Travel Insurance Guidance for U.S. Citizens: What to Know Before Going Abroad

The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance coverage for citizens traveling or living overseas. If you experience a medical emergency abroad, you will be responsible for all medical costs, including hospital stays, procedures, and transportation. For this reason, it's essential to purchase adequate insurance before you leave the United States.

We strongly recommend that all travelers review the Country Information page for your destination and visit our Your Health Abroad page for detailed health and safety guidance.

Before You Travel: Explore Your Insurance Options

Most U.S. health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover medical expenses overseas. To ensure peace of mind while traveling, consider these types of insurance coverage:

🏥 Travel Health Insurance

Covers emergency and/or routine medical services while abroad.

• Check with your current U.S. health insurance provider to see if your policy includes overseas emergency coverage.
• Consider a short-term supplemental travel health policy if coverage is limited or unavailable.
• Look for a plan that pays directly to hospitals or clinics rather than reimbursing you later.

🚁 Medical Evacuation Insurance

Covers the cost of emergency medical transport, including air ambulance services.

• Highly recommended if you're visiting remote areas or countries with limited medical infrastructure.
• This coverage can be purchased independently or as part of a travel health insurance plan.

✈️ Trip Cancellation Insurance

Protects your prepaid travel expenses like flights, tours, cruises, and hotel bookings.

• Review the policy carefully to ensure it meets your needs.
• Remember that this policy typically does not cover medical expenses, so that you may need additional travel health insurance.

Key Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Travel Insurance

Travel insurance policies vary greatly, so reviewing what each plan offers is essential. Consider the following:

• Does it cover emergency medical care?
• Will it pay for medical evacuation back to the U.S.?
• Are accommodation or travel delays included in the coverage?
• Is there 24/7 customer support?
• Does it offer sufficient financial coverage for your destination?
• Is your destination or region covered?
• Will it cover the entire duration of your trip?
• Does it include pre-existing medical conditions?
• Are your planned activities (e.g., skiing, hiking, scuba diving) covered?

Additional Resources

• Visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health Insurance page for more guidance.
• Learn more at travel.state.gov and consult your healthcare provider before traveling.

The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or recommend any specific insurance provider. It assumes no responsibility for the quality of services or care provided by any entity listed or discussed.