International Health Insurance vs Travel Insurance | Allianz Care (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance? ›

International health insurance is designed to provide a comprehensive level of health care to those relocating from their home country for a sustained period of time, whereas travel insurance provides cover for emergency treatment while you are in another country for a shorter space of time.

Most individual health insurance policies in the U.S. do not provide coverage for overseas emergency care, either. Without that coverage, if you break a leg or your travel companion has a heart attack during your trip, you will not have financial protection against the medical expenses that accrue.

Travel medical insurance is different from your health insurance because travel medical insurance is a supplemental policy that helps protect you while you're traveling. It's only valid for the length of your trip and is meant to supplement your health insurance when you're out of network.

An international health insurance plan offer a range of covers suitable for anyone working and living outside of their home country for a year or more. Amongst others, they include: Medical and emergency evacuations.

How much does international health insurance cost? The average annual cost of an international medical insurance plan is $5,500 per year. * However, plans range from as low as $500 with limited benefits to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive policy that includes coverage in the USA.

There are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection plans and travel medical plans. Trip protection protects U.S. residents while traveling within the United States and abroad and is important if you don't want to lose the money you paid for your trip if you must cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.

A comprehensive travel policy with at least $50,000 in medical coverage is recommended when traveling to Europe or any country where you don't have health insurance. Travel medical insurance will cover expenses related to an unexpected injury or illness.

Do I need travel insurance if I already have insurance? ›

Even if your health plan does cover you internationally, you may want to consider buying a special medical travel policy. Much of the additional coverage available is supplemental (or "secondary"), so it covers whatever expenses your health plan doesn't, such as deductibles.

According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. Solo travelers can expect to pay around $60-$100 for coverage. Travel insurance provides a range of protection before and during your trip.

Travel insurance covers medical emergencies and other trip disruptions. You get international health insurance if you are moving away for work, studying, retirement, etc. and will spend the majority of your time abroad.

You might be able to get some emergency coverage abroad to an extent, but you won't be able to visit a doctor for a routine procedure or buy prescription medication and expect a reimbursem*nt. Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have.

A safety net that adds to a peaceful travel experience, international health insurance covers insured travelers against medical emergencies while traveling or during their stay abroad. Get Term Plan. Health emergencies can occur at any time without any warning.

Travel insurance can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling: accidents, illness, missed flights, canceled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home if you die.

As a general rule, travel insurance coverage is not mandatory to travel. However, some countries require travel insurance to enter.

International health focuses on the health of participating countries with intention to affect non-participating countries, while global health directly states that its goal is to promote health and prevent and treat diseases for all people in all countries across the globe.