar options.

Comprehensive travel insurance plans offer the most benefits of all plan types and will typically include medical coverage. It can offer you additional coverage for things like trip cancellation, trip delay and cancellation, lost luggage, and more. It’s the best way to cover a host of potential common travel-related problems.

Some comprehensive plans also offer additional coverage for things like rental car damage, Cancel for Any Reason, or a pre-existing condition waiver.

Bottom Line: Comprehensive travel insurance is a full-service plan and includes travel medical coverage as well as other coverages that will protect all aspects of your trip. 

You might be thinking that already have medical insurance provided by your employer or through Medicare. However, when you travel to other countries, your primary health insurance might not go with you. Before your trip, check to see whether your domestic plan provides any coverage once you’ve left your home country since many offer limited or no coverage.

In case of a medical emergency, you will want to be able to lay your hands quickly on your travel insurance plan’s contact information for the 24-hour Emergency Assistance program as well as your policy number, so make sure to keep this information somewhere that is easily accessible. Also, be sure you know how to place a call to that number from outside the country.

This is important because you’ll be required to call your travel insurance provider and notify them that you need to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Obviously, you may not be medically able to call before you seek emergency medical treatment, but you should do so as soon as you are able to.

The earlier you can call, the more likely it is that you can avoid any issues for payment of claims and you can also get help and advice from the company’s emergency assistance program.

Bottom Line: Specific details on when and how to contact your insurance provider in case of a medical emergency vary by plan and provider, so thoroughly review these details in your plan information.

For example, in the event of an emergency that requires emergency medical evacuation, your insurance provider will have to approve the evacuation and even make those arrangements for you. If you don’t call ahead to have them do this, the company may not approve the expense and you may be stuck paying for the evacuation in full.

Once you are actually at a medical facility to receive care, make sure to document the experience as thoroughly as possible. This means asking for copies of all of your records before you check out. You’ll need to provide these records to the insurance company when you eventually file your claim and having proof of treatment and costs will assist you in filing a successful claim and getting your money back as soon as possible.

Travel medical insurance plans can vary widely in price, but in general, plans cost anywhere between 4-10% of your total non-refundable trip cost. The pricing of any plan takes into consideration many things, including a few that we discussed above, to determine the cost. These include:

• Age of travelers
• Plan limits
• Supplemental plans such as “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage or coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Length of trip

In addition, if you decide that a comprehensive plan is a better choice for you, this will also increase the price.

Which Company Has the Best Travel Medical Insurance?

The best travel medical insurance company for you may be determined by what type and how much coverage you’d like to have. Let’s review a few options and companies to consider.

Many premium cards have some medical coverage, so be sure to look over all of the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

For example, cardholders of The Platinum Card ® from American Express may already have $15,000 of secondary medical coverage . For many, this may be enough, but for others, you may not feel comfortable at this level of coverage and want to purchase a travel medical insurance policy.

If you are looking to purchase a plan from a reputable company, a few options include:

1. Patriot Travel Medical Insurance from IMG Global

For the out-of-country plans, Patriot offers:

• Short-term travel medical coverage
• Coverage for individuals, groups, and their dependents
• Daily or monthly rates
• Freedom to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of your choice

The following plans are available based on the level of coverage that you desire and you can request a quote through their website linked above.

2. GeoBlue Single Trip Traveler Medical Insurance

GeoBlue offers both the “Voyager Choice” and “Voyager Essential” single trip plans. Both plans allow you to choose your level of medical coverage (from $50,000 up to $1 million) and offer $500,000 in emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.

The main difference between the 2 plans is that the Choice plan does not require you to be covered by a primary health plan, but doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. The Voyager plan will cover all pre-existing conditions, but functions as a secondary coverage after your primary health plan.

3. Allianz Travel Medical Insurance

Allianz offers an Emergency Medical plan that offers additional benefits that extend beyond simply medical coverage. This plan is a comprehensive plan that covers lost baggage and trip cancellation and delay, in addition to emergency medical coverage. See just a few of these benefits below:

In addition, many companies, such as AAA,  offer travel insurance through Allianz, so you may receive a further discount if you reference your AAA policy.

Travel medical insurance can be beneficial for most travelers when traveling internationally as most primary health insurance plans won’t cover you abroad. We hope we’ve given you the tools you need to select a plan that works best for you and your travel needs.

At the end of the day, a travel medical plan is a great option if you’re traveling abroad and are not worried about covering trip costs due to a cancellation or added expenses due to a travel delay. Anyone looking for robust coverage for baggage or interruption should consider an upgrade to a more comprehensive plan.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

How much travel medical insurance do i need.

When considering the amount of coverage you’d like for your travel medical insurance plan, consider the following:

• How much (if any) will your own health insurance plan or credit card cover when you’re traveling outside of your home country?
• How long is your trip?
• Do you need extra coverage due to risky activities?
• What amount of coverage do you feel comfortable with?

Refer to the section titled “Plan Limits” for more detailed considerations.

How long does it take to receive travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance coverage starts the day of your trip, so you want to make sure you sign up for it before you leave. Most plans allow you to buy insurance up until the day before your trip.

However, the best time to buy travel medical insurance is within 15 days of making the first payment on your trip, since buying early can often qualify you for bonus coverages.

Is travel medical insurance worth it?

Depending on your primary health insurance and any secondary coverage you might be eligible for, travel medical insurance can still be a great tool to protect you from financial hits caused by injury or illness.

In addition, travel medical insurance can help organize assistance in extreme circumstances (such as medical evacuation). You can also pick the appropriate level of coverage to make you feel comfortable.

Does AAA offer travel medical insurance?

Yes, AAA offers travel medical insurance, but it is usually serviced by another company such as IMG Global or Allianz. You will normally receive a greater discount if you mention your AAA insurance policy, so don’t forget to include this when you request a quote!

Can you get travel insurance when already abroad?

Most companies do not offer travel insurance policies once your trip has already begun. There are a few reputable companies, such as  World Nomads and  SafetyWing , that are set up for long-term travel.

These companies allow you to purchase plans once your trip has already begun, but the rates may be higher than a plan that was purchased prior to leaving for your trip.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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• Travel Insurance

Why Travel Medical Insurance Is Essential

Fact Checked

Updated: Sep 13, 2023, 5:22pm

No one wants to get sick while on vacation, and an illness or injury can be one of the most devastating events that can happen during a trip.

Travel medical insurance is designed to help in these cases. It’s especially important if you’re traveling outside the country, where your U.S. health plan may have limited or no coverage. And Medicare doesn’t cover health care outside the U.S., except in very narrow cases.

What Is Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel medical insurance pays for emergency medical expenses during a trip. If you are traveling and have an unexpected illness, injury or medical condition that’s covered by your travel medical insurance, the plan will reimburse you, up to the plan limits.

Travel medical insurance pays “reasonable and customary” charges for bills such as:

• Ambulance service
• Doctor bills
• Hospital and operating room charges
• X-rays, examinations, treatments, lab tests and anesthetics
• Drugs and medicines
• Dental care, but check for special limits on the dental payout, such as $500

Generally, there are two forms of travel medical insurance :

• Stand-alone medical insurance plans: These plans cover emergency medical and dental expenses you incur while traveling. However, a stand-alone medical plan doesn’t include other travel insurance coverage such as trip cancellation insurance or baggage coverage.
• As part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan: In addition to emergency medical benefits, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can package coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss and more. It’s the best way to cover a host of potential problems.

Travel medical insurance is for medical emergencies while traveling, like a sprained ankle while sightseeing. It does not cover non-emergency or elective procedures.

“It’s not intended for experimental medical treatment in a foreign country,” explains Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. “It’s designed for travelers who face medical or dental emergencies and require care and treatment while traveling.”

Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover Covid?

There are many travel medical plans available that include Covid-related medical expenses. But since not all do, it’s important to verify Covid coverage before buying a plan if it’s a priority for you.

Covid medical coverage will fall under the limits of the plan’s travel medical insurance. It can cover any medical costs associated with contracting Covid during your trip, including doctor bills, medication and hospitalization.

Additional travel insurance benefits, such as travel delay insurance, can cover the extra costs of Covid quarantines. For example, if you contract Covid during a trip and have to extend your stay because of a quarantine, your travel insurance plan can reimburse you for the extra costs—assuming the plan includes Covid coverage.

See Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best pandemic travel insurance plans for more information.

What Are the Different Types of Travel Medical Insurance Policies?

When you’re buying travel medical insurance, it’s important to know the difference between these coverage types.

Primary vs. Secondary Medical Coverage

Travel medical insurance can be primary or secondary coverage, depending on the plan. If it’s primary, it will pay out before any other health insurance you have. If you have health insurance and buy travel medical insurance as secondary coverage, your own health plan must pay first.

If you’re traveling overseas and your U.S. health plan doesn’t provide coverage, a travel medical plan that’s “secondary” will essentially become primary coverage due to lack of other insurance.

Single-trip vs. Multi-trip

How often you travel in a calendar year could be the deciding factor between these two coverage types. Here’s the difference between the two.

• Single-trip coverage: Single trip coverage begins when you leave your home and travel to your destination (or destinations) and ends when you return home. The plan covers you for the duration of your trip. For example, you could purchase a single-trip plan for a four week European vacation where you visit several different countries.
• Multi-trip coverage: Also known as annual travel insurance , this covers you for a calendar year and is good for travelers who take three or more trips per year. For example, you could take a trip to Italy, come home for several weeks, then travel to Germany, come home, then take off to Mexico.

Getting to a Better Location

You also want to consider emergency medical evacuation insurance . This pays for you to get to the nearest adequate medical facility, or even back home, depending on your condition. For example, if you’re vacationing in a remote part of the world, this would be essential coverage to have. Medical evacuation back to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Be aware of your travel insurance policy’s rules for evacuation. For example, some policies might pay to transport you back to the U.S. only after you’ve been hospitalized for seven days following a medical emergency.

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What’s Not Covered by Travel Medical Insurance?

What’s covered and excluded by a travel medical insurance plan will depend on the travel insurance company. Here are some common exclusions.

Pre-existing conditions

How pre-existing conditions are covered will vary by travel insurance company, and one insurer might define a “pre-existing condition” differently than the next. Some insurance companies will take a look at your past medical history to determine if a condition was present during a period that could range from 90 days to one year ago, depending on the policy.

Travel insurance plans will generally cover pre-existing conditions as long as you buy your plan within a couple of weeks after you make your first trip deposit. Buying your plan right away lets you lock in a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver . For example, Allianz Travel requires you to meet the following requirements before it will cover expenses due to a pre-existing medical condition:

• Your policy was purchased within the timeframe specified by your plan (for example, within 14 days of the initial trip payment).
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the full nonrefundable cost of your trip with Allianz Global Assistance. Any subsequent nonrefundable costs must be insured within 14 days of their purchase. If you fail to do so, those expenses will be excluded under the pre-existing medical condition exclusion.

Intoxication and drug use

Travel medical insurance typically won’t cover emergency medical costs due to intoxication or drug use. For example, if you become intoxicated and fall off a balcony, your travel medical insurance won’t cover the cost of your injuries.

Dangerous activities

Some travel medical insurance policies won’t cover expenses that resulted from activities such as mountain climbing, skydiving or parasailing. If you plan to engage in activities like this, work with a travel insurance agent to compare adventure travel insurance plans to make sure your particular activities will be covered.

Other exclusions

Other typical exclusions to travel medical insurance include:

• Routine medical examinations, such as vaccinations or immunizations
• Obesity or weight modification, such as intestinal bypass surgery
• Organ or tissue transplants
• Corrective devices and medical appliances, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses

Who Needs Travel Medical Insurance?

Even travelers in good health should have some form of travel medical insurance if they’re going outside the U.S. According to Allianz Travel, the most common overseas medical emergencies their policyholders experience include:

• Fractures from falls
• Trauma involving motor vehicles
• Respiratory problems such as a collapsed lung
• Cardiovascular problems such as a heart attack

If you don’t have the right coverage in place and you get injured or sick on your trip, you’ll be stuck paying medical bills out-of-pocket.

Senior travelers, especially, should make sure to have good medical benefits when traveling abroad, since Medicare won’t provide benefits outside the U.S.

“If you’re traveling outside the United States you absolutely need some form of travel medical insurance. You also need to look at where you are traveling outside the country because medical care varies greatly around the world,” says Mueller at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

Related : Travel Insurance Considerations For Those With Disabilities

How Do I Purchase Travel Medical Insurance?

Before you buy a travel insurance policy, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Most travel insurance companies offer free quotes on their website. You can save time by visiting an insurance comparison website that compares quotes from multiple companies.

But price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. It’s a good idea to find a plan that also covers Covid-related problems. The best travel insurance companies offer a solid range of coverage options at a fair price.

How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?

The average price for a stand-alone travel medical insurance policy is $92.75 per trip , according to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison provider.

However, some travelers may be able to secure a basic travel medical insurance plan for as little as $2 or less per person per day of coverage.

Travel medical insurance cost examples

Keep in mind that travel medical insurance can also be part of or added to a comprehensive travel plan that includes other types of coverage, like trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance. The average cost of a comprehensive travel insurance plan will vary based on the cost of your trip, duration of trip, plan benefits selected and your age.

Read more: How to get cheap travel insurance

Factors in the cost of travel medical insurance

How much you pay for travel medical insurance depends on four primary factors:

• Trip duration
• Destination
• Coverage limit and deductible

How Much Travel Medical Insurance Should You Have?

It’s a good idea to select a plan with enough coverage based upon the type of trip you’re taking. For example, emergency medical evacuation from a cruise ship can cost between $50,000 and $100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control .

The most generous travel insurance plans provide $500,000 per person for emergency medical expenses and $1 million for emergency medical evacuation.

Other good plans have ample medical coverage of $250,000 or $100,000 per person. And some have less, which you might find sufficient. See Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best travel insurance .

Here are examples of travel insurance plans with at least $100,000 coverage for medical expenses and at least $250,000 for emergency evacuation.

Compare & Buy Travel Insurance

Examples of travel insurance plans with good medical coverage, travel medical insurance faq, do i need travel insurance if i already have health insurance.

If you are traveling outside of the U.S., consider buying travel medical insurance even if you have a U.S.-based health plan. Many health plans won’t cover you outside the U.S. or provide only limited global coverage. If you get sick or injured, you could be stuck paying for your medical expenses out-of-pocket.

Senior travelers should definitely get travel medical insurance because Medicare isn’t accepted outside the U.S., except in very limited cases.

How do I use travel medical insurance abroad?

If you have a medical emergency while traveling abroad, contact your travel insurance company for assistance. Travel insurance companies offer 24/7 global assistance hotlines to help travelers in emergencies, including coordinating medical treatment, language translation and arranging for medevacs.

How far in advance should I purchase travel medical insurance?

It’s best to buy travel insurance within the first 14 days of your first trip deposit so that you can get a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver . This waiver means that pre-existing conditions won’t be excluded from your travel medical coverage.

Even if you miss the window from your first trip deposit, you can still buy travel insurance at the last minute.

Should I buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy or a stand-alone travel health plan?

If you want coverage for problems such as trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption and lost baggage, then look at comprehensive travel insurance plans.

If you only need travel medical coverage, it doesn’t make sense to spend money on coverage you won’t use and you can focus on medical-only plans.

Is travel health insurance ever required?

Travel health insurance requirements aren’t common, but some countries do require travelers to provide proof of medical coverage before being granted entry.

Always check a country’s entry requirements before leaving the country. If your trip includes an organized tour, it’s also a good idea to check with the tour operator to determine if they have any specific insurance requirements.

Keep in mind that travel conditions and requirements are fluid. For instance, you may find that a country experiencing a high-level of Covid transmission may require travelers to carry insurance that covers Covid testing, quarantine and hospitalization costs.

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

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Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

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• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Medical Insurance: What to Know

Travel medical insurance provides financial protection while traveling, since many u.s. health insurance policies, including medicare and medicaid, don’t typically cover your medical expenses outside of the country..

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Table of contents

• Travel medical insurance
• What’s covered

Primary coverage

Secondary coverage.

• Medical evacuation
• Comprehensive coverage

Trip cancellation

• Insurance limitations

Though you never plan to have an accident or get sick during a trip, unexpected emergencies happen. Your U.S. health insurance likely won’t cover any visits to the hospital or emergency care in a foreign country. [1] To ensure you have coverage while traveling, you can purchase a stand-alone policy for travel medical insurance.

What is travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance can help fill in coverage gaps if you require emergency or routine medical services while traveling overseas. Even if you have international health insurance that includes care when traveling abroad, it won’t always cover the cost of medical treatments such as X-rays, lab tests, or ambulance services in a foreign country.

Travel medical coverage primarily protects you in the event of an emergency, so long-term travelers should look into purchasing a more comprehensive plan. To prevent extensive financial losses while abroad, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if you and your family members have adequate coverage before you travel.

Before selecting medical insurance coverage, you should compare travel health plans among multiple companies. Some of the best insurers to consider include Blue Shield, Allianz Travel Insurance, American International Group (AIG), HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance, GeoBlue, Generali Global Assistance (GGA), and more.

Does your health insurance plan cover you internationally?

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are only valid within the U.S. or your home state. While some employer U.S. health plans or private plans provide international travel insurance, it’s important you read the fine print so you know exactly what your policy covers in case of a medical emergency.

Many health insurance plans with international coverage only pay for emergencies that require immediate medical attention while overseas. For example, your insurance may cover a broken bone or a hospital visit if you’re experiencing chest pains. It likely wouldn’t cover any routine medical care.

What travel medical insurance covers

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of unexpected medical expenses while abroad. If you encounter an unexpected injury or illness, your travel medical insurance will reimburse you up to your plan limit.

You can choose from different types of medical travel insurance plans and add-ons when buying coverage. The best travel insurance for you will depend on factors such as where you intend to travel, for how long, and what you plan to do.

Here are five different types of coverage you may encounter while shopping for travel medical insurance.

The difference between primary and secondary coverage has to do with payment priority. With primary medical travel insurance, the insurance plan will pay your medical costs directly, even if you have another health insurance policy. You’ll file any medical claims directly with the company you bought travel medical insurance from, which can help speed up the payment process. [2]

With secondary medical travel insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with your primary healthcare insurance provider first — even if you don’t think the insurer will provide coverage. If the insurer denies your claim or doesn’t fully cover it, you can then file it with the medical travel insurance company.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

An emergency evacuation can be very expensive — especially if it’s in a remote area. Medical evacuation insurance can help cover the costs associated with emergency transportation to an adequate treatment facility. It can also cover the costs associated with transporting you back to the U.S.

Comprehensive travel insurance plan

Some comprehensive policies include medical travel insurance and trip-cancellation coverage if you have to cancel your trip due to something such as severe weather or a natural disaster. Many comprehensive plans also cover trip interruption, medical evacuation, travel delay benefits, and baggage delay.

With medical travel insurance, you can often include trip cancellation insurance as an add-on for an additional cost. Trip cancellation insurance covers trip costs, including your flight, cruise, or train tickets, if you can’t go on your trip. It doesn’t cover any medical care you need while traveling. [3]

Limitations of travel medical insurance

Before confirming your travel plans, check with your insurance company to see if the plan has any limitations or exclusions. Travel medical insurance policies often don’t cover medical bills related to the following three situations.

Pre-existing conditions

A pre-existing condition is a medical condition or illness you’ve had for a certain period before purchasing insurance. It’s possible to purchase insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage. The policies are often time-sensitive and only provide coverage if purchased within a certain number of days of the trip deposit — often 14 days.

High-risk activities

If you’re planning to engage in risky activities or extreme sports, such as skydiving or bungee jumping, check if your travel insurance policy excludes the activities. Many insurance plans won’t cover these risky activities. However, you may be able to purchase extreme sports insurance for additional benefits coverage.

Geographic exclusions

Some insurers won’t provide coverage if you travel to a country that the U.S. Department of State has assigned a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory to. [4] Before traveling to a country with a travel advisory, check with your insurance company to see if your coverage applies.

Travel medical insurance FAQs

Before you take off on your next overseas adventure, you should look into buying a travel medical insurance plan, as well as how you can use it if you need it and how it differs from health insurance coverage.

Who should buy travel medical insurance?

Anyone traveling to a country where their health insurance provider doesn’t provide coverage should consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Certain destinations may require you to purchase it when applying for a visa or staying for a certain amount of time, too.

For example, Schengen Area countries in the European Union require people to have travel medical insurance if they apply for a travel visa, which you’ll need if you’re staying for more than 90 days. [5]

How do you use your travel health insurance?

If you have a medical emergency when traveling and need to use your travel health insurance plan, contact your insurance company immediately. Most travel insurance companies have 24/7 customer service hotlines you can contact for help and information. Your insurer can give you step-by-step instructions on what to do depending on your specific situation.

What is travel insurance vs. medical insurance?

The main difference between travel insurance and regular medical plans is travel insurance only covers you during travel. It’s only valid during your trip to protect you against medical emergencies while you’re away from your home country.

What does medical travel insurance cover?

Travel medical insurance can provide coverage if you have an unexpected illness, injury, or other medical emergency during a trip abroad. U.S. health insurance policies don’t usually cover overseas incidents.

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Travel health insurance will cover the costs of getting medical attention in case of an emergency abroad. Plans also include medical evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, and more. This type of coverage is necessary when you’re going outside your country for periods of up to a year or more. Even if you have a domestic medical plan, there is no guarantee that it will be accepted abroad.

Learn more about travel medical policies in this article and get to know which plans for traveling abroad fit your needs.

What is International Travel Health Insurance?

When traveling outside your home country, buying medical insurance as part of your international travel plan is vital to protect yourself against accidents or illnesses. Even if you have private medical insurance issued in your home country, it will most likely not cover you on your trip abroad. And even if it does, there is a chance that the coverage will be insufficient to provide the care you might need during your trip.

What Does Travelers' Medical Insurance Cover?

Depending on the plan you choose, your travel insurance policy can offer:

• Freedom to seek treatment with a hospital or doctor of your choice
• Maximum limits from $50,000 to up to $8,000,000
• 24/7 access to an emergency assistance medical hotline to speak with medical experts
• Deductible options from $0 to up to $25,000
• Renewable for up to 36 months
• Other benefits like travel delay/cancellation, baggage loss/delay
• Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
• Repatriation and emergency evacuation

Is Travel Health Insurance Worth It?

The best travel medical insurance plans combine the benefits of travel insurance plans with additional health and medical coverage. Whenever you travel to another country, it is a necessity to have the right international plan that will cover you in case the unexpected happens.

Recommended Medical Travel Insurance Plans

We offer great options to cover you and your family during travel abroad. The Atlas plan is an affordable policy for travelers from most countries. GeoBlue's Voyager plan is a comprehensive plan tailored to US citizens. The Trawick Safe Travels plan includes comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, and post-departure travel coverage, among other benefits. Trawick's Safe Travel USA is designed specifically for foreigners visiting the USA .

Pro Tip: Visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find which type of plan is best for your situation.

Recommended Plan for US Citizens Traveling Abroad

GeoBlue's Voyager Travel Insurance plan is designed specifically for US citizens traveling abroad. The benefits are excellent while remaining a very affordable option. Most importantly, the customer service is outstanding, which is essential when you need to reach someone in a medical emergency.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Option for All International Travelers

Trawick offers a great plan for all other nationalities traveling abroad to any country in the world. Coverage options are global, benefits are comprehensive, and they have a range of coverage levels to meet all budgets.

Safe Travels International

• Desinged for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country (excluding the U.S.)
• Coverage for an unexpected recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition
• Coverage from 5 days to 364 days - extensions are available

Recommended Plan for International Visitors to the US

Safe Travels USA from Trawick is the best plan option for international citizens visiting the United States. In addition to those listed above, benefits include limited coverage for wellness visits and "acute onset of pre-existing conditions".

Trawick Safe Travels USA

• Desinged for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. and addiitonal countries
• Includes comprehensive medical, evacuation, & repatriation coverage

Affordable Plans with Great Coverage and Benefits

Our suggested plan based on affordability, benefits, and service is the Atlas Travel Insurance Plan. Don't be fooled by the price - the benefits are very comparable to those offered by more expensive insurers.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

Or See for Yourself: Compare Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does travel health insurance cost.

You can see in the table below that plans can cost from as low as $0.80 per day to as high as $5 a day , sometimes more. Monthly rates, ranging from $40 to $60, are also available, sometimes providing better value. How much an international travel health insurance plan costs will depend on the length of the trip, your age, medical limits, complications, and the deductible you choose by the time you purchase the plan.

Emergency medical plans for travelers are surprisingly affordable. The average cost of an international travel medical insurance plan is $2 per day. It is very affordable compared to the high cost of medical care should something go wrong on your trip.

Plans are often of a sort duration, within the travel period you have indicated, so the risks are less for insurers. As a result, medical insurance costs for traveling abroad are also significantly lower. Travel health policies also do not cover trip cancellations , so their premiums are lower than usual.

Costs and Benefits of a Travel Medical Insurance Plan

The cost of your plan will cover several benefits, all under one policy. For the low price listed here, you get emergency medical coverage abroad, trip interruption benefits, repatriation, medical evacuation, 24/7 travel assistance, and coverage for lost or stolen items. Some plans include personal liability coverage, natural disasters, political evacuation, and more.

How Optional Coverage Adds to the Cost of Your Policy

Many plans offer additional optional benefits for an additional cost. For example, you can add coverage for adventure trips, mountaineering, or Accidental Death and Disability (AD&D). Each additional benefit will increase the price of your plan. In general, the increase in premiums is affordable and worth the added expense if you feel you need that additional coverage.

What Are the Different Levels of Health Insurance for Traveling Abroad?

There are various levels of international travel health insurance plans from some of today’s leading insurers. These plans can range from very basic emergency health coverage to comprehensive health care, including prescriptions, medical evacuation, and insurance for high-risk activities.

• The most basic level of travel insurance covers emergency medical needs while you’re away from home. If you fall ill or get injured while traveling, this type of policy will usually cover your treatment. Some plans let you add higher maximums for medical coverage so you can get care for significant medical expenses.
• You can add features to your policy like prescription plans, repatriation, emergency evacuation, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Depending on the plan, some of these might already be covered. 
• You can also add riders for so-called “extreme sports,” which cover you if you want to paraglide, climb mountains, or do zipline tours in the jungle. 
• Yet another type of travel insurance is trip cancellation, which pays you back if your vacation is interrupted or called off for a set list of reasons. A more expensive version of this is called Cancel For Any Reason or CFAR, which reimburses your trip costs if you suddenly can’t go for a reason that’s not otherwise covered. These plans include medical coverage, but you should check how much and whether you need more.

Among our most popular plans for US citizens is the GeoBlue Voyager Plan , which allows travelers to customize their coverage with different medical maximums and deductibles. You can be confident that your coverage, benefits, and service will be excellent.

Atlas Travel Insurance is a comprehensive travel medical policy that includes hospitalization and doctor coverage. It also includes coverage for lost luggage. You can customize the policy to include optional coverage for extreme sports .

The Patriot Platinum Insurance provides optional coverage for extra riders, including personal belongings and and extreme sports. This is perhaps the best medical policy for traveling abroad because it provides world-class coverage and access to the best service and assistance for traveling outside your home country.

You can review the list we made of the Best Travel Insurance Companies to get a better idea of which provider to choose.

For long-term travelers, expats, or individuals moving abroad for a year or longer, an international medical insurance plan might be a better option. These plans provide more comprehensive medical benefits but lack some of the coverage offered in travel health plans, such as trip interruption.

What Is the Cheapest Travel Medical Insurance Plan?

We offer a variety of medical plans for traveling abroad, and they come at a range of different price points.

When it comes to medical coverage, the best value travel insurance plan is one that covers specific benefits you need at a price you can afford. Some inexpensive plans do not cover the most important benefits or cover them with limited value. Other low-cost policies provide considerable travelers' medical insurance coverage, but their service is not as good, so it will be frustrating to use it in emergencies.

International Citizens Insurance has filtered the best insurance providers that offer affordable plans with good coverage and excellent service. For the most affordable and reliable plans, we recommend the following options:

How Do I Purchase an International Travel Medical Policy?

Applying for a travel health plan is easy. Just answer a few questions about yourself and the planned trip to get the initial quote. From there, you can refine the plan and see how much the travelers' medical insurance will cost by selecting and deselecting different benefits and their maximum coverage amounts. You can also tweak the deductibles, optional add-on features, and other portions of the policy, if possible.

Use our Plan Picker to get started!

When you are satisfied with the quote after adjusting the cost and benefits of the plan, you can proceed with the online application and pay for the plan using your credit card. A confirmation email will be sent along with policy documentation and relevant contact details should you need emergency medical assistance on your next trip.

We have listed some of the best medical insurance for international travel. Just follow the links on each one to learn more about the plan.

Do These Plans Cover My Visa Requirements?

In most cases, they do. The short term medical insurance plans we offer are designed to meet, and even exceed, most visa requirements of most countries. We also have plans that can meet Schengen Visa Insurance requirements.

Before traveling to a country, check the visa requirements to ensure you purchase the maximum benefit and deductible amounts required. Most countries require at least $50,000 of coverage in medical benefits, along with a specific deductible amount.

Check the visa requirements for the country you are traveling to, and then when purchasing your policy, you can select the level and benefits that meet those requirements.

Read More: Insurance for Your Travel Visa

Can You Buy Just Travel Medical Insurance?

Yes, definitely.

International travel medical insurance plans are designed to cover emergency medical expenses should you get sick or injured while traveling abroad. Suppose you are in an accident and need medical care. In that case, these plans are designed to help you find a doctor, get you treated in the best facilities available, cover necessary medical prescriptions, and provide continuous care.

Note: These plans will typically not cover any pre-existing conditions you might have. Before you sign up for a policy, check the part pertaining to pre-existing conditions to clarify any questions or concerns regarding that portion.

Your policy may not cover treatment for accidents or illnesses that occur while participating in certain dangerous activities. Some plans offer adventure sports coverage as an optional add-on. If you plan to partake in hazardous activities or sports events that pose a high risk of getting injured, it is best to get this add-on on top of your base-level coverage.

Some policies, known as trip cancellation plans , also cover the cost of your trip if you have to cancel, and are typically more expensive. If you only want coverage for medical emergencies, a travel medical plan is right for you.

Not sure where to start? Use our Pick a Plan tool.

How Does International Travel Medical Insurance Compare to Trip Insurance?

With the wide variety in names and coverage of travel, trip, and medical plans, it can be confusing to select which one is the most appropriate for your needs. Different service providers offer several levels of coverage, so a travel insurance plan provided by one insurer could be completely different from those offered by competitors.

Trip insurance is a short-term solution that covers trip cancellation, protection, and limited emergency medical coverage. This type of policy is usually available only for up to 62 days.

A travel health insurance plan is more comprehensive. It provides increased medical coverage from what a regular trip or travel insurance policy does. This type of policy is best for travel periods lasting from 5 days up to a year.

If you are considering longer-term coverage or more comprehensive medical benefits, read these guides to help you see the available options:

• Expatriate Insurance or Travel Insurance: What is the Difference?
• Overseas Health Insurance Coverage

Do I Need to Buy Health Insurance for Traveling Abroad?

Travel health insurance is a short-term solution for those who are traveling outside their home country anywhere between 5 days and a year. Whether it is for business or pleasure purposes, getting adequate coverage is an essential part of ensuring safe travels.

Having a health plan at home will not guarantee you coverage when you travel to other countries. And usually, if it does provide coverage, it will be limited and will not cover the most important areas that need to be addressed.

The plans we offer can work for a broad range of traveling individuals, including international vacationers, immigrants, relatives visiting from overseas, and foreign au pairs and nannies.

The best part about global travel health insurance policies is that they are available to all nationalities traveling abroad.

Which Countries Require Travel Medical Insurance to Enter?

Most countries that were requiring medical travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage at the height of the pandemic are no longer requiring it. However, it is still highly recommended. (Read our guide for more specific details on the latest travel insurance requirements.) Double-check all requirements before booking your travel policy. Below is a list of countries that still require travel medical insurance as of December 2023.

• Saudi Arabia
• the Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• the Netherlands
• Switzerland

Recommended Travel Medical Plan Options for US Citizens

The following rate tables below show the cost per day for U.S. citizens traveling outside of the U.S.

GeoBlue Voyager Choice

IMG Patriot International

WorldTrips Atlas International

Trawick Safe Travels Outbound

Rates were last updated on March 4, 2024

Recommended Travel Medical Plan Options for All Nationalities

The following rate tables below show the cost per day for international (non-U.S.) citizens traveling abroad, including trips to the U.S.

The plans, IMG Patriot America, WorldTrips Atlas America and Seven Corners Travel Medical, provide coverage worldwide, including inside the U.S. and outside the U.S.

Trawick Safe Travels USA only provides coverage inside the U.S.

IMG Patriot America

WorldTrips Atlas America

Seven Corners Travel Medical Plus

Pro Tip: Visit our Plan Picker to find the best plan at the right price for your trip.

How Much Travel Medical Insurance Do I Need?

It depends on where you’re going, what your home coverage is like, and what you plan to get up to!

• For shorter trips, you can probably get away with less coverage. But if you’re traveling extensively, you might think about a more thorough policy. If you are taking several trips throughout the year, consider annual travel insurance so you’re always covered.
• How’s your health? If you have conditions that need regular treatment or medications, make sure your policy is up to the level of care you need while abroad. Most plans will exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, so be aware of that. 
• If you’re going somewhere with a high level of medical care easily available, you probably don’t need medical evacuation or repatriation. Consider adding it if you’re going into the wilderness, staying somewhere rural and far from care, or making an adventure trip.
• Speaking of, what are you planning to do on your vacation? You might be surprised by some things insurance companies consider “extreme sports.” If you’re planning anything outdoorsy, check if your activity requires special coverage.
• Some countries require a travel policy to get a visa. For instance, the Schengen visa requires a minimum of $50,000 in medical coverage. Check the visa rules for the place you’re traveling to.

Different Types of Health Plans for Travelers

Here at International Citizens Insurance, we provide a wide range of travel health plans from some of the leading insurers. Among our most popular plans are the Atlas and Patriot Plans, which have different levels to choose from, each designed to suit the needs of various travelers.

Atlas Travel Insurance is a comprehensive policy that includes hospitalization and doctor coverage. It can also include insurance on lost luggage. You can customize the policy to include optional coverage for extreme sports .

With Patriot Platinum Insurance , you can get coverage for extra riders and extreme sports when you add them. This is one of the best travel medical insurance plans for traveling abroad, providing world-class coverage and access to the best service and assistance for traveling outside your home country.

Annual, Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Plans for Frequent Travelers

International coverage for travel is available as a single-trip plan that covers a specific trip for a specified number of days.

But a multi-trip or annual travel insurance plan can cover all trips outside your home country during the year. This is usually valid for a year and up to a certain number of days per trip. This is a more cost-effective medical insurance for traveling abroad, especially if you are a frequent traveler.

If you are looking for one of the best travel health insurance policies we offer, consider the GeoBlue Trekker annual travel insurance plan. See the link below for more details on the policy and how you can get a quote before your purchase online.

Annual Plan for any Nationality

Seven Corners Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip

• Buy annually and travel as often as you want.
• Choose from 30-, 45-, and 60-day trip lengths.
• Emergency medical evacuation benefit of $1,000,000.

GeoBlue Trekker Plan for US citizens

Trekker MultiTrip Travel Insurance

• Up to $500,000 for sickness and accidents
• $500,000 medical evacuation benefit
• Unlimited Trips Outside the U.S. for trips up to 70 days

Buy One of Our Recommended Travel Medical Plans

Atlas Travel Insurance: Learn More | Free Quote / Apply (Best for All Nationalities Traveling Abroad)

GeoBlue Travel Insurance: Learn More | Free Quote / Apply (Best for US Citizens Abroad)

A message from the Center for Disease Control : Severe illness or injury abroad may result in a financial burden on you and your family. Although planning for every possible contingency is impossible, travelers can reduce the cost of a medical emergency by considering the purchase of 3 types of insurance for their trip: trip insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance. These insurance policies can be purchased before a trip to provide coverage in the event of an illness or injury and may be of particular importance to individuals with chronic medical conditions. Basic accident or travel insurance may even be required for travelers to certain destinations.

Author: Joe Cronin , Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance . Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter .

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Travel Medical Insurance: Emergency Coverage While You Travel Internationally

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Table of Contents

What is travel health insurance?

Travel insurance vs. travel medical insurance, what does travel medical insurance cover, different types of travel medical insurance plans, how to purchase travel medical insurance, who needs travel health insurance, how much does travel medical insurance cost, how do i use my travel health insurance, what you need to know about limits, exclusions and deductibles, long-term travel medical insurance options for expats.

Travel medical insurance provides protection against unexpected illnesses or injuries during travel abroad.

Premium travel credit cards may offer limited coverage, making stand-alone travel medical insurance necessary.

In case of a medical emergency, contact the insurer, pay expenses and file a reimbursement claim.

Primary vs. secondary coverage: Primary allows direct claims, secondary requires filing with primary first.

If you’re looking for a policy that protects you in the event of an unexpected illness or injury while traveling abroad, then you need to learn about stand-alone travel medical insurance. This type of insurance can be provided by the benefits of certain premium travel credit cards , but the coverages can be both limiting and low in value.

Emergency medical coverage is included within some comprehensive travel insurance policies but can also be purchased on its own. Even if you have a primary U.S. insurance plan, including Medicaid or Medicare, odds are it will help very little (or often not at all) while out of the country.

Checking all the different sources of information can get confusing, and it's easy to misunderstand what type of medical insurance you have when traveling or accidentally duplicate your coverage by purchasing a policy when you already have those benefits covered from another source. Here’s everything you need to know about travel medical insurance so you can choose the best option for your trip.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

Travel medical insurance provides reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you’re traveling. These policies do not provide coverage for routine expenses.

So, if you break your leg while you're on vacation internationally, emergency medical coverage will protect you. However, if you decide to get a teeth cleaning while you’re abroad, you will not be covered. Travel medical insurance is meant to protect you in case of emergency.

Expats, frequent business travelers or individuals who spend significant periods of time living outside the U.S. can purchase a comprehensive travel health insurance policy meant for long-term travelers (more on this below). These policies offer routine medical coverage for those living abroad (generally for one year or longer) rather than vacationers. Long-term international travel health insurance policies should not be confused with travel medical insurance.

Travel medical insurance products and comprehensive policies may also include coverage for family members who are traveling with you, or coverage for a family member to visit you if you become hospitalized. The definition of "family" can vary, but it commonly includes your spouse, children, siblings, parents, grandparents and more. So if your travel companion gets sick or injured during the trip, trip cancellation benefits may kick in. Or if you get hospitalized in a foreign country, the insurer could pay for a flight and hotel accommodations for a designated family member to visit you.

Although natural disasters that impact your plans are usually covered, travel medical insurance policies often exclude pandemics from coverage or those countries that have a ‘Level 4 Do Not Travel’ advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State . If U.S. citizens travel to those countries, travel medical insurance services may not be available. It's important to check the fine print of your policy to determine what may or may not be covered.

» Learn more: Where can U.S. citizens travel right now?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy will include more protections than stand-alone travel medical insurance.

Travel medical insurance plans will have protections related to emergency medical events, while comprehensive trip insurance policies cover everything from medical care to trip cancellations.

Here are how those differences generally shake out.

With travel medical insurance, there are no trip cancellation benefits, so the cost of the trip is irrelevant. This makes the policy cheaper compared to purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, where you’ll need to include the entire nonrefundable cost of your vacation when calculating your quote.

Although travel medical plans can include coverage for benefits like trip interruption, the covered amounts will usually be limited.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

You will be reimbursed for unplanned, emergency medical costs that you incur during your trip. We reviewed several travel medical insurance plans on InsureMyTrip and found that they offer the following protections:

Since we reviewed several policies in the chart above, these limits show a wide range.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses? Kinda.

Both the type of trip and type of coverage determine which travel medical policy makes the most sense. You’ll need to become familiar with four terms: primary coverage, secondary coverage, single trip and multi-trip.

Primary vs. secondary coverage

Travel medical insurance plans will refer to medical coverage as primary or secondary.

Primary means that you can submit a claim to your travel medical insurance company before submitting to any other insurer.

When the policy is secondary , you will need to submit your claim to your primary insurance provider before you can submit a claim to the travel insurance provider.

For example, say you break your leg on vacation and have to go to the emergency room right away. If your travel health insurance is primary, you can pay your medical bill with your credit card and then submit a claim directly to the travel insurer.

However, if your travel medical coverage is secondary, you will first have to submit this claim to your U.S.-based medical insurer even though they may deny the claim (because the policies limit coverage abroad). You may even be required to include the refusal notice from your primary insurance along with your claim to your secondary travel health insurer.

Single-trip vs. multi-trip

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or go on vacation only once a year, you can choose a policy that is tailored to your travel needs. You can purchase either single- or multi-trip coverage, and it's important to know the difference between the two types.

Single-trip coverage: You leave home, travel internationally and return home. You can visit as many countries as you like while traveling, but when you return home, the coverage ends. These plans are purchased for each trip, whether you’re gone for four days or four weeks.

Multi-trip coverage: You can leave, travel and return home as many times as you want during the covered period. You can, for example, leave home, travel to France for a week, return home for a month, travel to Panama for three weeks and return home. The coverage continues no matter how many times you return home as long as each trip does not exceed the allowable period (usually 30 to 90 days). These plans must be purchased on an annual basis, and they require you to have health insurance in the United States.

Multi-trip coverage makes sense (and is usually more cost effective) if you travel frequently and do not want to purchase a single policy each time you go on an international trip. However, if you do not have medical insurance in the U.S., you will not be covered under multi-trip plans.

Do I need to have primary health insurance in the U.S. to be eligible for travel medical insurance?

The answer to this question is: maybe. It depends on the type of coverage you have. If your single-trip plan refers to your medical coverage as primary, you don’t need another health insurance policy. However, if the coverage provided under your single-trip plan is secondary, then you must have primary health insurance.

As noted above, all multi-trip plans require that you have primary medical insurance coverage in the U.S.

» Learn more: What to do if you get sick while traveling overseas

You can search for medical travel policies on insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner), InsureMyTrip or Travel Guard . Policies differ by state, and availability may change during or after the pandemic, so verify that the state you reside in offers travel medical insurance in light of coronavirus.

You might already have some travel medical insurance from an existing credit card in your wallet. If your limits are sufficient for your risk tolerance, you might forego purchasing a separate travel medical insurance policy or plan.

Let's take a look at the Chase Sapphire Reserve® coverage, for example. It offers emergency medical coverage up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible. The policies we've discussed above, in contrast, offer medical coverage from $50,000 to $2,000,000.

So if you want a higher limit — even if you have a premium travel credit card with existing medical coverage — purchasing a complementary plan may make sense. This can be especially true if you are traveling in a country with expensive healthcare, will be traveling in remote or rural areas, or will be participating in higher-risk adventures.

If you plan on traveling and your existing medical insurance will not cover you in the country you are traveling to, buying a travel medical insurance plan could make sense. You could either purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or one that only provides medical coverage.

Purchasing a policy strictly for travel medical insurance is a good idea for those who want emergency coverage while traveling but:

Have a premium travel card that already provides trip cancellation and trip delay coverage the individual deems sufficient.

Do not need trip cancellation, trip delay or the other benefits provided by a comprehensive policy because the traveler will remain in one location for a while and is not worried about a canceled trip.

If you do not have a travel card with trip cancellation benefits and you also want emergency medical coverage, then you’re better off with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

The cost of the policy varies based on a number of factors including:

The country you’re going to.

The state you’re from.

Coverage provided.

We did a search on InsureMyTrip for a one-month trip to Italy in November 2024 for a 36-year-old, and found one policy that offered medical coverage.

While we only got one result for this search, $31.80 is around the typical price you're likely to see for basic medical travel insurance for a trip of this nature. This is because travel medical insurance does not include other travel insurance benefits.

If you encounter a medical emergency while traveling, contact your travel insurance provider about how to proceed.

You will likely need to pay for your medical expenses using your credit card and subsequently file a claim for reimbursement with the insurer.

Some coverage (e.g., emergency evacuation) may need to be arranged by your travel medical insurance provider to be eligible for reimbursement.

In all instances, it's best to contact your insurance provider before making any arrangements or paying any bills.

Similar to your regular health insurance, travel medical coverage also comes with limits, exclusions and deductibles.

Exclusions are specific events that are excluded from coverage. For example, some plans may exclude coverage for activities (e.g., skydiving) that are deemed risky. Check the policy to make sure that the activities you plan to partake in are not excluded.

Limits are monetary caps on coverage. For example, the policy may cover emergency dental treatment but only up to $500 worth. Anything over that maximum you would be responsible for paying.

A deductible is an amount you need to pay before your policy will reimburse. For example, if you have a policy with a $250 deductible and you submit claims for eligible expenses totaling $400, the insurer will reimburse you only $150. Policies can often be customized to increase or decrease the deductible. The screenshot below includes the same travel medical policy for a one-month trip to Costa Rica in June 2023 for a 30-year-old, with the option to change the deductible.

The lower the deductible, the more expensive the policy and vice versa.

Individuals who live or work abroad and spend a considerable portion of the year living outside the U.S. are eligible for a travel health insurance plan that provides coverage for routine medical care. These policies are different from travel medical insurance, which is meant to cover only emergencies.

Long-term international travel health insurance plans usually have higher limits than travel medical insurance policies and are available on a long-term basis only (one year or more).

The policies are only available for one year or longer and have high maximum limits of $1,000,000 to $8,000,000. The plans are customizable and allow you to receive worldwide medical treatment.

For the most part, your U.S.-based medical insurance provider will not cover your medical treatment when you’re abroad. If you want peace of mind while you’re on a trip away from your home country, a travel medical insurance plan is your best bet.

Anytime before your trip begins.

Generally, the emergency medical insurance coverage on credit cards offers fewer protections and lower limits than a stand-alone policy. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers emergency medical coverage up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible. The policies we looked at above offered medical coverage from $50,000 to $2,000,000. If you want a higher limit, you may want to purchase a travel medical insurance policy.

It depends on the type of coverage you’re looking for. Generally, if you’re only concerned with emergency medical benefits and don’t need trip cancellation, trip delay, rental car coverage or any of the other benefits provided by a comprehensive travel insurance plan, a medical plan should be enough for you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and your particular circumstances determine which policy is most suitable.

Yes. Travelers can purchase medical-only travel insurance coverage, and on the bright side, this type of plan is often more affordable than comprehensive policies. In 2023, travelers spent an average of $96 on medical-only travel insurance, versus over $400 on average for comprehensive plans, according to Squaremouth.

Generally, the emergency medical insurance coverage on credit cards offers fewer protections and lower limits than a stand-alone policy. For example, the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

offers emergency medical coverage up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible. The policies we looked at above offered medical coverage from $50,000 to $2,000,000. If you want a higher limit, you may want to purchase a travel medical insurance policy.

Final thoughts on international medical insurance plans

Travel health insurance can protect you if you experience an unexpected medical emergency during a trip. Although this is a topic no one wants to think about, it's important to know your options.

Depending on the coverage you’re looking for, you can either pick a stand-alone medical policy or get a comprehensive travel insurance one. Deciding what policy is best depends on your situation and any additional protections you may already have through your premium travel credit card.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Agent Information

Seven corners travel medical insurance.

Designed for travelers abroad and offers medical insurance when traveling outside your home country.

Get Started

Do you live in the United States?

Insurance benefits may vary by state. Select your state of residence to view the benefits and services provided by the travel protection plan available for your state.

Are you traveling to the USA?

Would you like enhanced coverage to protect your trip after you leave your home country?

Why should I consider international travel medical insurance?

When you’re traveling far from home, international travel medical insurance offers medical benefits, medical evacuation coverage, and non-insurance-related travel assistance.

Travel medical insurance can help you:

Pay for eligible medical expenses.

Cover expenses for trip Interruption.

Protect your baggage.

Seven Corners Assist,* our international travel assistance service, can:

Provide 24/7 non-insurance multilingual assistance to help you find appropriate medical care near you.

Arrange and pay for emergency medical transportation and evacuation to the nearest medical facility that can provide adequate treatment.

Provide access to the Seven Corners' international network of medical providers.

*These services are not provided by Crum & Forster, SPC.

FAQs about International Travel Medical Insurance

Why should i choose seven corners travel medical insurance, does the health insurance i already have cover international travel.

Not all domestic health insurance plans will follow you outside your home country.

• Travel medical insurance provides additional coverage beyond what your domestic health insurance typically covers. The domestic health insurance you already have may be limited and apply only to an emergency.
• Some health providers overseas may require payment before treating medical emergencies. Your domestic health insurance might not provide the necessary payment prior to treatment overseas.
• Domestic health insurance does not typically include travel assistance services or medical evacuation. According to the U.S. Department of State, “although some health insurance companies pay 'customary and reasonable' hospital costs abroad, very few pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States.” Travel medical insurance can provide travel assistance and medical evacuation if the facility where you are located is unable to provide the level of care needed for your medical condition that likely is not covered by domestic insurance.

If I’m healthy, do I need travel medical insurance?

Accidents happen, regardless of whether you're healthy. Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance can help with many different situations that occur while traveling such as:

• Car accidents
• Boat accidents
• Slip and fall injuries
• Altitude sickness
• Food poisoning
• Contagious diseases (COVID-19, malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, measles, Zika)*

Many countries have national health care. If I get sick abroad, am I covered?

Many countries with national health care have strict requirements that must be met before you can use the benefits. Check with the country’s health plan to find out if you qualify for coverage

What countries require travel medical insurance?

Some countries require proof of international medical insurance for entry or for extended visits. Check with your destination’s embassy to find out if medical insurance is required.

You also may be required to obtain travel medical insurance to be issued a visa. For example, Schengen visas require insurance with a specific plan maximum and benefits for repatriation for medical reasons. Again, check with your destination’s embassy to find out what travel and health documentation is required for international travel.

Does travel medical insurance include coverage for COVID?

Most Seven Corners Travel Medical plans includecoverage for treatment if you become sick with COVID while traveling internationally. Review your plan document or talk with one of our licensed agents to learn more about our coverage and how it works.

Product Specific FAQs

Here are real life examples of evacuation and repatriation services provided by seven corners assist to help our customers..

How We Helped Alysan Get Back Home from Ghana

Alysan was studying abroad in Ghana and contracted Malaria during her trip. Here's how we helped her get back home safely.

Felipe and Daniel were traveling South East Asia for a few months

Felipe became very ill, and Seven Corners Assist evacuated him from Myanmar to Thailand, so he could receive appropriate medical care.

Makenzie's Travel Story

What happens if you are traveling alone and become sick? Learn how Seven Corners Assist arranged for Makenzie’s mom to travel to her bedside when she became sick while traveling abroad.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance You Can Trust

Benefits on this web page are described on a general basis only. There are certain restrictions, exclusions and limitations that apply to all insurance coverages under the Plans, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions.  Full coverage terms and details, including insurance limitations and exclusions, are contained in the Plan Document. Plan benefits, limits and provisions may or may not be available in all states or may vary based on state of residence. If there is any difference between this website and your plan document, the provisions of the plan document will prevail. Benefits and plan costs are subject to change.

The travel protection plans consist of Insurance Benefits and Non-Insurance Travel Assistance Services. Individuals looking to obtain additional information regarding the features and pricing of each travel plan component, please contact Seven Corners.

RESIDENTS OF COLORADO, MARYLAND, NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, AND SOUTH DAKOTA Insurance Benefits are Underwritten by: United States Fire Insurance Company, 5 Christopher Way, 2nd Floor, Eatontown, NJ 07724 under Policy Form Series T7000 et.al., T210 et. al. and TP-401 et. al.

Non-Insurance Travel Assistance Services: These are not insurance benefits underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company. The 24-hour non-insurance assistance services are provided by Seven Corners, Inc.

Plan Administrator: Claims are administered by Seven Corners, Inc.

Important information from the United States Fire Insurance Company

NON-U.S. RESIDENTS AND RESIDENTS OF ALL REMAINING STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. Insurance Benefits are underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London or Crum & Forster SPC.   

Non-Insurance Travel Assistance Services: These are not insurance benefits. The 24-hour non-insurance assistance services are provided by Seven Corners, Inc.

Limitations, exclusions and disclaimers from Crum & Forster, SPC.

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The Best Medical Travel Insurance of 2021

Best for solo travelers.

John Hancock

Best for Thrill Seekers

Best for Frequent Travelers

Allianz Global Assistance

Best for Long Trips

Seven Corners

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Reviews Report

• Reviews.com ranks IMG as the best medical travel insurance company, earning a 4.75 out of 5.
• Seven Corners is the best medical travel insurance for long trips and has the highest medical coverage at $5 million limits.
• The best medical travel insurance companies have pre-existing condition waiver options.

If you’re on the hunt for the best travel insurance , you’ll want to keep medical insurance at the top of your priorities. Medical travel insurance jumps in when your U.S. health insurance coverage falls short while traveling out of the country. Whether you get sick, injured, or need to be evacuated, some or all of your expenses may be covered with the right medical insurance policy.

Medical travel insurance doesn’t automatically cover logistical issues of your trip, like lost luggage or a delayed flight — although many policies do include these features as extra perks. 

We reviewed the four best medical travel insurance companies that suit a range of travelers, from adventure-seeking explorers to large families with a troop of pioneers.

The 4 Best Medical Travel Insurance Companies

• John Hancock : Best for Solo Travelers 
• IMG : Best for Thrill Seekers
• Allianz Global Assistance : Best for Frequent Travelers
• Seven Corners :  Best for Long Trips

Compare the Best Medical Travel Insurance Companies

Information accurate as of March 2021.

Why we chose it

• 4.2 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• A AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• $50K–$250K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 90 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• High medical coverage limits
• High financial ratings
• $1M in medical evacuation
• Kids not included
• No adventure sports coverage

Add-ons & Coverage

• Trip cancellation: 100% of cost
• Cancel for any reason: 75% of cost
• Lost baggage: $750–$2,500
• Medical evacuation: $250K–$1M
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance

Best for Thrillseekers

• 4.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $500K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 180 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• High medical coverage
• Tailored to adventure sports
• Search and rescue coverage
• Few optional coverage options
• Higher cost than competitors
• Lost baggage: $150–$2,500
• Medical evacuation: Up to $1M
• Sports equipment rental: $2,000
• Patriot Travel Medical Insurance
• Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance
• Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance
• 3.4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $10K–$50K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• Year-round travel insurance
• Extra emergency evacuation coverage
• Coverage for kids is free
• No medical upgrades available
• Limited policy add-ons
• Lower medical coverage limit
• Trip cancellation: $5K–$100K
• Trip interruption:$5K–$150K
• Lost baggage: $500–$2K
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• AllTrips Basic, Executive, Premier, and Prime
• OneTrip Prime, Basic, Premier, Emergency Medical, and Cancellation Plus
• 4.5 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $50K–$5M Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 364 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Medical travel insurance throughout the year
• Includes COVID-19 exposure coverage
• Hazardous sports coverage
• Deductible must be paid in full and up front
• Lacks app support and interfacing
• COVID-19 treatment: $100,000
• Liaison International Travel Medical Insurance 
• Liaison Travel Plus (Covid-19 Coverage)

Medical Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know

Take activities into account.

Basic medical travel insurance includes things like emergency medical care and evacuation while traveling either at home or internationally . But if you plan on doing higher-risk activities, additional coverage may be warranted. Examples of these types of travel adventures include skydiving, mountain climbing, and scuba diving. 

Compare quotes

It’s important to compare medical travel insurance quotes because so many factors are evaluated to determine your offer. Premiums are based on total trip cost, coverage selections, and the number and age of travelers in your party, among other factors. If you want cheap travel insurance , opt for policies with lower limits and higher deductibles. 

Medical travel insurance companies will provide quotes on the amount of medical services covered under their policies. For example, if a company like Allianz only offers $50,000 in medical coverage, that’s how much it will cover before you have to pick up the rest of the bill for a hospital stay abroad. 

If you plan to scale mountains or dive deep into the sea, it’s recommended to opt for medical travel insurance that includes high limits near $750,000 or $1 million, depending on the adventure sport activity.

Medical Travel Insurance FAQ

What is medical travel insurance.

Medical travel insurance acts as your primary health coverage on international vacations . Just like your normal policy, it can be used to pay for treatments, medication, and even hospital stays.

Does travel insurance cover medical?

Basic travel insurance doesn’t include medical events. A travel insurance policy covers you for things like trip cancellations, lost bags, and flight delays instead.

How much medical travel insurance do I need?

Our best medical travel insurance providers cover a minimum of $50,000 for emergency medical care and at least $100,000 for emergency evacuation or repatriation. Add more if you plan to engage in higher-risk activities during your trip.

Why would I need medical travel insurance?

Medical travel insurance substitutes for your typical health insurance coverage when traveling abroad. Without it, you may be required to pay cash before receiving any type of medical care, which can cause serious problems that are better to avoid altogether.

How does medical travel insurance work?

Once you review plan options, just pick the one that fits your needs, make your payment, and submit your travel dates. If you need to file a claim, check to see what kind of documentation is required from the doctor or hospital who treated you during your trip.

Methodology

We evaluated medical travel insurance providers based on coverage, number of plans, optional coverage, medical coverage limits, and AM Best ratings to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best travel insurance provider reviews. To compare travel insurance providers with other brands across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:

• Essential Coverage: When comparing travel insurance providers, we considered essential coverage to be 24/7 assistance, trip cancellation/interruption, medical evacuation and more. Providers with more points of essential coverage scored higher. 
• Number of Plans: Flexibility and having options is important which is why Reviews.com awarded travel insurance providers with higher scores if they presented more plans. 
• Add-on Coverage: Travel insurance providers with more optional coverage add-ons scored higher in this metric — higher flexibility and customization in travel insurance is an indicator of the best travel insurance companies.
• Medical Coverage Limit: We compared the medical coverage limits of the best travel insurance companies and awarded providers with higher scores if they had higher medical coverage limits. 
• AM Best: Reviews.com utilized AM Best ratings to assign a score based on each home 

About the Authors

Amanda Push Contributing Writer

Amanda Push is a writer based in Colorado who covers personal finance, technology, safety and security, moving, and more. Her writing has also been featured at TheSimpleDollar.com, Interest.com, MyMove.com, and Safety.com.

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Table Of Contents

The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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Travel Insurance

Travel medical insurance 2024: Your emergency coverage policy

Lizzie Nealon

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:16 a.m. UTC Nov. 13, 2023

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• Travel medical insurance pays for emergency medical expenses if you get sick or injured while on a trip.
• This coverage is especially important if you are traveling outside of the country because your U.S. health insurance may provide little to no coverage abroad. 
• The average price for a travel medical insurance policy is about $100 for a 20-day trip.

More than a third (39%) of travelers who have traveled internationally in the past five years have experienced medical issues abroad, according to a GeoBlue survey of 2,086 Americans conducted by Harris Poll. When asked how they’d cover medical expenses if they got sick or injured while on an international trip, nearly half (46%) of all respondents expected their domestic health insurance would cover them abroad, but that is often not the case. 

Travel medical insurance can help bridge a gap in health care coverage, especially when traveling outside the U.S.   

Compare the best travel insurance offers

Travel insured.

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Covers COVID?

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

Atlas Journey Preferred

Seven Corners

RoundTrip Basic

$500,000/$1 million

What is travel medical insurance?

If you get hurt or sick on a trip, travel medical insurance can help cover the cost of your emergency medical treatment. This coverage pays for ambulance services, doctor and hospital bills and prescription medicine.

Travel medical insurance is a health insurance policy that covers the cost of “reasonable and customary” emergency medical expenses that require treatment by a physician during a trip, up to your policy limit. 

You can buy travel medical insurance as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or as a standalone policy. 

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.

“The most common claims we see on our travel products, both consumer-purchased travel medical insurance and employer-sponsored business travel medical insurance, are for conditions like viral infections which has been particularly high in recent years because of COVID, pain (abdominal, chest, or joint), anxiety, diarrhea, rash or cough,” said Lynn Pina, chief marketing officer of GeoBlue. “These claims typically average around $435 USD.”

Pina added, “Less frequently we see claims for broken bones, cardiac arrest or stroke with costs averaging between $15,000 and $30,000, but could range as high as $300,000 or more.”

What does travel medical insurance cover?

Travel medical insurance typically covers the following if you need emergency medical treatment while on a trip:

• Ambulance service.
• Doctor and hospital bills.
• Emergency medical expenses such as X-rays needed for a broken leg.
• Emergency dental expenses.
• Prescription medication. 

Tip: The best travel insurance for COVID-19 offers generous coverage for medical treatment at your destination. It will even cover the cost — and handle the logistics — if you require medical evacuation to be treated for COVID.

Most travel medical insurance plans offer 24-hour emergency assistance. If sick or injured, you can call the helpline to facilitate emergency care and communicate with medical personnel about your condition. This is particularly helpful if you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the language. 

What does travel medical insurance not cover?

While exclusions vary by plan, most travel medical insurance policies will not cover emergency medical expenses related to:

• Extreme sports, such as skydiving and bungee diving.
• Intoxication and drug use. 
• Mental or psychological disorder.
• Normal pregnancy and childbirth.
• Preventative or elective care such as a teeth cleaning or fertility treatment. 
• Pre-existing conditions, except those waived under a pre-existing medical condition waiver.
• Routine physical exams or dental care.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver

Most travel insurance plans exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but this exclusion might be waived if certain conditions are met.

To qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you typically need to buy your travel insurance policy within 14 to 30 days of making your first trip deposit. You are also usually required to insure the full nonrefundable cost of your trip, and be medically able to travel at the time of your departure. 

If you meet the policy’s requirements, an illness or injury that happened before the effective date of your travel insurance policy will not automatically be excluded.

Some standalone travel medical insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions without a waiver.

Types of travel medical insurance

When buying travel medical insurance, pay attention to whether the emergency medical coverage is primary or secondary, to make sure your needs are being met. 

Travel insurance vs. travel medical insurance

Travel insurance can include travel medical insurance and likewise, Pina said many travel medical plans also include trip interruption and lost luggage benefits.

“Travel insurance is designed to protect against the financial loss you’d experience should you need to cancel your trip or experience an interruption in your trip,” Pina explained. “These types of plans are commonly referred to as trip cancellation plans.” 

“On the other hand, travel medical insurance is a health insurance policy that provides coverage for medical expenses should you need to seek care while traveling abroad,” said Pina. “GeoBlue consumer plans offer up to $1 million in coverage for less than $2 a day (subject to age and eligibility).”

Pina added, “If your prepaid trip costs for an international trip are for items that can be rescheduled, like airline tickets, consider a travel medical plan that provides coverage for medical expenses that will not be covered by your domestic health insurance.” 

How to get travel medical insurance 

You can typically buy a travel medical insurance policy up to the day before your trip. 

To buy travel medical insurance, follow these steps.

• Decide how much coverage you want. The top-rated plans in our best travel insurance rating provide between $50,000 and $500,000 in emergency medical expense coverage. 
• Choose a plan that meets your needs. Travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth allow you to enter details about your trip, then show you plan options from several companies. This is an easy way to compare prices and coverage options across several companies.  
• Buy a policy. You can buy a policy online. 
• Read your policy documents. Most travel insurance companies have a “free look” period, which allows you to return your policy for a full refund if you change your mind within that period. Take this time to read the details of your coverage and make sure it meets your needs. 

Cost of travel medical insurance

The average cost of travel medical insurance is about $5 per day , according to data from Squaremouth. This average is based on policies purchased in 2023, for an average trip length of 20 days. 

These policies do not include trip cancellation insurance . If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage that includes both trip cancellation and emergency medical benefits, you can expect to pay about 5% to 6% of your nonrefundable trip expenses for travel insurance. 

In addition to your trip cost, these factors can influence how much you’ll pay for travel insurance:

• Your age and the age of your traveling companions.
• Your ZIP code.
• Your travel destination.
• The length of your stay. 
• The travel insurance plan (and included coverage limits) you choose. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If you’re traveling abroad, taking a cruise or heading to a remote destination, travel medical insurance can provide financial protection in the event of a medical emergency, for an average cost of $5 per day.

Most domestic health insurance policies do not provide much, if any, coverage outside of the country, so it’s a good idea to supplement your U.S. health insurance with travel medical insurance when traveling abroad.

Senior travelers should be aware that Medicare is not generally accepted outside of the U.S.

Most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, which are defined as any medical condition that has changed during the look-back period. A look-back period can be 60 to 180 days before you bought your travel insurance, depending on the policy.

You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if you meet certain conditions, which will be explained in your travel insurance policy documents. The conditions generally include buying your plan within a few weeks of making your first trip deposit and insuring the full value of your trip.

A pre-existing medical conditions waiver provides coverage for conditions that would otherwise be excluded. It is typically available at no extra cost.

Get the trip protection you need: What does travel insurance cover?

The average cost of travel medical insurance is $101 for a 20-day trip, or about $5 a day, according to 2023 sales data from Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site.

If you’re interested in a policy that includes other valuable benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, more comprehensive travel insurance may be worth it to you, for an average cost of 5% to 6% of your total nonrefundable trip expenses.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Lizzie's commentary has been published in Bankrate, CNBC, the Washington Post, the Washington Examiner, MSN and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Stay healthy abroad: Why you should see a travel medicine specialist before your trip

Mayo Clinic Staff

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As you get ready to travel to another country, you probably have many details to coordinate and plan. One essential task, depending on where those travels take you, may be to make an appointment to see a travel medicine specialist.

A travel medicine specialist assesses travel-related risks and provides information to ensure your health and safety while minimizing the potential for health-related situations during your trip. 

Adding a consultation to your travel to-do list

A consultation with a travel medicine specialist includes discussing travel-related illnesses, risk factors for infectious and noninfectious diseases,  required immunizations , health regulations and drug-resistant organisms you may encounter.

It's crucial to schedule a pretravel consultation at least two weeks — and preferably 4 to 8 weeks — before your trip to ensure you get complete protection from any needed vaccinations. When requesting a travel medicine consultation, be prepared to provide information about your trip, including:

• All countries being visited
• Any transportation, accommodation or other circumstances that are out of the usual 
• Dates and duration of travel

A travel medicine specialist will review your itinerary before your consultation to identify country-by-country health risks, such as exotic infectious agents, the potential for altitude sickness or heat exhaustion, as well as appropriate vaccinations and possible need for malaria-prevention medications. 

Your opportunity to learn about staying healthy abroad

A consultation gives you the opportunity to learn about health risks you may face while you're traveling and once you reach your destinations. Based on your itinerary, the travel medicine specialist may: 

• Explain the risks of infection from mosquito-borne illnesses and the steps for protecting yourself. This includes reviewing medications to prevent  malaria, which is a potentially life-threatening illness.
• Ensure you receive protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as  hepatitis A  or  typhoid fever , and verify that other  routine vaccinations  are current.
• Evaluate your overall health for travel and discuss with you how to manage preexisting conditions.
• Give tips for preventing jet lag, motion sickness, altitude illness and  blood clots .
• Go over how to prevent and treat  traveler's diarrhea , the most common travel-related illness.
• Help you reduce the chance of becoming ill during travel.
• Provide a  yellow fever  vaccination and an International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as a yellow card, if you travel to a country where the vaccine is recommended or required.
• Review food and water precautions. Contaminated food and water can pose disease risk for travelers, many of which are transmitted via by swallowing or coming in contact with impure water, such as fresh or sea water and swimming pools.

Be sure to ask the specialist any questions you may have about your personal health and raise any safety concerns about your travel itinerary.  

Get sick on your trip? Check-in with a travel medicine specialist

Once you return home, a travel medicine specialist also can conduct a comprehensive post-travel evaluation of any illnesses you may have picked up while away, including parasitic infections and other tropical diseases that are rare in the U.S.

No matter the reason for travel — vacation, business, studying abroad, visiting friends or relatives or medical tourism — always be prepared and take steps to ensure your health and safety.

  Raj Palraj, M.B.B.S., M.D. , specializes in  infectious diseases  in  La Crosse, Wisconsin . 

This article first appeared on the  Mayo Clinic Health System blog .

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Before You Travel

Before you travel, take steps to prepare so you can stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Know Your Health Status

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Learn About Blood Clots

Airplane travel, especially flights longer than 4 hours, may increase your risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Learn how to prevent blood clots during travel.

Share the following information about yourself or your trip with your provider:

• Special conditions such as pregnancy, allergies, or chronic health problems.
• Destinations on your itinerary.
• Type of accommodations (hotels, hostels, short term rentals).
• Type of travel (cruise, business, adventure travel).
• Timing and length of your trip.
• Planned activities.

Take recommended medicines as directed. If your doctor prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. Counterfeit drugs are common in some countries, so only take medicine that you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Learn more about traveling abroad with medicine .

Plan for the Unexpected

Sometimes unexpected issues occur during travel. Learn what you can do before you leave to protect yourself and your travel companions.

Get travel insurance.  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying  additional insurance  that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

There are different types of travel insurance such as trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance. Learn more about travel insurance .

Enroll with the Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) . Check for and monitor any travel advisories for your destination. Enrolling also ensures that the  US Department of State  knows where you are if you have serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while traveling. In the event of an emergency at home, STEP can also help friends and family contact you.

Prepare for emergencies. Leave copies of important travel documents (e.g. itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, proof of school enrollment) with someone at home, in case you lose them during travel. Make sure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency. Carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.

Some other tips to prepare for emergencies:

• Write down the contact information of people or services you may need while abroad.
• Check in with someone regularly during your trip.
• Dial 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the United States or Canada,
• Dial 00 1 202-501-4444 if calling from overseas, or
• Let family members know they can contact the embassy or consulate for help if they are worried about your safety while abroad.

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

More information for some travelers who may need to take extra precautions:

• Traveling with a disability
• Travelers with a weakened immune system
• Traveling with a chronic illness
• Pregnant travelers

Follow CDC’s guidance on how to stay safe during travel and after travel .

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Passing Thru Travel

Top Destinations for Health and Medical Tourism in 2024

Posted: February 15, 2024 | Last updated: February 15, 2024

Health and medical tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people traveling abroad for high-quality medical treatments, wellness retreats, and alternative therapies. These destinations offer top-notch medical services and a chance to recuperate in a relaxing environment. This guide takes you through 15 global destinations renowned for their medical and wellness services.

Bangkok, Thailand

You’ll discover a world-renowned center for medical tourism in Bangkok where cutting-edge healthcare meets affordability and exceptional service. As you navigate the city, you’ll find state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of medical treatments, from cosmetic surgery and dental care to comprehensive health check-ups. These facilities are known for their highly trained medical professionals, many of whom have international experience and qualifications.

The allure of Bangkok for medical tourism isn’t just in the cost savings but also in the opportunity to recuperate in a vibrant city known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets, relaxing in a luxurious hotel, or enjoying a tranquil recovery by the picturesque Chao Phraya River, Bangkok provides an ideal setting for both your medical and travel needs. You could even head to one of the southernmost islands, such as Koh Samui, for rest and recuperation.

Services: Cosmetic surgery, dental care, and wellness retreats.

Insider’s Tip: Many hospitals offer packages, including post-treatment recovery in luxury accommodations.

How To Get There: Fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport, served by many international airlines.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has carved a niche for itself in the world of medical tourism, particularly noted for its excellent dental care and historic thermal baths. Here, you’ll find top-notch dental clinics offering a range of services at prices significantly lower than in many Western countries without compromising on quality or expertise.

Beyond dental care, Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, sourced from natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. These baths are not just about relaxation; they’re a traditional form of wellness deeply ingrained in the city’s culture. While benefiting from affordable, high-quality medical services, you also get to immerse yourself in the charm of a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle.

Wandering through Budapest’s grand architecture and along the Danube, you’ll experience this beautiful city’s unique blend of wellness and culture.

Services: Dental care and thermal baths for wellness.

Insider’s Tip: Schedule visits to thermal baths for natural healing.

How To Get There: Fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a global leader in medical tourism, especially renowned for its advancements in cosmetic surgery and dermatology. As you explore Seoul, you’ll encounter state-of-the-art medical facilities that offer a wide array of cosmetic procedures, from innovative skincare treatments to high-precision plastic surgeries, all performed by highly skilled doctors. These clinics often combine the latest technology with a personalized approach, ensuring both top-quality results and a comfortable experience.

The city itself, a blend of modernity and tradition, provides an exciting backdrop for your medical journey. Whether you’re recovering in a luxury hotel or exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Gangnam, known for its high concentration of clinics, Seoul offers a unique experience where cutting-edge medical care meets rich cultural exploration. This fusion of high-tech healthcare and dynamic urban life makes Seoul a compelling destination for anyone seeking medical services in a cosmopolitan setting.

Services: Advanced plastic surgery and dermatological treatments.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Gangnam district, known for its high concentration of clinics.

How To Get There: Fly into Incheon International Airport.

Find a serene and lush paradise that has become a sought-after destination for medical tourism, known for its affordable yet high-quality medical services in Costa Rica. As you explore this Central American gem, you’ll discover a range of medical offerings, from dental procedures to cosmetic surgeries, all provided in state-of-the-art facilities by experienced healthcare professionals.

What sets Costa Rica apart is its ability to combine medical treatments with a chance to recuperate in a tranquil, natural setting. Imagine recovering amidst the backdrop of rainforests, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity. This harmonious blend of top-tier medical care and a peaceful environment enhances your recovery and offers a unique opportunity to experience the pura vida lifestyle for which Costa Rica is renowned. Your journey to wellness in Costa Rica is complemented by warm hospitality and the chance to indulge in eco-friendly and wellness-oriented activities, making it a holistic health and travel experience.

Services: Dental work and cosmetic surgery in a natural, tranquil setting.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your medical trip with a stay near the beach or rainforest for relaxation.

How To Get There: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Mumbai, India

In Mumbai, India, you’ll find yourself in a bustling metropolis that has emerged as a key destination for medical tourism, attracting patients worldwide with its combination of high-quality healthcare and affordability. The city’s medical facilities are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, many of whom have trained internationally.

Mumbai specializes in a range of medical fields, including cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and transplants, offering services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Beyond the clinical aspect, Mumbai is a city steeped in culture and history, offering you a chance to experience the vibrant life of one of India’s most dynamic cities.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets, soaking in the diverse cultural heritage, or enjoying the local cuisine, Mumbai provides an enriching backdrop to your medical journey, blending world-class medical care with the warmth and vibrancy of Indian hospitality.

Services: High-quality cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and alternative medicine.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Ayurvedic retreats for holistic wellness.

How To Get There: Fly to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is at the crossroads of East and West, a city that has become a prominent hub for medical tourism, especially known for its hair transplantation and cosmetic dentistry expertise. As you navigate through Istanbul’s unique blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication, you’ll find numerous clinics and hospitals offering high-quality medical services at competitive prices.

These facilities are often equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized care. Its rich cultural tapestry enhances Istanbul’s appeal as a medical tourism destination, with landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Here, you can seamlessly combine your medical journey with the experience of exploring one of the world’s most historically rich and diverse cities.

Whether you’re strolling along the Bosphorus or savoring Turkish cuisine, Istanbul offers a unique setting where a wealth of cultural and historical experiences complements advanced medical treatments.

Services: Hair transplantation and cosmetic dentistry.

Insider’s Tip: Post-treatment, enjoy recovery in a city steeped in history and culture.

How To Get There: Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

In Sao Paulo, you’ll find yourself in a bustling city that’s increasingly becoming a hotspot for medical tourism, particularly known for its excellence in cosmetic and plastic surgery. As you navigate through Sao Paulo, the largest city in South America, you’ll discover a range of high-quality medical facilities that offer a variety of procedures, from minimally invasive treatments to more complex surgeries, all performed by skilled and experienced surgeons.

The city’s medical services are priced competitively, attracting patients from around the globe. Beyond the operating room, Sao Paulo is a vibrant metropolis brimming with cultural attractions, diverse cuisine, and dynamic nightlife. The opportunity to recover in such a lively urban environment adds an appealing dimension to your medical journey, combining top-tier medical care with the unique experience of exploring one of Brazil’s most dynamic cities.

Services: Cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Insider’s Tip: Brazil is known for its expertise in cosmetic procedures.

How To Get There: Fly into São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona beautifully marries cutting-edge medical facilities with the charm of a vibrant cultural hub, making it an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism. Known mainly for its advanced fertility treatments and cosmetic surgery, Barcelona’s medical centers boast state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled professionals, offering quality care at competitive prices.

As you embark on your medical journey in this city, you’re also treated to its rich architectural heritage, from Gaudi’s masterpieces to the Gothic Quarter’s winding streets. The city’s Mediterranean climate and inviting beaches provide a serene backdrop for recovery and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying tapas on a sun-drenched terrace or strolling along the bustling Las Ramblas, Barcelona offers a holistic experience where an immersive cultural journey complements exceptional medical care.

Services: Advanced fertility treatments and cosmetic surgery.

Insider’s Tip: Take advantage of the city’s rich cultural and gastronomic scene during recovery.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is rapidly gaining recognition for its advanced medical treatments and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. This vibrant coastal city offers a wide range of medical services, including cutting-edge cancer treatments and innovative medical technologies, attracting patients from across the globe. Tel Aviv’s medical institutions are known for their skilled professionals and personalized patient care, set within a competitive pricing framework.

Beyond healthcare, Tel Aviv is a lively, modern city known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, rich cultural scene, and bustling nightlife. The city’s warm climate and welcoming atmosphere provide an ideal environment for recovery and relaxation. As you walk along the beachfront promenade or explore the historic streets of Jaffa, Tel Aviv offers a unique blend of top-tier medical care and a lively urban experience, making it an attractive destination for medical tourists seeking both treatment and an enriching travel experience.

Services: Cutting-edge cancer treatments and medical technologies.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Mediterranean coast for a relaxing recovery.

How To Get There: Ben Gurion Airport is the main international gateway.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has established itself as a significant player in the field of medical tourism, offering an impressive array of healthcare services at highly competitive rates. The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is home to numerous internationally accredited hospitals and clinics that provide a wide range of medical procedures, from complex surgeries to wellness check-ups, all performed by qualified and experienced medical professionals.

These facilities are equipped with modern medical technology, ensuring high treatment standards. Kuala Lumpur’s appeal as a medical tourism destination is further enhanced by its rich cultural diversity, delicious cuisine, and a blend of modern and traditional lifestyles. The city’s excellent infrastructure and English-speaking medical staff make navigating your healthcare journey and the city itself a smooth and comfortable experience.

Whether exploring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers or indulging in the local food scene, Kuala Lumpur offers a unique setting where quality healthcare meets cultural richness.

Services: Affordable and quality healthcare covering various specialties.

Insider’s Tip: Malaysia’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world.

How To Get There: Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Singapore is a city-state known for its efficiency and modernity; you’ll discover a premier destination for medical tourism, renowned for its exceptional healthcare system. This bustling metropolis boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities that are among the best in the world, staffed with highly trained medical professionals who provide a wide range of specialized treatments and procedures.

Singapore’s hospitals are known for their high standards of patient care and cutting-edge medical technology, offering services from complex surgeries to preventive medicine. The city, known for its cleanliness and order, provides a comfortable and stress-free environment for your medical journey. As you navigate this cosmopolitan city, you can also enjoy its diverse cultural tapestry, lush green spaces, and a culinary scene that’s a melting pot of Asian cuisines.

In Singapore, your pursuit of health and wellness is complemented by the experience of a city that seamlessly blends traditional charm with a forward-thinking approach.

Services: State-of-the-art medical technology and facilities.

Insider’s Tip: Post-treatment, enjoy the city’s clean and organized environment.

How To Get There: Singapore Changi Airport.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a luxurious and futuristic city that has rapidly emerged as a key destination for medical tourism. Known for its lavish lifestyle and architectural wonders, Dubai also boasts world-class medical facilities offering a range of high-end medical and wellness services. These facilities are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by top-notch medical professionals, catering to a variety of health needs, from elective surgeries to wellness retreats.

The city’s emphasis on luxury and comfort extends to its healthcare services, ensuring a premium experience for medical tourists. As you explore Dubai, you can indulge in its opulent shopping malls, stunning skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, and relaxing beach resorts, which make the perfect backdrop for a recuperative stay. Dubai’s blend of advanced healthcare, luxury, and a unique desert landscape offers a distinctive and indulgent medical tourism experience.

Services: Luxury medical treatments and wellness retreats.

Insider’s Tip: Experience high-end recovery facilities in this modern metropolis.

How To Get There: Dubai International Airport.

Los Angeles, USA

In Los Angeles, you’ll immerse yourself in a city that’s not just the epicenter of entertainment but also a growing hub for medical tourism. Known for its advanced medical treatments, particularly in specialties like oncology and cardiology, Los Angeles hosts a range of top-tier hospitals and clinics. These facilities are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and expert medical staff, ensuring you receive high-quality care.

The city’s diverse and wellness-focused culture complements your medical journey, offering numerous options for healthy living and recovery. As you navigate the sprawling metropolis, you can indulge in its unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, from the Hollywood hills to the serene Pacific coastline. Los Angeles provides an ideal backdrop for those seeking world-class medical treatment while enjoying Southern California’s vibrant lifestyle and scenic diversity.

Services: Advanced medical treatments, especially in oncology and cardiology.

Insider’s Tip: The city’s wellness culture is ideal for recuperation.

How To Get There: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana, just across the border from San Diego, you’ll discover a city that has become a go-to destination for medical tourism, especially known for its affordable dental care and bariatric surgery. This bustling border town offers quality medical services at a fraction of the cost typically found in the United States, drawing patients from all over North America. Tijuana’s medical facilities are modern and well-equipped, staffed by experienced and often bilingual healthcare professionals.

The city’s proximity to the United States adds to its appeal, providing easy accessibility for those seeking efficient and cost-effective medical treatments. Beyond its healthcare offerings, Tijuana boasts a vibrant culture, with lively markets, authentic Mexican cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. In Tijuana, you can experience the benefits of affordable medical care while enjoying the rich cultural experiences that this unique border city has to offer.

Services: Affordable dental care and bariatric surgery.

Insider’s Tip: It is a popular destination for Americans due to its proximity and lower costs.

How To Get There: General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport or cross the border from San Diego.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is renowned for its classical music, stunning architecture, and, increasingly, for its high-quality preventive medicine and diagnostics. This elegant capital offers a range of sophisticated healthcare services, focusing on preventive care that emphasizes early detection and holistic treatment approaches.

Vienna’s medical facilities are world-class, featuring state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. The city’s healthcare system is recognized for its efficiency and patient-centric approach, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience.

Beyond its medical offerings, Vienna is enchanted with its imperial history, vibrant cultural scene, and cozy coffee houses, making it an ideal destination for those seeking top-tier medical services in a serene and culturally rich setting. In Vienna, the pursuit of health is complemented by the opportunity to immerse oneself in a city steeped in history and renowned for its contributions to art and science.

Services: High-quality preventive medicine and diagnostics.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy the city’s classical music scene and historical ambiance during your stay.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport.

The Bottom Line

Traveling for health and medical treatments combines the necessity of healthcare with the pleasure of experiencing new cultures and environments. Each of these destinations offers unique medical specialties.

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The post Top Destinations for Health and Medical Tourism in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ArtFamily.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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4/20 is just around the corner & we’ve got good brain health news for all you cannabis users

Calling all pot smokers!

Although still a classified substance at the federal level, an increasing number of states have de-criminalized cannabis. It is legal in 38 of 50 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use.

Like alcohol and tobacco, gay men disproportionately use marijuana. A 2010 study found that gay men were four times as likely as straight men to use the drug.

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According to the CDC, 48.2 million people, or about 18% of Americans, used it at least once in 2019. Given its increasing use — both legally and illegally — more studies are emerging about associated health benefits and risks .

Some past studies have suggested a link between repeated marijuana use and psychosis and schizophrenia. It’s also known to impair reaction time. However, a study published recently in Current Alzheimer Research points to some more positive news.

Researchers at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, wanted to see if there’s any link between cannabis use and cognitive decline. And if so, does it depend on how it’s taken and for what reason?

The study looked at 4,744 adults aged over 45. Half of the participants were over 65. All were asked whether they experienced subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in the past year.

The specific question was: “During the past 12 months, have you experienced confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or is getting worse?”

They were also asked about whether they used cannabis, and if so, how frequently.

The results were striking. Non-medical cannabis users reported a 95% decrease in cognitive decline compared to people who never touch the stuff.

People who medically used cannabis, or who described their use as medical and non-medical, also showed a decrease in cognitive decline. However, for these individuals, the decrease was nowhere near as significant.

A good night’s sleep

The researchers offered a couple of potential explanations for the results. Many users turned to cannabis to deal with insomnia, stress and anxiety. It’s known that an increase in sleep disturbance raises the risk of dementia, as can stress. It therefore follows that getting a good night’s sleep and minimizing stress could play a role in what’s going on here.

“Non-medical cannabis use, such as for recreational purposes, may decrease cognitive decline, which is often a precursor to future diagnosis of dementia, which currently has no definitive prevention approach, no cure, and very limited treatment options,” study co-author Roger Wong told PsyPost .

The method of cannabis use (vaping, smoking, drinking, or eating), had little sway over the results.

Wong and co-author Zhi Chen believe their research is worthy of deeper exploration. In particular, establishing why there might be such a difference between medical and recreational users is unknown.

Wong did point to the fact that “Non-medical cannabis typically contains higher concentrations of a compound called THC, whereas medical cannabis typically contains higher concentrations of a compound called CBD.”

Related: Here’s why you might want to cut back on your marijuana use Regular marijuana use is not as safe as you might assume — especially for older users. Broadway performer Hernando Umana on being out HIV+ and the healing power of cannabis The ‘Kinky Boots’ star on his medical side business, and how his HIV activism has affected his career.

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Maybe the pot smokers had already experienced “cognitive decline” before age 45 and the non-smokers were following a more natural progression. A study that includes uniform cognitive testing with a standard baseline might be more revealing. Personally, I’ve seen no evidence proving that pot, in moderation, is harmful to people who start using AFTER they are mentally and physically mature Adults. Kids, with developing brains, is an entirely different story.

Entirely, the expert exclaims! He knows all!

still_onthemark

I think it’s great to see Queerty’s change of attitude on this subject. For many years, Queerty seemed to be run by hardcore 12-steppers. They would instantly remove any pro-420 comment as if it were a dire threat to the community!!!

A friend of mine from high school became a heavy pot smoker, and he definitely experienced cognitive decliiiiiiiiiiiiine.

And so there goes all of humanity. Your cases are weak, as usual.

Everyone has a friend like that from high school. If marijuana didn’t exist, that friend would have found another path to cognitive decliiiiiiiiiiine, and most of those paths are way worse!

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4-year-old child dies after suffering medical emergency at early education center

ODESSA, Texas ( KOSA /Gray News) - A young boy has died in Texas after suffering a medical episode.

According to the Ector County Independent School District, a 4-year-old boy at Lamar Early Education Center suffered a medical emergency on Monday.

The unidentified child was transported to the hospital but later died.

“We are devastated,” Ector County ISD Superintendent Scott Muri said. “The loss of a child creates unimaginable pain. Our trauma team was at Lamar yesterday to support the staff, students, and families who need a counselor to talk with.”

Officials did not release further information regarding the situation but said counselors would remain at the school for as long as they are needed.

“The entire ECISD team extends our deepest condolences to the student’s family,” Muri said.

Copyright 2024 KOSA via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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