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Get Help with a Medical Emergency Abroad
If you or a U.S. citizen loved one become seriously ill or injured abroad, we can:
- Help locate appropriate medical services.
- Inform your family or friends, with your permission.
- Helptransfer fundsto U.S. citizens overseas.
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses.
You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check thewebsite of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
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Check Your
Health Insurance – Are You Covered Abroad?
Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States.
Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. VisitMedicare.govfor more information.
Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad. Very few pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. The cost may exceed $250,000, depending on your location and medical condition. Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. For more information, visit our webpage on Insurance Coverage Overseas.
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Traveling with Prescription Medications
- Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or passing through. Check to make sure your medications are allowed, particularly prescriptions for medical marijuana. You may need an import license or permit to travel with certain medications.
- Bring plenty of medicine for your trip. If possible, bring a few extra days’ worth in case of delays. You might not be able to get the same medication abroad.
- Carry a letter from the doctor. It should describe your medical condition. It should also list any prescription drugs and their generic names.
- Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
- Entering a country with a prescription medication, even if legally obtained in the United States, could be illegal and result in your detention or arrest overseas.
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Medical Tourism Abroad
Between 150,000 and 320,000 U.S. citizens travel abroad for medical care each year. Medical tourism includes cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other surgical procedures.
If you are a U.S. citizen considering travel abroad for medical care, you should:
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Inform Yourself About Vaccinations
Some Countries Require Vaccinations
Before you travel, check country information. You may need to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination, also called a Yellow Card. You may also need to show proof of other inoculations or medical tests. Check also current requirements directly with the foreign embassies of the countries you are visiting.
Recommended Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention
Check theU.S.Centers for Disease Control (CDC)and World Health Organization (WHO)websites for recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your destination. Review the CDC’s webpage on Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria.
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Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications
- Bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for your trip, and if possible, a few extra days in case there are delays.
- Carry a letter from the attending physician that describes your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.
- Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
- Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or transiting to make sure your medications are permitted in that country. Some countries require an import license or permit to travel with certain medications.
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Being Prepared for a Pandemic
Review theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information about pandemics. In a pandemic, virus control measures could affect your travel:
- Travel restrictions may prevent U.S. citizens from traveling internationally.
- Foreign governments may close borders suddenly or with little advance warning.
- Commercial air, land, and sea carriers could suspend some or all transportation services.
- Some countries may quarantine people who appear sick or test positive with the virus.
These developments could delay your travel or your return to the United States.
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Other Health Considerations Abroad
Last Updated: March 5, 2024
FAQs
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
Do you need your health insurance card when traveling abroad? ›
Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States.
What happens if I have a medical emergency in another country? ›
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).
What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Portugal? ›
Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens are required to have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death).
What happens if a US citizen gets sick in Europe? ›
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What happens if I get sick abroad? ›
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.
What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Europe? ›
Emergency Medical Treatment: If you require medical attention while traveling in Europe, your travel insurance policy may cover expenses related to emergency medical treatment. This can include doctor's visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, and other necessary medical services.
What is the best medical insurance for international travel? ›
Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.
Does Medicare cover you if you travel abroad? ›
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Does ObamaCare cover international travel? ›
Most ObamaCare health plans do not cover foreign emergency care. When traveling abroad and while cruising you'll want to get travel insurance.
Should I take my Medicare card to Europe? There is no reason to bring your Medicare card to Europe, as doctors in European countries will not accept your Medicare coverage as insurance.
What happens if an American gets sick in Italy? ›
Medical Escorts and Medical Evacuation
When a U.S. citizen becomes ill in Italy and requires assistance to fly back to the US, he/she could hire a medical escort. Generally, when a medical escort is hired, a physician with basic medical equipment accompanies the patient on board a commercial airline flight.
Does American health insurance work in Europe? ›
U.S.-based health insurance companies generally can't directly pay medical providers in other countries, which means you will need to pay for your medical care upfront and with your own money. When you return home to the U.S., you can file a claim with your insurance company to get reimbursed.
Can Americans get free healthcare in Portugal? ›
Yes, Portugal does have state-provided healthcare, which is free for all citizens and legal residents in Portugal. Even though medical care is mainly free, you may have to pay some fees when visiting emergency rooms, your family doctor, or requesting ambulance services.
Do US citizens need health insurance in Europe? ›
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe? Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Europe. Tourists traveling to countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement can enter with a U.S. passport. However, if you plan to stay in certain countries for more than 90 days, you may require a visa.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield valid in other countries? ›
If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage. Through the Overseas Assistance Center, you're covered when working or traveling overseas.
How does health insurance work when traveling? ›
Travel medical insurance provides reimbursem*nt for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you're traveling. These policies do not provide coverage for routine expenses. So, if you break your leg while you're on vacation internationally, emergency medical coverage will protect you.
Which insurance is best for international travel? ›
Some of the most beneficial and hence popular international travel covers are offered by the following companies:
- ICICI Lombard.
- HDFC Ergo.
- Bajaj Allianz.
- Reliance Insurance.
- Royal Sundaram.
