If you or a U.S. citizen loved one become seriously ill or injured abroad, we can:
We do not pay medical bills. The patient is responsible for payment of hospital and other expenses.
You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting on the U.S. embassy or consulate websites.
Before you go abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance and a claim form.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Medical evacuation can be extremely expensive, costing more than $50,000 depending on your location and medical condition. Although some health insurance companies pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. For more information, visit our website for Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage.
In general, Medicare does not cover medical care you receive while traveling outside the United States. In rare cases, Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, ambulance services, or dialysis care you receive in a foreign country. Visit Medicare.gov for more information.
Senior citizens may wish to contact Medicare, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), or a travel agent for information about foreign medical coverage with private Medicare supplement plans.
Travel Insurance vs. Travel Medical Insurance – There is a Difference
For an authoritative reference on physicians abroad, consult the American Board of Medical Specialists.
You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting on the U.S. embassy and consulate websites, in the “U.S. Citizens Services” tab.
Between 150,000 and 320,000 U.S. citizens travel abroad for medical care each year. Medical tourism includes cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other surgery procedures.
If you are a U.S. citizen considering travel abroad for medical care, you should:
Vaccinations Are Required for Entry to Some Countries
Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as a Yellow Card, or other proof that they have had certain inoculations or medical tests before entering or transiting the country. Before you travel, check the country information and contact the foreign embassy of your destination or transit country for current entry requirements.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide recommendations for vaccinations, malaria prevention, and other travel health precautions for travel abroad.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide recommendations for vaccinations, malaria prevention and other travel health precautions for travel abroad.
Planning and Preparing for a Pandemic
For more information about pandemics, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a pandemic, virus control measures could affect your travel :
These developments could indefinitely delay your travel to or from the United States, or between other countries and regions.