When you’re planning an international trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, booking flights, organizing itineraries, and checking off travel documents. But one thing that often gets overlooked is protecting your health while you’re away. That’s where medical insurance for travel comes in.

Many travelers forget to purchase travel insurance and end up with substantial medical bills in the event of an unfortunate incident while abroad.

Whether you’re exploring Europe, visiting family in the U.S., or going on a remote adventure, travel medical insurance can protect you from unexpected medical costs and emergencies abroad. A good travel insurance plan can help you cover the cost of treatment, protect your trip, and offer peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about travel health insurance, from what it covers to how to choose the right plan, so you can travel with confidence and clarity.

Understanding The Two Main Types Of Travel Insurance

There are two major types of international travel insurance products, and it’s important to know which one you need:

1. Travel Medical Insurance – Covers health-related emergencies while you’re traveling abroad, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.

2. Trip Insurance (Trip Protection) – Reimburses you for prepaid trip expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your travel plans for a covered reason. It also includes baggage loss, trip delay coverage, and optional CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) benefits.

Do you need travel medical insurance or trip insurance?

What Is Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel medical insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects you in the event of an unexpected illness or injury while traveling abroad. Unlike standard trip insurance, which covers trip cancellation or lost luggage, medical insurance travel plans specifically provide coverage for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Doctor visits
• Prescription drugs
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Some trip interruption scenarios related to medical issues

If you’re traveling to a country where healthcare is expensive (like the U.S.) or where your domestic health insurance plans don’t apply, international travel medical insurance is essential.

How Travel Medical Insurance Works

When you purchase travel medical insurance, you select the coverage length and benefit limits (e.g., $50,000 or $100,000 in medical expenses). If something happens during your trip, such as an injury or illness, you can visit a doctor or hospital. The insurance company will cover eligible expenses as outlined in the policy terms.

Most plans offer convenient access to a global network of providers and 24/7 emergency assistance. Some offer direct billing, while others may require you to pay upfront and file a claim later through a claims process.

Many plans function as secondary coverage, meaning they kick in after your primary health plan (if applicable). Others can serve as primary coverage for travelers without any health insurance abroad.

Best Medical Insurance Plans For Travel

Explore top-rated international travel medical insurance options:

Plan Name	Max Coverage	Emergency Evacuation	Ideal For
Patriot Platinum International	Up to $8M	Included	High-coverage international trips
Atlas America	$2M	$1M	Parents Visiting the USA and Other Visitors to the U.S.
INF Elite	$150K	Included	Seniors, pre-existing conditions
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive	$1M	$2M	COVID-19, families, urgent care
Seven Corners Travel Medical Basic	$1M	$250K	Budget-conscious travelers
SafeVista Comprehensive	$1	$25K	Acute Onset at Ultra Low Cost

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?

While policies differ, most travel medical insurance plans include coverage for:

• Emergency medical care for illness or injury
• Hospitalization and outpatient treatment
• Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest qualified facility
• Medical repatriation to your home country
• Ambulance services
• Urgent dental care
• Prescription medications

Some plans also include trip interruption, baggage coverage, or trip delay coverage in the event of a medical emergency. Always review the policy details to understand the full extent of the insurance coverage and medical benefits.

What’s Not Covered?

Travelers should be aware of the limitations and exclusions in their travel medical plan. Typically, medical travel insurance does not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions (unless the plan includes a waiver or acute onset coverage)
• Routine or preventive care
• Mental health treatments
• War or terrorism-related injuries
• High-risk activities (unless you add adventure sports coverage)
• Elective procedures
• Treatment in your home country

Tip: Only a select few travel insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. At OnshoreKare, we offer a choice of such plans.

Trip Cancellation, Delays And Interruptions

Although travel medical insurance primarily focuses on health-related protection, some plans may include limited trip interruption or trip delay benefits that are triggered by a medical emergency.

Primary vs. Secondary Coverage: What’s The Difference?

Understanding how your travel medical insurance plan fits with your existing coverage is critical. Some plans are secondary coverage, meaning they only pay after your regular health insurance has processed the claim.

Others offer primary coverage, meaning they will cover eligible costs regardless of what your domestic insurer pays. If your current plan doesn’t offer worldwide coverage, it’s wise to choose a policy that serves as your main protection abroad.

How To Choose The Right Travel Medical Insurance Plan

Choosing the right plan depends on several factors:

• Your destination and local healthcare costs
• Duration of your trip
• Your age and medical history
• Whether you’re taking multiple trips or just one
• Planned activities (e.g., hiking, skiing, remote work)
• Whether you’re traveling solo or with family

For frequent travelers, an annual travel insurance plan might be more cost-effective than single-trip coverage. And if you’re headed to a remote location, choose a plan with strong emergency evacuation benefits.

If you need help shortlisting a plan that meets your travel needs, you can always reach out to our licensed associates at 1-855-652-5565.

How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on coverage limits, age, destination, and other factors. On average, purchasing travel medical insurance can range from less than $1 per day for younger travelers, with the cost increasing for senior travelers, depending on your specific needs.

Example:

• A 2-week trip to the U.S. for a 60-year-old might cost $45 to $100, depending on medical benefits and coverage limits
• Adding optional benefits, such as adventure sports, will increase the premium

Use online tools like OnshoreKare to compare plans, adjust coverage levels, and view pricing that reflects coverage for the whole duration of your trip.

When To Buy Travel Medical Insurance

It’s best to purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip to ensure you don’t miss out on this crucial aspect for safe travel with peace of mind.

It’s still smart to buy travel insurance early to:

• Ensure you’re covered before departure
• Review policy details with time to spare
• Shop around when you have time and avoid making a hasty decision at the moment. Instead, get a plan that offers the optimal coverage you need

Note: If you’re a last-minute traveler, don’t worry – many travel insurance providers allow you to purchase travel medical insurance even up to a day before departure. Protect your health and your investment.

Who Should Buy Travel Medical Insurance?

Nearly every traveler can benefit from travel medical coverage, especially:

• International tourists
• Students studying abroad
• Digital nomads and remote workers
• Seniors with limited health insurance abroad
• Families with children
• Adventurers visiting a remote location
• Parents visiting the USA
• Visitors to countries like the U.S. with high medical bills

If you’re investing in a trip, protect your trip with medical insurance travel coverage that fits your risk profile.

Why Trust OnshoreKare For Your Travel Medical Insurance Needs

At OnshoreKare, we understand that every traveler’s needs are unique, including those traveling to the USA who may require coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Our travel insurance marketplace helps you compare travel medical insurance plans from top-rated providers. We’re here to make your journey safer, so you can travel with clarity and confidence, no hard sell, just the right plan for you.

Your dream trip should be about discovery, not worrying about what happens if you get sick abroad. With the right travel insurance, you can access medical care, get help during emergencies, and even recover some trip costs if things don’t go as planned.

Whether you’re taking one trip or planning multiple trips, choosing the right travel insurance plan ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Compare plans, understand your needs, and purchase travel insurance that gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on what matters: enjoying your journey.

FAQs About Travel Medical Insurance

Is travel medical insurance necessary for international travel?

In many cases, yes. Some countries require proof of travel medical insurance for entry, especially those in the Schengen area of Europe. Even where it’s not mandatory, having coverage is highly recommended to protect against costly medical emergencies abroad.

What does travel medical insurance typically include?

Travel medical insurance typically covers unexpected health issues while you’re abroad, including emergency doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency medical evacuation. Some plans may also include dental emergencies and repatriation benefits.

Does my home country’s health insurance cover me when I am overseas?

In most situations, it does not. Domestic health plans, such as Medicare or employer-provided insurance, generally do not cover medical treatment in other countries, which is why purchasing separate travel medical insurance is essential.

Is COVID-19 treatment included in travel medical insurance plans?

Many travel medical insurance providers now offer coverage for COVID-19, including treatment, testing, and quarantine if medically necessary. However, coverage varies, so it’s essential to read the policy details carefully.

Does travel medical insurance include emergency evacuation?

Yes, most plans cover the cost of transporting you to the nearest appropriate medical facility if local care isn’t adequate. Some policies also include evacuation to your home country, depending on the severity of the situation.

Can I extend my coverage if my trip lasts longer than expected?

Yes. Many insurance providers allow you to extend your plan as long as the request is made before your original coverage period ends and you haven’t filed any claims.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

Some travel medical insurance plans offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, often under what’s called “acute onset” coverage. This usually applies if your condition flares up suddenly and unexpectedly during your trip, and you meet certain age or time restrictions.

How much coverage should I choose?

The ideal amount depends on where you’re going and your personal risk level. For most international travelers, basic medical coverage of $50,000 to $100,000 is considered sufficient. Higher limits are recommended for seniors or those traveling to countries with expensive healthcare systems.

How is travel medical insurance different from trip insurance?

Travel medical insurance focuses on your health and safety, covering medical emergencies. In contrast, trip insurance is designed to reimburse you for prepaid travel expenses if your trip is canceled, delayed, or interrupted for a covered reason.