International travel insurance, also known as international health insurance or travel medical insurance, is an essential protection for anyone planning to travel abroad. Unlike domestic health insurance, which typically doesn’t extend coverage beyond national borders, international travel insurance is designed specifically to cover a range of unexpected events such as illness or injury during your travels or emergency evacuation.
It can also provide assistance in the event of a natural disaster or other unexpected incidents that could disrupt your trip. With international travel insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind and protection against potential risks that could spoil your travel experience.
What Does International Travel Insurance Cover?
While domestic health insurance policies are often limited or invalid overseas, international travel insurance offers a range of medical benefits including coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and prescription medication for new illnesses or injuries that occur abroad.
VisitorsCoverage provides comprehensive foreign travel insurance plans that cover you in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.
What Are the Benefits of International Travel Insurance?
One of the biggest benefits of international travel insurance plans is coverage for medical services abroad should you need medical treatment at a hospital or medical facility. Travel insurance for international travel gives you peace of mind knowing that you'll receive the best care possible without having to worry about the cost.
International travel insurance also offers the following benefits:
Medical coverage for new illnesses and injuries
Emergency services including hospitalization and surgery
Emergency medical evacuation
COVID-19 coverage
Prescription coverage
Lost luggage
Along with these benefits, travel medical insurance covers many scenarios and medically related financial situations that you may not have even thought of but are equally important when facing an emergency, such as trip interruption due to medical emergencies, border entry protection, etc.
With International travel medical insurance, you can journey to another country without worrying about your lack of protection should you need to seek medical care.
Is International Travel Insurance Required?
For many countries, international travel insurance isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a requirement. Destinations like the Schengen Area in Europe, Cuba, Russia, and parts of Southeast Asia require proof of coverage for visa issuance or entry.
Even if not mandatory, having insurance can be the difference between a manageable situation and a financial catastrophe. Emergency evacuation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
Who Is Eligible for International Travel Insurance?
International travel insurance plans are available for individuals, families, and groups, and are designed to meet the unique needs of each traveler. We offer different plans with varying levels of coverage to fit any budget.
Anyone traveling outside of their home country for a short period of time, usually up to a year, is eligible for international travel insurance.
Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary for International Travel?
Depending on your destination, overseas travel insurance may be mandatory. For destinations where travel insurance isn’t required, having international insurance for travel is still highly recommended.
Traveling abroad can bring uncertainty, especially in the event that you become ill or injured unexpectedly during your travels. Especially for certain destinations, medical care without overseas travel insurance can be extremely expensive.
An international travel health insurance plan can offer you peace of mind knowing that you’ll be protected financially if a medical emergency occurs.
If it is the additional cost of travel insurance you are worried about, there is no need to worry. With travel insurance comparison tools, finding an affordable plan tailored to your needs is quick and easy.
Does My Domestic Health Insurance Cover International Travel?
Most domestic health insurance plans will not offer coverage when traveling internationally. This also includes universal health care plans, like those in Canada, and senior insurance plans, like Medicare in the US. This means that even basic medical treatment abroad could come out-of-pocket if you're not properly insured.
It’s always a good idea to check with your health insurance company to see if they offer coverage internationally. If not, it’s important to secure an international travel insurance plan so you can remain insured during your trip.
How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost?
Not all policies are created equal. The cost of international travelers insurance will depend upon a number of factors.
Cost can be affected by:
Trip destination
Length of trip
Traveler’s age
Policy maximum
Deductibles
Benefits
Pre-existing conditions coverage
These factors can change the cost of your international travel insurance plan. The good news is, with an insurance marketplace like VisitorsCoverage, you can compare and customized travel insurance for international trips to find a plan that offers the benefits you need while still being in your budget.
Protect Your Health and Finances with Insurance for International Travel
Traveling abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you're exploring new cultures or visiting loved ones, there's always something new to discover. However, unforeseen accidents and illnesses can put a damper on your trip, and without the right coverage, they can also become a financial burden.
Don't let unexpected medical emergencies ruin your travel plans. With international travel insurance, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of any unforeseen medical situations.
Browse our different plans to compare and get a quote, or contact us today to learn more about our plans and find the right coverage for your next trip abroad.