Updated June 18, 2014.

This article was co-authored by David Fisher, a freelance writer based in Bend, Ore. In addition to writing and editing, he has worked as a financial adviser and held insurance licenses in several states.
Question: Do I need travel health insurance?
Answer: Travel health insurance is a special policy designed to cover your medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip. It covers you for a limited time only, and it is usually purchased for foreign trips.

Whether you need travel health insurance depends on how likely you think it is that you might need medical care during your trip, and on your ability to pay for it if the need arises.

For most people -- and particularly for people who are older, have known medical conditions or are traveling to a less-developed area -- the answer probably is yes. Here's why:

Expenses of Foreign Medical Care

Before you plunge into a travel insurance policy, check your existing health insurance. Many companies will pay what they refer to as "customary and reasonable" medical costs if you need care in a foreign country, which means you don't have to duplicate that kind of coverage in a travel policy.

Pay close attention to what's not covered in your policy. Most domestic insurers will not pay to have you evacuated out of a foreign country for a medical emergency. The U.S. State Department says an evacuation can easily cost more than $50,000.

If that's not a cost you are capable of paying -- or are willing to pay -- for the consequences of something as simple and unpredictable as an auto accident, for example, you might want to buy extra insurance.

Travel websites offer a way to compare prices and coverage offered by a variety of providers. One well-known and frequently used online travel insurance company is USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services. The company's website offers a good overview of the types of travel insurance available and how much the various plans cost.

Travel Health Insurance for Older People


Older people should take particular note -- Medicare does not pay for hospital treatment or medical care outside the U.S. That means that you'll be on your own unless you have other healthcare insurance providers or you buy a travel policy.

Some Medigap policies and Medicare Advantage plans provide foreign travel emergency health care coverage when you travel outside the U.S. Before traveling outside the country, check with your supplemental plan or advantage plan regarding travel benefits.

Risks of Illness

Foreign travel can be rigorous for anyone, given the changes in elevation and climate, and the presence of unfamiliar microbes. In some parts of the world, questionable water quality and sanitation compound the hazards.

The State Department recommends that anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, ranging from a heart problem to allergies, carry a letter from their physician that describes the condition, the treatment for it, and any prescription drugs that are being used, including their generic names. Prescription drugs should be carried in their original containers with their original labels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tips on the immunizations that are required for trips to foreign countries and special conditions that may exist in those countries.

If you do get sick while you are abroad, an American consulate will help you locate the medical care you need and help arrange for travel back to the US. You will need to pay the bills, however, so be sure to pack your regular medical policy's ID card and confirmation of your travel policy, if you decide to buy one.

Combine Health Insurance with Travel Insurance

In addition to travel health insurance, you may want to consider travel insurance plans that combine the medical insurance with coverage to protect your travel investment. Things like lost luggage, cancellation of flights, and cruise line or hotel bankruptcy can ruin your travel plans. Along with your health insurance, travel insurance agencies can provide you with cancellation insurance, which may cover all or some of your costs.

Don't Forget Your Medications!

If you plan to travel to a foreign country, it is important that you provide for your medication needs before leaving. An illness in the middle of your trip can ruin your vacation and cost you money to get needed medications.

Before you leave for your trip, see your doctor to get an ample supply of all your prescription medications. Also, talk to your doctor about your change in schedule and ask when to take medications if you are moving through different time zones.

Learn more about travel and medications: How to Travel With Medications