It's the first question worth asking before any trip abroad, and the answer surprises people: your regular US health insurance usually does very little once you leave the country. Here's what actually happens, including with Medicare, and where the real gap is.
Most US health plans do little abroad
Employer and marketplace health plans are built around a US network of doctors and hospitals. Outside the country, many pay little or nothing beyond true emergencies — and even when they do cover an emergency, you typically pay the foreign hospital up front and file to be reimbursed later. Some plans exclude foreign care entirely. The only way to know is to read your plan's out-of-country wording, or call the number on your card, before you go.
Medicare generally stops at the border
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not pay for care received outside the United States, apart from a few narrow exceptions. Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies and some Medicare Advantage plans add limited foreign emergency cover, often with a lifetime cap and a deductible — so if that's you, check the exact terms. For most travelers on Medicare, a travel medical plan is what fills the gap. Our guide for older travelers goes deeper.
The biggest gap: getting you home
Even a plan that covers some emergency treatment abroad almost never covers medical evacuation — the cost of moving you to adequate care, or flying you home after a serious illness or injury. That can run to tens of thousands of dollars, and it's the single most important reason travelers buy a dedicated plan. See our medical evacuation guide.
Primary vs. secondary cover
You'll see travel medical plans described as primary or secondary. Primary pays first, without you having to bill your home insurer. Secondary pays after your own plan has been billed. Abroad, where your home plan may pay nothing anyway, a primary plan is simpler and usually faster to settle with the hospital.
What travel medical insurance adds
- Emergency medical care while you're abroad, up to a limit you choose.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation — the benefit your home plan almost certainly lacks.
- A 24/7 assistance line that can find a hospital and, where possible, arrange direct payment so you're not paying out of pocket.
Get a quote
Pick "Leaving the US", enter the travelers' ages, your dates and destination, and compare travel medical plans. Not sure what you already have through your own plan? Call Protect Travel at 877-720-6696 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm ET) or email info@protecttravel.com and we'll help you find the gap.
Get a quote from Protect Travel →
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Does my US health insurance work in another country?
Often barely, if at all. Many employer and marketplace plans cover little or nothing outside the US beyond emergencies, and even then you usually pay up front and claim back. Check your plan's out-of-country wording before you travel.
Does Medicare cover travel outside the US?
Original Medicare generally does not pay for care outside the United States, apart from a few narrow exceptions. Some Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans add limited foreign emergency cover; check yours. Many travelers add travel medical insurance to be safe.
What about getting me home after a serious illness or injury?
That is medical evacuation and repatriation, and it is rarely part of a US health plan. It is one of the most expensive things that can happen abroad, which is why travel medical plans make it a core benefit.
What's the difference between primary and secondary coverage?
Primary cover pays first, without you having to bill another insurer. Secondary cover pays after your own health plan has been billed. Abroad, where your home plan may pay nothing, primary cover is simpler and faster.
So do I need separate travel insurance?
If your home plan pays little abroad, a travel medical plan covers emergency care and evacuation while you're away, up to a limit you choose. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
This guide is general information, not medical, insurance or legal advice. Your own plan's documents and Medicare's current rules are what govern; check them for your situation.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.