If you or a U.S. citizen loved one become seriously ill or injured abroad, we can:
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses.
You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States.
Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information.
Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad. Very few pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. The cost may exceed $250,000, depending on your location and medical condition. Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. For more information, visit our webpage on Insurance Coverage Overseas.
Between 150,000 and 320,000 U.S. citizens travel abroad for medical care each year. Medical tourism includes cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other surgical procedures.
If you are a U.S. citizen considering travel abroad for medical care, you should:
Some Countries Require Vaccinations
Before you travel, check country information. You may need to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination, also called a Yellow Card. You may also need to show proof of other inoculations or medical tests. Check also current requirements directly with the foreign embassies of the countries you are visiting.
Recommended Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention
Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites for recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your destination. Review the CDC’s webpage on Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria.
Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information about pandemics. In a pandemic, virus control measures could affect your travel:
These developments could delay your travel or your return to the United States.