International Travel Health Insurance and Short-Term Coverage for Domestic Trips

Before heading out on your next adventure, planning ahead can make all the difference. Adding travel medical insurance to your checklist ensures peace of mind whether you’re exploring another country or traveling across state lines. With plans starting around $1.20 per day, affordable travel health insurance protects you from unexpected medical costs while away. The process is simple—get a quick quote, fill out a short online form, pay securely by card, and you’re ready to go!

Short-Term Medical Coverage for Out-of-State Travel

If your trip keeps you within the country, short-term health insurance can be a smart safety net while you’re away from home. These temporary plans generally cover major medical needs such as hospitalization, emergency care, and urgent treatment that leads to hospital admission. However, they typically do not include routine doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, preventive care, or pre-existing conditions. For more details, visit Short-Term Health Insurance to learn how these flexible options can protect you during travel.

Anyone traveling outside their home country can benefit from international travel medical insurance. It provides protection for U.S. citizens exploring abroad as well as for foreign visitors traveling throughout the United States. A wide range of travelers can apply—honeymooners, students studying overseas, business professionals, missionaries, or even long-term vacationers seeking peace of mind while abroad.

Enrollment in international travel medical insurance usually doesn’t require medical underwriting, meaning applicants aren’t rejected for pre-existing conditions. However, keep in mind that such conditions are typically excluded from coverage.

How Does International Medical Insurance Work?

In simple terms, travel medical insurance helps cover unexpected medical expenses if you fall ill or are injured while outside your home country. Many plans also include non-medical travel benefits such as compensation for lost baggage, temporary housing after natural disasters, or emergency return travel if a covered incident occurs. You’ll usually pay medical costs upfront until you reach your deductible, if applicable. After that, the insurer often covers 80% of the next $5,000 in eligible expenses, and then 100% thereafter up to your policy’s maximum limit. Coverage can last up to 12 months for non-U.S. citizens abroad, or up to 364 days for U.S. travelers. Enrollment is open to anyone 14 days or older. Our global partner, HCC International Travel Services, underwritten by Lloyd’s of London, lets you customize your plan—choose your deductible, coverage limit, and duration to suit your trip.

What Does International Travel Health Insurance Cover?

Here are some typical benefits included in most international medical insurance plans (terms and limits may vary):

• Hospitalization and outpatient care worldwide.
• Urgent care services in the U.S. or Canada (excluding preventive or pre-existing conditions).
• Prescription medications related to a covered illness or injury (not replacement of lost or expired drugs).
• Medical expenses arising from pregnancy complications.
• Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest adequate facility.
• Return-home travel benefits if your trip is interrupted because of:
  • The death or serious illness of an immediate family member.
  • Severe damage to your primary residence.
  • A documented medical emergency.
• Emergency dental treatment resulting from a covered accident.
• Medical expenses linked to acts of terrorism.
• Temporary housing or lodging if you must relocate due to a natural disaster.
• Compensation for lost or delayed checked baggage.

What Is Not Covered by International Travel Medical Insurance?

Most travel health insurance plans exclude certain circumstances, such as:

• Pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing treatments.
• Routine checkups, preventive care, or elective procedures.
• Participation in extreme sports or hazardous activities (unless add-on coverage is purchased).
• Pregnancies beyond the stated coverage period or normal childbirth expenses.
• Losses related to alcohol or drug use.
• Travel undertaken for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment.

These aren’t all the exclusions, but they highlight some of the most common limitations to be aware of.

• Treatment or services related to pre-existing medical conditions.
• Emergency room visits that don’t result in hospital admission.
• Routine checkups, annual exams, or other preventive care services.
• Pregnancy-related care outside of emergency complications.
• Charges exceeding what’s considered usual, reasonable, and customary in the area.
• Travel medical insurance does not apply when an American citizen is traveling within U.S. states or territories.

Can I Cancel My Travel Medical Insurance?

Yes, you can cancel your travel health insurance policy. If you cancel before your coverage start date, there’s no penalty and you’ll receive a full refund. If you cancel after the policy begins, the unused portion of your premium is refunded on a pro-rated basis, minus a $25 administrative fee.

Note: In the event of any differences between this summary and the official HCC policy, the terms stated in the HCC policy will take precedence.

For more details about temporary coverage options, visit Short-Term Health Insurance.