Travel Health Insurance, Best Plans for Your Adventures Abroad

Travel health insurance provides essential medical coverage when you’re traveling abroad. Travel health insurance plans are also known as travel medical insurance plans.

Most U.S. health insurance plans are not accepted abroad, leaving you vulnerable to emergency medical expenses, hospital visits, or medical evacuation costs.

That’s where travel medical insurance plans come in. These policies offer comprehensive benefits, including emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage, and, in some instances, trip cancellation or interruption coverage.

Choosing the best travel health insurance ensures you have protection against unexpected medical expenses, allowing you to travel safely and confidently.

Best Travel Health Insurance Plans, Quick Comparison

Choosing the right travel health insurance plan can be confusing, especially with so many options available for Americans traveling abroad.

To make it easier, here’s a quick comparison of three of the best travel medical insurance plans, each offering strong emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation, and flexible benefits to suit different types of travelers.

Travel Insurance Plan	Travel Insurance Provider	Travel Insurance Plans – Key Benefits
Patriot Platinum International	IMG Global	Comprehensive travel medical insurance with coverage from $2 million to $8 million. Includes emergency medical evacuation, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, repatriation of remains, COVID-19 coverage, and optional riders for trip interruption and adventure sports. Ideal for long-term or frequent international travelers.
Atlas International Premium	WorldTrips (Tokio Marine HCC)	Flexible travel medical coverage up to $2 million with deductibles from $0–$5,000. Covers emergency medical evacuation, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, and COVID-19. Offers primary medical coverage and strong global assistance networks.
SafeTravels International	Trawick International	Up to $1 million in medical & hospitalization coverage and up to $2 million in evacuation coverage. Includes repatriation, natural disaster evacuation, limited unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition benefit (up to $20,000 under 65), plus trip delay, lost baggage, sports coverage options, and COVID-19 protection. Great for multi-country or leisure trips abroad.

Explore International Travel Health Insurance Plans

Benefits of Travel Health Insurance

When you’re far from home, even minor medical issues can become significant financial burdens.

Travel health insurance protects you against medical emergencies, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation costs that regular insurance may not cover.

Key Benefits Typically Include:

• Emergency medical coverage for accidents, illness, and doctor visits abroad.
• Medical evacuation coverage and repatriation coverage are included if you need to be transported to a hospital or back home.
• Trip interruption coverage, trip cancellation, and rental car coverage for additional peace of mind.
• Access to quality international health insurance networks and 24/7 global support.

Having the right travel medical insurance reduces stress, ensures quick access to care, and helps manage unexpected medical expenses while traveling internationally.

Top Travel Insurance Companies

Leading travel insurance companies like IMG Global, WorldTrips, and Trawick International offer some of the best travel health insurance plans for Americans traveling abroad and visitors to the USA.

These providers are known for their comprehensive coverage, global medical networks, and strong customer service, making them ideal choices for travelers seeking dependable travel medical insurance.

1. Patriot Platinum International – IMG Global

Patriot Platinum International, offered through IMG Global, is a premium travel medical insurance plan designed for U.S. residents and citizens traveling internationally. It’s one of the most comprehensive options for individuals or families seeking high medical limits and worldwide protection.

Key Highlights:

• Emergency medical coverage: up to $8,000,000
• Medical evacuation coverage: up to $1,000,000
• Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (under age 70)
• Includes repatriation of remains, telemedicine, and optional riders for adventure sports and trip interruption
• 24/7 worldwide assistance and multilingual claims support

Best for: Long-term travelers, families, and professionals seeking high-limit medical coverage and flexible international protection.

2. Atlas International Premium – WorldTrips

Atlas International Premium by WorldTrips (a Tokio Marine company) provides flexible, affordable travel medical coverage for Americans traveling internationally.

This travel medical insurance plan is an excellent fit for both leisure and business travelers who want strong coverage and customizable benefits.

Key Highlights:

• Emergency medical coverage: up to $2,000,000
• Medical evacuation coverage: up to $1,000,000
• Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers under age 80
• Includes trip interruption, political evacuation, and emergency reunion
• Offers primary medical coverage and accepts $0–$5,000 deductibles
• Meets many visa requirements, including Schengen travel

Best for: Frequent flyers, business travelers, and families who need comprehensive coverage, COVID-19 protection, and global medical support.

3. Safe Travels International – Trawick International

Safe Travels International, from Trawick International, is a trusted travel medical insurance plan known for robust emergency medical evacuation coverage and added travel protection benefits.

This travel medical insurance plan offers balanced protection for both short and long international trips.

Key Highlights:

• Medical coverage: up to $1,000,000
• Medical evacuation coverage: up to $2,000,000
• Includes repatriation, political, and natural disaster evacuation
• Covers COVID-19 like any other illness
• Optional upgrades for sports coverage, trip delay, and lost baggage protection

Best for: Travelers visiting multiple countries or remote destinations who want substantial evacuation benefits, affordable coverage, and global assistance.

Choosing the Right Travel Health Plan

When comparing travel health insurance plans, consider the following:

• Trip duration:
  Choose a plan that covers your entire time abroad. Many travel medical insurance plans allow renewals for more extended international stays.
• Destination:
  Some destinations require proof of international health insurance for visa issuance. Check your destination’s medical cost levels to choose appropriate coverage limits.
• Coverage limits:
  Ensure you have adequate emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage, especially if you’re traveling to countries with higher healthcare costs.
• Pre-existing medical condition:
  Look for plans that cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. This means sudden, unexpected medical emergencies related to an existing condition are covered if they occur while abroad and meet the policy’s conditions.
• Primary medical coverage:
  Opt for primary coverage if you want your insurer to pay claims directly, without coordination with your domestic health insurance plan.

A well-chosen travel insurance plan provides comprehensive coverage for emergencies, offering affordable protection and substantial medical benefits during international trips.

International Travel Considerations

When traveling abroad, keep in mind that most U.S. health insurance plans and Medicare offer little or no coverage outside the country.

That’s why you need a medical travel insurance plan that includes adequate medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and acute onset of pre-existing condition protection for sudden health incidents.

Plans like Patriot International, Atlas International, and Safe Travels International are designed for international travel and can provide quick, reliable assistance during unexpected medical emergencies overseas.

What to Look for in a Travel Health Insurance Policy

When reviewing travel health insurance policies, focus on:

• Emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage with sufficient limits.
• Comprehensive benefits like trip interruption coverage, rental car coverage, and repatriation coverage.
• Acute onset coverage for pre-existing conditions instead of waivers or long look-back periods.
• 24/7 emergency medical assistance and easy claims support.

This ensures you have strong medical travel insurance that covers unexpected medical expenses abroad.

Policy Details to Consider

Before you purchase travel insurance, always review policy details carefully:

• Coverage limits and deductibles help you understand your out-of-pocket costs.
• Inclusion of secondary coverage, trip interruption coverage, and trip protection choice benefits.
• Claims process, how to file, required documents, and expected turnaround.
• 24/7 support, ensuring multilingual assistance for emergencies.

Check if the insurance company provides emergency medical evacuation, hospital coordination, and access to a global provider network.

Travel Health Insurance for Different Types of Travelers

Different travelers have different needs:

• Business travelers: Need primary medical coverage and fast claims support.
• Tourists and Families: Prefer comprehensive benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
• Seniors: Should prioritize medical evacuation coverage and pre-existing medical condition waivers.
• Adventure travelers: Need medical evacuation for remote regions and comprehensive coverage options.

Plans like Patriot International, Atlas International, and Safe Travels International can be customized to fit these traveler profiles.

24/7 Support and Global Providers

When choosing a travel health insurance provider, ensure they offer:

• 24/7 emergency medical assistance and multilingual support.
• A strong global network of hospitals and medical providers.
• Efficient claims process and clear communication channels.

Companies like IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick International are known for reliable service and fast response during medical emergencies abroad.

Global Coverage Options

The best travel health insurance plans provide coverage across most countries (except your home country).
They include:

• Worldwide emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation.
• Comprehensive benefits for international trips lasting from a few days to a year.
• Optional add-ons for trip interruption coverage, rental car coverage, and cancellation benefits.

These flexible health insurance plans ensure protection no matter where your travels take you.

Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services are the core of any travel health insurance plan.
Coverage typically includes:

• Emergency medical care for illnesses and accidents.
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
• Medical benefits like ambulance transport and hospitalization.
• Doctor visits and, in some cases, emergency dental treatment costs during international travel.

Plans like Atlas International and Safe Travels International offer primary coverage for faster payments during emergencies.

Conclusion

Finding the best travel health insurance helps U.S. travelers stay protected during international trips.

Travel medical insurance plans like Patriot International, Atlas International, and Safe Travels International combine emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage, and trip protection choice options, everything you need for comprehensive coverage abroad.

Before you purchase travel insurance, compare travel medical insurance plans, review their coverage limits, and ensure they match your needs.

With the right plan, you can explore the world confidently, knowing your medical expenses and emergency evacuations are fully covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does travel health insurance cover?

Travel health insurance provides emergency medical coverage for illnesses or injuries that occur while you’re abroad. Most plans also include medical evacuation, hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and repatriation in the event of a serious medical emergency.

Do I need travel health insurance if I already have U.S. health insurance or Medicare?

Yes. Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, offer little or no coverage outside the country. Travel medical insurance plans ensure you’re protected against unexpected medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs when traveling internationally.

Are pre-existing conditions covered under travel health insurance?

Most travel medical insurance plans exclude complete treatment for chronic conditions but offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. This sudden, unexpected flare-up requires immediate care while abroad. Plans like Patriot International, Atlas International, and Safe Travels International include this benefit for eligible travelers.

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

Travel insurance is a broad term that may include trip cancellation, baggage protection, and travel delay benefits.
Travel health insurance (or travel medical insurance) focuses specifically on medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation during your trip. For complete protection, some travelers combine both.

How much does travel health insurance cost?

Costs vary depending on your age, trip duration, destination, and coverage limits. On average, travel medical insurance plans cost between $40 and $120 per traveler per week for up to $1 million in medical coverage.

When should I buy travel health insurance?

You should purchase travel insurance before your departure date, ideally as soon as you finalize your travel plans. Coverage typically begins upon issuance of the policy and continues for the duration of your trip.

Does travel health insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemics?

Yes, most modern travel health insurance plans now include COVID-19 coverage for medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and trip interruption due to illness. Always check your plan’s exclusions for confirmation.

What is medical evacuation coverage, and why is it important?

Medical evacuation coverage pays for transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to the U.S. if you’re seriously injured or ill abroad. These costs can exceed $100,000, making this one of the most valuable parts of a travel health insurance plan.

How do I file a claim for travel medical expenses?

Most insurers, like IMG Global and WorldTrips, allow you to file claims online. You’ll typically need to submit medical receipts, hospital reports, and proof of payment. Claims are usually processed within a few weeks, and many plans offer direct billing to hospitals in their global networks.

Does travel health insurance include rental car coverage or trip interruption benefits?

Some comprehensive coverage plans include rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage, or lost baggage benefits. These are usually optional add-ons, so check your plan details before purchase.