I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolComplete Guide to Health Insurance for International Travel
Updated on April 9, 2024
Written by
Written by
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit MittalAt a Glance
- Traveling without health insurance poses a risk of high medical costs and limited healthcare abroad.
- International health insurance provides financial protection and coverage for emergency medical treatments, hospitalizations, and surgeries.
- Choose from three main types: Travel Medical Insurance (for short trips), Major Medical Insurance (for frequent or long journeys), and Supplemental Health Insurance (for added protection).
- Consider factors like destination, health condition, and stay duration to make the right choice and travel confidently with prioritized well-being.
Traveling without health insurance, especially as a green card holder, exposes you to significant risks, such as high medical costs and limited healthcare abroad. International health insurance offers worry-free travel with benefits like Travel Medical Insurance for short trips, Major Medical Insurance for frequent or long journeys, and Supplemental Health Insurance for added protection. Make an informed decision considering your needs, destination, health, and stay duration. Prioritize your well-being with the right international health insurance.
What is International Travel Health Insurance?
Travel health insurance provides medical coverage and financial protection for individuals, such as international students traveling on OPT, traveling abroad. It covers unexpected medical expenses due to accidents, illnesses, and emergencies during the trip. Policies can be for single trips or multiple trips within a year. Coverage varies based on the policy and destination, and premiums depend on factors like duration, age, and coverage level. It’s crucial to check the policy’s terms and exclusions before purchasing. Travel health insurance is often a requirement for some countries for visa or entry.
Why Health Insurance for International Travel is Important
Traveling without health insurance is risky, causing financial strain in case of accidents or illness. It may lead to delayed or inadequate medical attention and heightened stress in foreign settings. Health emergencies can happen to anyone, so having insurance ensures timely and proper medical care, providing peace of mind during your trip.
Having international health insurance offers several benefits, including coverage for emergency medical treatments, hospitalizations, and surgeries. It ensures that unforeseen medical expenses are taken care of, allowing you to focus on your travel experience. Additional benefits like emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption coverage, and 24/7 assistance helplines provide added security and support in foreign countries. Investing in health insurance prioritizes your well-being and ensures a worry-free trip.
3 Types of Health Insurance for International Travel
When it comes to health insurance for international travel, there are several types of coverage options available to suit your specific needs. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision and choose the right insurance plan for your trip. The options include:
- Travel medical insurance (Best for Vacations of Business Trips)
- Major medical insurance (Best for Frequent Travelers / Extended Trips)
- Supplemental health insurance (Best for All Travelers Going Abroad)
In the next sections, we’ll take a close look at each of these types of health insurance for international travel.
International Travel Health Insurances Types Compared
| Insurance Type | Coverage Details | Ideal For |
| Travel Medical Insurance | Short-term coverage for medical expenses during international travel. Includes emergency treatments, hospital stays, prescriptions, and sometimes dental care and medical evacuation. May cover repatriation and emergency dental care. | Short vacations or business trips |
| Major Medical Insurance | Comprehensive coverage for various medical services during long adventures abroad. Ensures access to quality healthcare, including hospitalizations, surgeries, specialist consultations, and ongoing treatments, even for pre-existing conditions. | Frequent travelers or extended trips abroad |
| Supplemental Health Insurance | Complements existing domestic policy during international travel. Fills coverage gaps and provides added protection. Includes emergency medical treatments, evacuation, and other benefits like trip interruption, baggage loss/delay coverage, and peace of mind for unforeseen expenses. | All travelers during trips abroad |
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance provides short-term coverage for medical expenses during international travel. It includes emergency treatments, hospital stays, prescriptions, and sometimes dental care and medical evacuation. It’s ideal for short vacations or business trips. With this insurance, you’ll have peace of mind for unexpected health emergencies, accidents, or evacuation needs. It may also cover repatriation, emergency dental care, and prescription reimbursements, allowing you to enjoy your trip worry-free.
Major Medical Insurance
Major medical insurance offers comprehensive coverage for a variety of medical services, suitable for frequent travelers or those on long adventures abroad. It ensures access to quality healthcare during your journey, covering hospitalizations, surgeries, specialist consultations, and ongoing treatments, including pre-existing conditions. Prioritize your health and well-being while exploring the world.
Supplemental Health Insurance
Supplemental health insurance complements your domestic policy while traveling abroad, filling coverage gaps and providing added protection. It includes emergency medical treatments, evacuation, and other benefits like trip interruption and baggage loss/delay coverage. With this extra layer of security, you can fully enjoy your international trip without worrying about unexpected medical expenses or mishaps.
What Is and Isn’t Covered?
Understanding what your international health insurance policy covers is essential for making the most of your coverage and avoiding any unexpected surprises. While the specifics may differ from one policy to another, there are general aspects that are typically covered.
What is Typically Covered?
International health insurance policies generally cover emergency medical treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and emergency medical evacuation. These coverages ensure that you receive necessary medical care and assistance when you need it the most. Coverage for pre-existing conditions may vary depending on the policy, so be sure to check the details before making a decision.
What is Not Covered?
While international health insurance covers a wide range of medical services, there are certain limitations and exclusions to be aware of. Common exclusions include routine check-ups, non-essential cosmetic procedures, elective surgeries, and injuries resulting from high-risk activities such as extreme sports. It’s crucial to thoroughly read the policy documents to understand any restrictions and exclusions outlined by the insurance provider.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for Your Travel
Choosing the right health insurance for your international travel requires careful consideration of various factors. By assessing your needs and understanding the options available, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific requirements. Here are three steps for choosing the right health insurance for your travel:
- Consider your destination
- Assess your health condition
- Evaluate the length of your stay
Below, we’ll explore these considerations in more detail.
Consider Your Destination
First and foremost, consider the destination you will be traveling to. Different countries may have varying levels of healthcare quality and affordability. Research the healthcare infrastructure and determine if you need additional coverage based on the local conditions at your destination.
Assess Your Health Condition
Next, assess your current health condition. If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are on long-term medications, ensure that your chosen insurance plan covers these aspects. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations for pre-existing conditions, so carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy before purchasing it.
Evaluate the Length of Your Stay
Another crucial factor to consider is the length of your stay abroad. If you are planning a short trip, travel medical insurance may suffice. However, for longer stays, major medical insurance or supplemental health insurance may be more appropriate, as they offer comprehensive coverage for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
Traveling without health insurance exposes you to significant risks, both financial and health-related, while international health insurance provides crucial protection and peace of mind. This blog has explored the importance of health insurance for international travel and the three main coverage options available. By understanding what each type covers and considering factors like destination, health condition, and stay duration, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your well-being during your travels. Investing in the right international health insurance ensures you can explore the world with confidence and security, knowing you’re prepared for any unforeseen medical circumstances that may arise.
International travel Health Insurance FAQ
Below, you’ll find some common questions about international travel health insurance and their answers.
What is health insurance for international travel?
Health insurance for international travel is a type of insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses during trips outside of your home country. It helps protect you from unexpected medical costs while abroad.
Do I need health insurance for international travel?
While it’s not always mandatory, having health insurance for international travel is highly recommended. It safeguards you against potential medical emergencies and ensures access to quality healthcare while abroad.
What does international health insurance cover?
International health insurance typically covers emergency medical treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and prescription medications. It may also include benefits like emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
Does travel health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies among policies. Some may offer limited coverage, while others exclude pre-existing conditions entirely. It’s essential to review the policy’s terms and conditions to understand the coverage provided.
How do I file a claim with my international health insurance provider?
In case of a medical issue during your trip, contact your insurance provider’s helpline or customer service to initiate the claim process. You will likely need to provide relevant documentation, such as medical reports and receipts, to support your claim.
Note: These frequently asked questions and answers aim to provide a general understanding of health insurance for international travel and help travelers make informed decisions about their insurance needs while journeying abroad. Please note that specific policy details may vary among insurance providers, so it’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen plan.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.