The Difference Between International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between International Health Insurance and Travel 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.

You'll need to safeguard your medical health if you're heading abroad, whether it's permanently or for a short trip. When it comes to travel vs health insurance, the former suits people heading on holiday, while the latter is for expats working and living abroad. Both insurance types cover different needs.

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

International Health Insurance provides long-term coverage to people living or working outside of their home country, typically for one year or longer. These plans are ideal for expats and their families, individuals with dual residences, multinational employers, and more.

What Does International Insurance Mean? International insurance provides coverage for people who are traveling internationally. It can be especially important for people who are traveling for a significant period of time.

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.

Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have. So, the best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider.

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

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

International Health Programs

The Department of International Health is organized into four program areas: Global Disease Epidemiology and Control; Health Systems; Human Nutrition; and Social and Behavioral Interventions.

What is not covered by travel insurance? ›

Reasonably foreseeable events. Known storms, epidemics, acts of war. Travel restrictions imposed by government authorities. Pre-existing conditions, unless the Premium plan is bought within the window for coverage.

Travel insurance typically covers a variety of situations, such as trip cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, medical care, and emergency evacuation. A travel insurance policy generally costs 4% to 10% of the cost of a trip.

IMG is an award-winning global benefits and assistance services company and one of the only companies in the market to offer travel medical, international health, and travel insurance plans.

Medibank International Travel Insurance offers overseas hospital, accident, and medical evacuation expense cover. If you're travelling overseas, find the right fit with our options of International Comprehensive Plan and International Medical Only Plan.

Travel protection focuses primarily on trip cancellation and gives limited protection for unforeseen circ*mstances that may cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Travel insurance supplies broader coverage, protecting against a wider range of possible financial losses during your travels.