Travel Insurance for US Citizens Traveling Outside the USA
Traveling internationally is exciting, but it also comes with risks that many U.S. travelers often overlook. When you are outside the country, your domestic health insurance or Medicare usually offers little to no coverage. This makes having reliable international travel medical insurance essential for every trip.
Unexpected situations such as illnesses, injuries, flight delays, lost baggage, or natural disasters can happen at any time. Even a minor medical issue abroad can result in expensive hospital bills, making it important to protect yourself with a plan that includes strong emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
Choosing a good US international travel insurance plan ensures you have access to quality care, 24/7 travel assistance, and financial protection throughout your journey.
Whether it’s a short vacation or long-term travel, having the right travel medical coverage gives peace of mind wherever you go.
Why US Citizens Need International Travel Health Insurance?
Here are the key reasons why thebest international travel health insurance for US citizens is essential when traveling overseas:
- No domestic healthcare coverage abroad: U.S. health insurance and Medicare generally do not cover medical treatment outside the United States. Travelers should check with Medicare supplement providers, as most offer very limited or no international coverage.
- Reliable emergency medical protection: Even if a visa is not required (such as for many European countries), travelers still need strong medical coverage for hospital visits, urgent care, and accidents. Travel medical insurance also includes critical benefits like emergency evacuation and repatriation.
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Many international travel medical plans offer limited coverage for the sudden onset of pre-existing conditions—an important benefit for senior travelers who manage ongoing health issues.
- Better benefits than foreign insurance: Insurance plans purchased abroad often lack the comprehensive benefits available through U.S.-based travel insurers. Understanding a new country’s healthcare system during a short trip can be difficult, making U.S. travel medical plans more dependable.
- Support during natural disasters or emergencies: International plans typically include medical evacuation and repatriation benefits, ensuring safe transport home or to the nearest quality medical facility during a crisis.
Beyond these benefits, many plans also offer optional sports coverage and additional protections. Travelers should always review the policy details to ensure the plan meets their needs.
American Visitor Insurance offers excellent comprehensive international travel medical plans for U.S. citizens, with coverage options up to $1,000,000. Popular choices include Atlas International, Patriot International Lite, Travel Medical Choice Insurance, and Safe Travels Outbound.
Travel Insurance for US Seniors With Medicare Coverage
Does Medicare cover medical costs for U.S. citizens visiting the USA?- US citizens should realise that Medicare and its supplements provide very little coverage outside US borders.
- There is a travel health insurance plan specifically designed for older American travelers.
- Indianapolis based International Medical Group (IMG) offers GlobeHopper Senior an affordable overseas travel medical insurance option for US citizens and US permanent residents 65 years and older.
The GlobeHopper Senior plan is available either as
GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip
Coverage: 5 days to 365 days
description Plan details | picture_as_pdf Brochure | shopping_cart Buy onlineGlobeHopper Senior Multi-trip
Coverage: 12 months total, up to 30 days per trip.
description Plan details | picture_as_pdf Brochure | shopping_cart Buy online- Provides $1 million coverage up to the age of 79 years
- Provides $100,000 coverage for travelers 80 years and older
- Includes $2,500 cover for sudden unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition
- Includes $25,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation
I’m a U.S. citizen traveling abroad. Can I renew my GlobeHopper Senior travel insurance plan if it has already expired?
Unfortunately, plans cannot be renewed after their expiration date. To stay protected, travelers should renew or extend coverage before the plan expires. If your policy has already lapsed, you’ll need to purchase a new plan for your next trip.
Why U.S. Citizens Need Travel Medical Insurance Abroad?
Most American travelers assume their domestic health plan will protect them internationally but this is usually not true.
Why coverage is essential:- U.S. domestic plans often have zero coverage outside the country.
- Medicare does not cover treatment outside the U.S. (with very few exceptions).
- Many hospitals overseas require upfront payment before providing care.
- Medical evacuation back to the U.S. can cost $50,000–$300,000.
- Many destinations (Schengen, UAE, Turkey, Singapore) require mandatory travel insurance for entry.
Which Is Cheapest Travel Medical Insurance from USA?
The Cheapest travel health insurance for USA is Atlas Essential International.
The other Affordable travel medical insurance for US citizens include Atlas International and Patriot International Lite.
* The price shown is for a 30-day trip with a $50,000 maximum coverage and a $250 deductible for a 20-year-old traveler.
Which Is Best Travel Medical Insurance from USA?
The Best medical insurance for travel insurance for USA is Atlas Premium International.
The other top recommended Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Citizens include Intermedical and Patriot Platinum international.
* The price shown is for a 30-day trip with a $50,000 maximum coverage and a $250 deductible for a 20-year-old traveler.
Best Travel Medical Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Abroad
Below are some of the best travel medical insurance plans offering coverage for acute onset or limited pre-existing conditions for travelers outside the USA:
- Acute Onset Coverage: Covers up to the overall maximum limit for travelers under age 80.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
- Cost Example (20-year-old traveler): $27 for a 30-day trip, $50,000 maximum coverage, $250 deductible.
- Acute Onset Coverage:
- Age 64 and under without primary health plan: Maximum limit $20,000
- Age 64 and under with primary health plan: Up to the period-of-coverage limit
- Age 65 through 69: Maximum limit $2,500
- Cost Example (20-year-old traveler): $29 for a 30-day trip, $50,000 maximum coverage, $250 deductible.
- Acute Onset Coverage:
- Under age 69: Maximum limit $25,000
- Ages 70–79: Maximum limit $2,500
- Cost Example (20-year-old traveler): $29 for a 30-day trip, $50,000 maximum coverage, $0 deductible.
- Acute Onset Coverage:
- Age 80+: Maximum limit $5,000
- Ages 60–79: Maximum limit $20,000
- Under age 60: Up to the overall maximum limit
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: $25,000 lifetime maximum
- Cost Example (20-year-old traveler): $48 for a 30-day trip, $50,000 maximum coverage, $250 deductible.
Which International Travel Insurance Plan Should You Choose?
| Category | Recommended Plan | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 🧓 Best for Seniors 65+ | GlobeHopper Senior | Specialized international travel medical insurance designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 65 and above. |
| 💸 Best for Budget Travelers | Safe Travels Outbound | Affordable plan offering essential benefits like medical treatment, evacuation, and trip interruption. |
| 🌍 Best for Frequent International Travelers | Travel Medical Choice | Ideal for multiple trips per year with strong medical coverage and a wide global network. |
| ❤️ Best for Pre-Existing Conditions (Acute Onset) | Atlas International Patriot International |
Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions, offering reliable protection for travelers with medical histories. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Best for Family Vacations | Atlas International | Great family pricing, comprehensive benefits, and wide global acceptance. |
Why U.S. Travelers Need Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance?
International travelers who need coverage for expenses arising from international security evacuation, medical evacuation and repatriation can buy Medical evacuation insurance commonly called “Medevac insurance”.
Both WorldTrips Atlas Medevac and Seven Corners Medical Evacuation and Repatriation plans offer reliable coverage for U.S. citizens.
How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost for US Citizens?
Travel insurance for travel outside the US starts as low as $20 for a month. Travel insurance provides coverage for doctor visits and emergency hospital stays while ensuring access to necessary care and financial protection against high medical costs abroad. This table gives the average travel health insurance cost for different ages.
The average cost based on the quotes for one month
| Plan Name | Maximum Coverage | Deductible | Age 20 | Age 40 | Age 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Essential International Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $20 | $40 | $86 |
| Atlas International Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $27 | $54 | $117 |
| Patriot International Lite Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $29 | $55 | $121 |
| Safe Travels Outbound Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $26 | $77 | $168 |
| Diplomat International Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $32 | $86 | $181 |
| Intermedical Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $48 | $73 | $121 |
| VisitorSecure Insurance | $50,000 | $100 | $29 | $34 | $55 |
| Voyager Essential Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $32 | $58 | $116 |
| Travel Medical Outbound USA Basic | $50,000 | $0 | $29 | $55 | $121 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
What Factors Affect the Cost of International Travel Medical Insurance for U.S. Citizens?
The price of your travel policy depends on several factors:
1. Age of the Traveler
Older travelers especially seniors pay more because the risk of medical emergencies increases with age.
2. Coverage Limit Selected
Higher maximum medical coverage (e.g., $100,000 vs. $1,000,000) increases the cost.
3. Deductible Amount
A higher deductible reduces the cost, while a $0 deductible typically increases the premium.
4. Travel Destination
Medical care is more expensive in certain countries (e.g., Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the U.S.). Traveling to higher-cost destinations increases your insurance rate.
5. Duration of the Trip
Longer trips cost more because the insurer covers you for more days.
6. Optional Add-Ons (Riders)
Adventure/sports coverage, hazardous activities, and pre-existing condition or acute-onset upgrades are optional riders that increase the total premium.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad
What Does Trip Cancellation Insurance Cover?
At American Visitor Insurance, we assist travelers from nearly anywhere as they travel away from home! It is important to consider purchasing an insurance plan to cover trip cancellation.
- Provides a refund for non-reimbursable deposits and trip costs if something prevents taking the trip between payment and departure.
- Cost of such insurance depends more on the trip cost than the length of the trip (most have maximum day limits).
- Plans available for high-cost trips (exceeding $10,000 per person, e.g., safaris, long cruises) and modestly priced trips.
- Benefits usually cover 100% of non-refundable trip costs.
- Often reduced to 75% for the ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit.
- Coverage during the trip includes:
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Trip interruption (if unable to complete trip due to illness, weather, etc.)
- Trip delay (missed flights or connections, help to catch cruise if necessary)
- Baggage loss
- Assistance for pets or children traveling with you.
When Can I Buy the Trip Cancellation Plan?
- You can buy the trip cancellation plan at any time before your travel dates.
- Since you are insuring the value of your trip, it is better to purchase as soon as possible in case something happens that interferes with your travel.
- Example: If you’ve planned a trip for next October and later find out you must be in court at that time — if you haven’t already purchased your trip cancellation plan, you will not be able to get a refund because you already know about the conflict.
- You always get a 10-day ‘free look’ period after purchasing your plan.
- This allows you to review the policy and ensure it’s the product you really want.
When Do You Need Trip Cancellation Coverage?
While medical coverage is essential, trip cancellation is optional and should be considered if:
- Your trip includes non-refundable flights, hôtels, or tours
- You want protection for illness, injury, or family emergencies
- You need Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for maximum flexibility
Who Should Not Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
You may not need trip cancellation insurance if:- Your trip is entirely refundable
- You’re booking last minute travel
- You’re staying with family or friends
- Your trip cost is low or no prepaid expenses
- You are comfortable with the risk of losing deposits
- You prefer medical only policies for price savings
Does Trip Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Many travel insurance plans offer a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion if you purchase your policy within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.
However, the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan gives you more flexibility and allows you to qualify for the waiver if buy the iTravelInsured Travel LX insurance within 24 hours of your final trip payment.
This flexibility provides travelers the ability to buy trip cancellation insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage up to the final trip payment. This provides valuable peace of mind and greater medical coverage for seniors with existing health conditions.
While we hope your trip goes smoothly and you stay happy and healthy, it’s reassuring to know that you’ll be protected even if unexpected issues arise — from the minor inconvenience of a missed connection to the major challenge of seeking medical care abroad or having to cancel your trip altogether.
- Pathway Premium – Covered if purchased within 21 days of the initial trip deposit.
- Travelex Ultimate – Waiver included if purchased within 21 days of the first trip payment, with the full trip cost insured.
- iTravelInsured Travel LX – Waiver available if purchased within 24 hours of the final trip payment.
- Safe Travels Armor – Covered if purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
- Trip Protection Choice – Covered if purchased within 20 days of the initial trip payment or deposit, and other requirements are met.
- Trip Protector Preferred – Coverage available if purchased within 21 days of the initial trip deposit.
At American Visitor Insurance, we're here to help you find the right trip cancellation insurance with pre-existing condition coverage so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Which is the Best Trip Cancellation Insurance for U.S. Seniors?
For senior travelers, iTravelInsured Choice Insurance from IMG is a top option. Designed for trips under $10,000 per person, it offers:
- Trip cancellation & interruption for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses
- Medical coverage up to $100,000 and emergency medical evacuation up to $500,000
- Add-ons: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), enhanced medical coverage, cruise protection, and sports coverage
- Pre-existing condition waiver if purchased within 21 days of the initial trip deposit
For trips over $10,000 or those seeking higher limits, iTravelInsured Travel SE and LX plans are recommended:
- iTravelInsured Travel SE: Trip costs up to $150,000, medical coverage up to $250,000
- iTravelInsured Travel LX: Trip costs up to $150,000, medical coverage up to $500,000
Both include trip cancellation, interruption, evacuation, and optional add-ons similar to Choice
- Choice: Best for budget-friendly coverage for seniors on standard trips
- SE or LX: Best for high-cost trips or travelers seeking maximum protection
For detailed guidance on choosing the right plan, check out our page on best trip cancellation insurance for seniors.
Which Is the Cheapest Travel Insurance With Trip Cancellation Coverage?
The cheapest travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is Safe Travels Protect, starting at $24.
Other affordable travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage include Pathway Essential and Travelex Advantage.
Safe Travels Protect
Trawick International
$24 Per monthAge: 20 years | Trip Cost: $1,000| Trip Duration: 15 days
- Offers trip cost up to $14,000
- Trip cancellation up to 100% trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage up to $250,000
- Medical evacuation up to $250,000
Pathway Essential
Trawick International
$24 Per monthAge: 20 years | Trip Cost: $1,000| Trip Duration: 15 days
- Offers trip cost up to $14,000
- Trip cancellation up to 100% trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage up to $250,000
- Medical evacuation up to $250,000
- Offers trip cost up to $10,000
- Trip cancellation up to 100% trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage up to $50,000
- Medical evacuation up to $250,000
Which Is the Best Travel Insurance With Trip Cancellation Coverage?
The Best travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is Pathway Premium, starting at $40.
Other top recommended travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage include Travelex Ultimate and iTravelInsured LX.
Pathway Premium
Trawick International
$43 Per monthAge: 20 years | Trip Cost: $1,000| Trip Duration: 15 days
- Offers trip cost up to $100,000
- Trip cancellation up to 100% trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage up to $100,000
- Medical evacuation up to $1,000,000
- Offers trip cost up to $50,000
- Trip cancellation up to 100% trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage up to $250,000
- Medical evacuation up to $1,000,000
- Offers trip cost up to $150,000
- Trip cancellation up to 100% trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage up to $500,000
- Medical evacuation up to $1,000,000
Best International Travel Insurance Reviews
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Medical-Only vs. Trip Cancellation Insurance: What’s the Best Choice for Your Trip?
Simple comparison to help U.S. travelers choose the right type of protection.
🩺 What Medical-Only Travel Insurance Covers?
Travel medical insurance is short-term international health coverage that protects you from unexpected medical emergencies while traveling outside your home country. It helps pay for doctor visits, hospital bills, emergency treatment, prescription medication, and medical evacuation if you need advanced care or transportation back home. This type of insurance is essential because most domestic health plans offer little to no coverage abroad, leaving travelers exposed to high medical costs.
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Urgent care visits
- Prescription medications
- Repatriation
Why choose this: It’s affordable and covers the biggest financial risk medical bills abroad.
✈️ What Trip Cancellation Insurance Covers?
Trip Cancellation Insurance protects U.S. travelers from losing money on prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses when a trip must be cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. These reasons typically include illness, injury, family emergencies, severe weather, or unforeseen travel disruptions.
Travel insurance or Trip Cancellation insurance the non-refundable costs of a trip while also insuring the health of the traveler. It is popular for travel both within the US as well as oversesas. Cancel for any reson coverange also available.
- Reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses
- Covered reasons: illness, injury, family emergency, weather, airline issues
- Trip interruption (if you need to cut your trip short)
- Trip delay benefits
- Lost baggage & baggage delay
Why Choose This: It protects your financial investment if something forces you to cancel.
International Travel Health Insurance - FAQs
1. Does my U.S. health insurance work outside the United States?
Most U.S. plans do not offer international coverage. Even if they do, reimbursement is extremely limited.
2.How much is international travel health insurance?
For those who are looking for long term Global medical insurance coverage, or International health insurance (as opposed to short term travel medical insurance), these must be purchased annually but can be paid for monthly, semi-annually, biannually or annually.
The annual option will be the most cost-effective. An annual plan which includes coverage in the US for a person aged 35 can cost from $942 per year for a fixed plan with a $1 million maximum to $1700 for a comprehensive plan with a $5 million maximum and both with a $1000 deductible. A person who does not need coverage in the US, can pay either $706 or $1274 for those same plans.
Coverage which would include maternity costs would be as low as $2100 for outside the US or $3087. Remember that the application process for these plans does require an extensive questionnaire about medical history and is not guaranteed like other short term plans available.
3. Can I buy travel insurance after I start my trip
Some plans allow it, but it is always recommended to buy before departure.
4. What is acute onset of pre-existing conditions?
Sudden, unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition. Most plans cover this up to certain limits.
5. Do I really need travel insurance for domestic travel?
The answer to that question is: Do you really have coverage when you are traveling domestically? The ugly truth of today’s world is that our domestic insurance plans seem to cover less and less and are more and more expensive. I can only speak for myself, but in my case, me and my family are covered well only in-state.
If we travel out of state, the coverage drops to 70% which, to my mind, is crazy un-safe (but that’s just me). So, I have purchased a secondary plan which covers me while I am 100 miles or more away from home. This, thankfully, includes most nearby and frequents out-of-state destinations. Now I feel the family can go skiing out-of-state worry free.
6. Do I need international travel insurance as a US Citizen?
While it is not a legal requirement for US citizens to have travel insurance, it is very highly recommended as this is very useful when traveling both within and outside of the US. Your regular domestic health insurance often has limits in the coverage beyond 100 miles from your home or when you travel outside your state. US domestic health insurance is particularly limited when you travel outside US borders, and this is true with Medicare as well.
That is why getting travel insurance is important since medical assistance might be inadequate outside the US as well very expensive for medical emergencies. International travel insurance including medical evacuation is most useful in the event of needing to travel back to the US for proper medical care. This is also true for repatriation of remains as international trave insurance will cover this expense which can be a hugely relieving factor to the traveler. US citizens can buy best insurance for traveling abroad which takes care of medical emergencies mentioned and lostluggage, trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage.
7. Do international travel insurance plans cover adventure sports?
Yes, some plans include optional adventure sports riders (add-ons).
8. Do I need travel insurance for Schengen countries?
Yes, they require minimum medical coverage of €30,000.
Countries That Require or Recommend Travel Insurance
Many countries now require or strongly recommend travel medical insurance for U.S. citizens before entry. This list gives travelers peace of mind and improves clarity.
| Schengen Europe | Requires €30,000 emergency medical coverage for visa/entry. |
|---|---|
| UAE | Medical insurance required for visa approval. |
| Turkey | Mandatory for certain visa categories. |
| Cuba | Proof of medical insurance required upon arrival. |
| Qatar | Visitors must have valid health insurance. |
| Schengen Europe | Requires €30,000 emergency medical coverage for visa/entry. |
|---|---|
| Singapore | High medical costs; strongly advised. |
| Thailand | Recommended due to medical + evacuation costs. |
| Japan | Very high healthcare costs for foreigners. |
| Australia | Strongly recommended for visitors. |
| New Zealand | Advises travelers to carry medical insurance. |
| Israel | Healthcare costs can be high; recommended. |
| Schengen Europe | Requires €30,000 emergency medical coverage for visa/entry. |
|---|---|
| Antarctica | Mandatory evacuation coverage required by cruise operators. |
| Arctic Regions | Remote area vacuation insurance required. |
| Remote Island Cruises | Cruise companies require emergency evacuation coverage. |
International Travel Health Insurance for Countries With High Medical Costs
Medical treatment costs vary widely worldwide. This quick comparison helps travelers understand the financial risk of traveling without insurance.
| Destination | Typical ER Visit Cost | Payment Requirement | Medical Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1,200 – $2,500 | Upfront payment | High |
| Australia | $1,500 – $2,000 | Upfront | High |
| Europe (France/Italy) | $800 – $1,300 | Partial upfront | Moderate |
| UK | $500 – $900 | Upfront for non-residents | Moderate |
| Middle East | $2,000 – $4,000 | Full upfront | High |
| Southeast Asia | $300 – $700 | Upfront | Low–Moderate |
📝 What to Do When You Fall Sick Abroad with Travel Insurance
This unique Step-by-Step guide helps travelers easily understand how to use their travel insurance.
Call 24/7 Assistance
They guide you to the nearest approved medical facility.
Guarantee of Payment
No upfront cash — insurer sends payment guarantee.
Save All Documents
Keep receipts, prescriptions, and reports.
Pay Deductible (If Any)
Only required for deductible-based plans.
Submit Claim Online
Easy and fast document upload after your trip.
