The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. For more information on health, visit our page on Your Health Abroad. You should also review the country information page for your destination before you travel.
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
- U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
- Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
- More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.
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- Pays for medical care and emergency transportation.
- Can be purchased separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy.
- Is strongly recommended, particularly if you are visiting countries with limited health care facilities.
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- Travel Health Insurance pays for emergency and/or routine medical services overseas.
- If you have health insurance in the United States, find out if it provides coverage for routine and/or emergency medical services abroad. More information is available on our page about Your Health Abroad.
- If your health insurance coverage does not provide full coverage overseas, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.
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- Covers your financial investment in your trip, such as flights, cruises, or train tickets.
- May not cover any medical care you need overseas, so you may need a separate travel health insurance policy.
- Familiarize yourself with your travel and medical coverage before going overseas.
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Travel insurance varies widely, so you should carefully read the terms of an insurance policy to make sure it fits your needs. Before selecting a Travel Insurance, make sure it covers:
- The region(s) you will visit
- Your duration of travel
- Emergency medical care
- Medical transport back to the United States
- Travel/accommodation costs
- Enough financial coverage for worst-case scenarios
- Pre-existing conditions
- Activities you plan on engaging in
You should also make sure the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line, so that you and/or your medical provider overseas are able to reach the company if needed.
Disclaimer
The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, any provider.
Last Updated: February 23, 2024
