single trip international health insurance

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

Carry-on Luggage and Personal Item Size Limits (2024)

Amanda Norcross

Just like checked bags, carry-on luggage size restrictions can vary by airline.

Bereavement Fares: 5 Airlines That Still Offer Discounts

Several airlines offer help in times of loss.

The Best Way to Renew a Passport in 2024

The proposed online passport renewal system is behind schedule.

The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024

Erin Evans and Rachael Hood and Catriona Kendall and Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
• Student Insurance
• Overseas Health Insurance
• Insurance for American Expats Abroad
• Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
• Health Insurance for UK Citizens Living Abroad
• Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
• Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
• Travel Medical Insurance Plans
• Annual Travel Insurance
• Visitors Insurance
• Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
• Evacuation Insurance Plans
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
• The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
• Corporate and Employee Groups
• Group Global Medical Insurance
• Group Travel Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Foreign General Liability for Organizations
• Missionary Groups
• School & Student Groups
• Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
• Bupa Global Health Insurance
• Cigna Close Care
• Cigna Global Health Insurance
• Cigna Healthguard
• Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
• Navigator Student Health Insurance
• Voyager Travel Medical Plan
• Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
• Global Medical Insurance Plan
• Patriot Travel Insurance
• Global Prima Medical Insurance
• Student Health Advantage
• Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
• SimpleCare Health Plan
• WorldCare Health Plan
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• SafeTreker Travel Insurance Plan
• Unisure International Insurance
• William Russell Life Insurance
• William Russell Health Insurance
• Atlas Travel Insurance
• StudentSecure Insurance
• Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
• Compare Travel Insurance Plans
• Health Insurance in the USA
• Health Insurance in Mexico
• Health Insurance in Canada
• Health Insurance in Argentina
• Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
• Health Insurance in Chile
• UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
• Health Insurance in Germany
• French Health Insurance
• Italian Health Insurance
• Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
• Portuguese Health Insurance
• Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
• Health Insurance in China
• Health Insurance in Japan
• Health Insurance in Dubai
• Health Insurance in India
• Thailand Health Insurance
• Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
• Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
• Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
• Health Insurance in New Zealand
• South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
• USA Travel Insurance
• Australia Travel Insurance
• Mexico Travel Insurance
• News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
• Insurance Articles
• Travel Advice and Tips
• Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
• Best Hospitals in the United States
• Best International Hospitals in the UK
• Best Hospitals in Mexico

Or call for a quote: 877-758-4881 +44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance

Medical, Life and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

GeoBlue Voyager Travel Medical Insurance Plan

Single-Trip Blue Cross Blue Shield Travel Insurance

Voyager Choice is a single-trip travel medical plan that offers emergency medical coverage while you are traveling abroad. This highly-rated plan ensures subscribers the same access and quality health care abroad that they are used to at home. Excellent customer care is available 24/7/365, and claims are paid on a timely basis. The plan offers a choice of varying medical limits and deductibles to meet your specific needs and budget. You are required to have primary health insurance in place, but there is no exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

The GeoBlue Travel Insurance plan, Voyager, provides high-quality Blue Cross travel insurance for people aged 95 or younger who are U.S. citizens or residing in the USA. Voyager is designed for people who will be traveling abroad for six months or less. For longer trips abroad, we recommend the GeoBlue Xplorer plan.

Voyager is a single-trip travel medical plan that offers emergency medical coverage while you are traveling abroad. This highly-rated GeoBlue travel insurance plan gives subscribers access to some of the leading doctors and hospitals around the world for medical care and treatment. Customer service is excellent, and claims are paid on a timely basis. The plan offers a choice of varying medical limits and deductibles to meet your specific needs and budget. You must have primary health insurance in place, but there is no exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan Highlights

No hospital precertification penalty.

GeoBlue Voyager does not require you to obtain prior approval for your choice of hospital, giving you one less thing to worry about in a health emergency.

Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

The Voyager Choice plan offers subscribers coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Pregnancy Coverage

If you are traveling while pregnant and experience complications, the Voyager plan has you covered.

Trip Interruption

Subscribers are covered for up to $500.

Ready to purchase Voyager?

Receive a personalized quote and purchase online in just minutes!

GeoBlue Travel Insurance Plan Benefits

Voyager insurance coverage details, global health and safety, additional benefits, geoblue voyager plan daily rates.

Rates for this Blue Cross travel insurance plan are based on the traveler's age and the total number of days traveling (7 days). Rates are available at the deductible and medical limits shown and are subject to change without notice.

Voyager Choice

Voyager Essential

Rates were last updated on March 4, 2024

Voyager Travel Medical Plan Eligibility Requirements

• Subscriber's home country is the U.S.
• Subscriber must be under age 95
• Subscriber must be enrolled in a primary medical insurance plan (Voyager Choice only); that plan does not need to be a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan
• Children under age 6 must be enrolled with a parent
• Initial purchase must be made in the U.S. prior to departure

Family members included in the plan (if applicable) must be:

• Your spouse; civil union partner or domestic partner age 95 or younger, and/or your eligible child(ren) or other eligible dependents
• Resident(s) of the United States
• Traveling outside the U.S. and scheduled to spend at least 24 hours away from his/her home

If you have questions as to whether your primary insurance plan qualifies or whether your dependents are eligible, please consult the plan booklet.

Frequently Asked Questions about GeoBlue Voyager

Who should buy geoblue travel insurance.

Anyone whose home country is the U.S. needs an international travel medical plan when leaving the U.S. for leisure, educational, missionary, or business travel.

The Voyager plan offers emergency medical insurance for your travel abroad. If you get sick or injured during your trip, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance in finding medical care abroad and the plan will cover your medical expenses incurred.

Travel insurance from GeoBlue makes it easy for clients to access care while traveling the world. Their mobile app helps you locate doctors and hospitals anywhere in the world, provides access to unlimited telemedicine visits, provides advice on similar medicines in the country, alerts you to local safety and health issues, and more.

Additional benefits include trip interruption, repatriation, coverage for lost luggage, and medical evacuation.

What are the minimum and maximum trip lengths?

A trip can be as short as one day or as long as 180 days. The minimum charge assessed for this Blue Cross travel insurance plan is seven days.

Does GeoBlue Travel Insurance Plans Include Trip Cancellation Insurance

GeoBlue Travel Insurance plans do not include trip cancellation benefits. The plans provide comprehensive emergency medical benefits and coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, etc. 

For trip insurance, visit trip cancellation insurance .

What methods of payment are accepted?

Premiums can be paid by a major credit card online. If you want to purchase now, just click the link to proceed to the Voyager online application .

How are medical evacuation decisions made?

The evacuation benefit pays for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital, appropriate medical facility or back to the U.S. Transportation must be by the most direct and economical route. All evacuations require written certification by the attending physician that the evacuation is medically necessary and must be approved by GeoBlue.

Are acts of terrorism covered under this plan?

Yes. The GeoBlue Voyager plan does not exclude illnesses or injuries related to terrorism or a terrorist act. To be covered in countries where there are open hostilities, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, a member must not be engaged in hostile or combative activities.

How do I access participating medical providers outside the U.S. and avoid claim forms?

GeoBlue’s Global Health and Safety services help members identify, access, and pay for quality healthcare all over the world. This includes a contracted community of elite providers in 180 countries. Members can access these carefully selected providers and arrange for the bills to be sent directly to GeoBlue. Please note, a member is responsible for their deductible at the time of service, if applicable.
 Members can request direct billing by calling the assistance telephone number listed on their member ID card, or by emailing [email protected].

Will my pre-existing condition be covered under a GeoBlue Voyager plan?

Pre-existing medical conditions are treated differently depending on the plan you have selected.
 The GeoBlue Voyager Choice plan is available to those who have primary insurance inside the U.S. and will cover medical treatments for pre-existing conditions. Please refer to the definition of a primary health plan for more specific information on what plans qualify as primary insurance.
 Under the GeoBlue Voyager Essentials plan, benefits are not available for any services received on or within six months after the Eligibility Date of an Insured Person, if those services are related to a Pre-existing Condition as defined in the Definitions section of the Plan Description. This exclusion does not apply to a Newborn that is enrolled within 31 days of birth or a newly adopted child that is enrolled within 31 days from either the date of placement of the child in the home, or the date of the final decree of adoption.
The pre-existing conditions exclusion under GeoBlue Voyager Essential does not apply to the Medical Evacuation benefit, Repatriation of Remains benefit, or the Bedside Visit benefit. GeoBlue Voyager Essential does not require that insureds have primary insurance at the time of enrollment.

How do I read the fine print for Voyager Plans?

To view a sample policy, visit:

• GeoBlue Voyager Choice Certificate

• GeoBlue Voyager Essential Certificate

Will GeoBlue Voyager cover me inside the U.S.?

No. The GeoBlue Voyager plans are designed to cover a member anywhere outside the U.S.
 U.S. means the 50 states of the United States of America as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Do I file claims with my primary insurance first?

GeoBlue Voyager plans are secondary insurance. However, GeoBlue will process and pay claims upfront as a primary payor and reserves the right, where applicable, to contact your primary insurance company to coordinate benefits.

I am leaving before my policy materials arrive in the mail. How will I receive the information I need in time?

Upon a successful purchase, you will receive an email confirmation which contains all your necessary policy information and essential contact information for emergencies. Once enrolled, members can instantly log in to the Member Hub area of GeoBlue’s website and download an electronic ID card and other policy documents.

How far in advance do you need to purchase a GeoBlue Voyager plan?

A GeoBlue Voyager plan may be purchased up to one day before your departure date. GeoBlue recommends that customers wishing to receive a hard copy ID card should allow two weeks before their effective date when purchasing.

I already left on my trip. Can I buy a GeoBlue Travel Insurance plan when I am outside the U.S.?

No. GeoBlue Voyager plans have been approved to be sold to customers purchasing from inside the U.S. Once issued; you may request a policy extension while overseas.

Who is eligible to be on the same GeoBlue Voyager policy?

For GeoBlue Voyager Choice, dependents may include your spouse, age 84 or younger, and your eligible child(ren) or other eligible dependents.

Navigator: GeoBlue Student Health Insurance

GeoBlue Insurance

GeoBlue Trekker Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance

GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

Get a fast, free, international insurance quote.

Global medical plans, specialty coverage, company info, customer service.

• Travel Resources
• Destination Inspiration
• Tips & Advice
• Did You Know?
• Conservation

Importance of Having International Health Insurance

• May 7, 2024

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, more individuals are finding opportunities—and indeed, necessities—to live, work, or study abroad. Whether you’re a digital nomad, an expatriate, or a long-term tourist, the need for robust health coverage is more pressing than ever. 

International health insurance not only provides essential health protection but also offers peace of mind while you are away from your home country. Here’s an in-depth look at why overseas health insurance is crucial for global adventurers and how to navigate this complex landscape.

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

One of the foremost advantages of international medical insurance is the breadth and depth of coverage it offers. Unlike standard travel insurance, which generally covers only emergencies and for shorter durations, overseas trip insurance provides far-reaching coverage that includes preventive care, routine check-ups, emergency services, and treatment for chronic conditions.

• Preventive Services and Routine Check-ups : Regular medical examinations and preventive services are vital for catching health issues before they become serious. International health insurance plans often cover these services, which can be overlooked by short-term policies.
• Management of Chronic Conditions : For those with ongoing health issues, international medical insurance is invaluable. It ensures that you can continue receiving quality care even when away from your regular healthcare providers.
• Maternity and Pediatric Care : For families living abroad, access to maternity services and pediatric care is essential. Comprehensive international health plans often include these, providing care from pregnancy through to childbirth and beyond.
• Dental and Vision Care : These plans can also cover dental and vision care, which are not typically included in basic health insurance policies.

Global Portability

Wherever you go, your overseas medical insurance goes with you. This global portability is crucial for those who travel frequently or live in multiple countries throughout the year.

• Consistent Coverage Across Borders : Whether you find yourself in Bangkok or Buenos Aires, your coverage remains active, without the need to switch plans or providers based on your location.
• Customizable Plans : Many international medical insurance plans are customizable to cater to the laws and medical costs of specific countries, ensuring that you are adequately covered according to local requirements.

Emergency Services

The unpredictability of life becomes even more pronounced when you are in unfamiliar surroundings. International health insurance provides crucial support during emergencies.

• Emergency Medical Evacuation : If the local medical facilities are not equipped to handle your medical needs, your insurer can arrange and cover the cost of transporting you to a facility that can provide the necessary care, including repatriation back to your home country if needed.
• 24/7 Assistance : Many insurers offer around-the-clock support, which can be indispensable during a medical crisis when navigating a foreign healthcare system.

Tailored to Your Needs

International health insurance can be tailored to fit a variety of needs and situations, making it a versatile choice for many travelers and expats.

• Individual and Family Plans : Whether you need individual coverage or a plan that includes your family, there is a range of options available that can be adjusted based on your specific needs.
• Group and Corporate Plans : Companies with global operations can provide their employees working abroad with international health insurance, ensuring compliance with corporate duty of care obligations.

Legal Compliance

Many countries require proof of sufficient health insurance as a condition for granting visas, especially for students and expatriates. Overseas medical insurance can meet these legal requirements, helping to smooth the way for visa approvals and renewals.

Friendly Global: Simplifying Your Choices

The landscape of international medical insurance can be as complex as it is varied. Friendly Global serves as an international insurance advisor, helping you decipher the nuances of different plans and coverage options. With their expertise, they can guide you to the insurance solution that best fits your lifestyle and needs, ensuring you make an informed choice.

Friendly Global’s team of experts can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and requirements.

The benefits of having international health insurance are clear. It provides more than just medical coverage; it offers a safety net that allows you to explore the world with confidence. Whether you are moving abroad for a new job, studying overseas, or simply fulfilling your travel dreams, international medical insurance is an essential part of your global journey. 

With the help of an advisor like Friendly Global, securing the right coverage becomes a less daunting task, allowing you to focus on the exciting experiences ahead.

Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash

Related Topics

• international health insurance
• travel insurance

• Travel Writing

Tayrona Trekking

• May 6, 2024

Travel Advice: What to do After a Minor Car Accident in Washington

You may also like.

• Great Holiday Destinations

Saigon’s Culinary Kaleidoscope: A Whirlwind of Flavours at District 10’s Bustling Street Food Markets

Travel Advice: How Much is a Speeding Ticket in Arizona?

Elevate Your Travel Style: The Importance of Packing Chic Long-Sleeve Maxi Dresses

Navigating the Maze: A Comprehensive Guide to Timeshare Cancellation Laws

The Ultimate Canadian Road Trip: A Journey Through the Great White North

• Action & Adventure

The Essential Guide to Planning Your Journey to the Far East

Best Pastry Shops in Orlando: A Guide to the City’s Sweetest Treasures

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Search When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.

Choose the plan that meets your needs and spend more time enjoying your international experience not worrying about your insurance coverage.

• Customer Stories
• Resume Quote / Application

What type of coverage do you need?

• Vacation / Holiday
• Visitor / Immigrant
• Student / Scholar
• Employer / Business Traveler
• Expat / Global Citizen
• Mission / Social Good
• Marine Captain / Crew
• Flights / Airfare
• Cruises / Excursions

Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary coverage for accidents, sicknesses, & emergency evacuations when visiting or traveling outside of your home country.

Popular Plans

International health insurance.

Annually renewable international private medical insurance coverage for expats and global citizens living or working internationally.

Travel Insurance

Coverage designed to protect you from financial losses should your trip be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled.

Individual & Family Services

Non-insurance services for worldwide emergency evacuation, field rescue, medical transport, and 24/7/365 travel assistance.

Enterprise Services

Meet your duty of care obligations with confidence, knowing your travelers are safe, healthy, and connected wherever they may be in the world.

What type of organization do you represent?

• Corporations
• Insurance Companies
• Educational Institutions
• Mission Organizations
• Maritime Industries
• Government Agencies
• Non-Profit Organizations

Medical & Travel Assistance

Global workers' compensation case management, security assistance services, insurance administrative services, globehopper senior, temporary health insurance for travelers age 65+.

/images/library/brochures/globehoppersenior.tmb-lowwebp800.webp?Culture=en

A ddresses the insurance needs of U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents who are 65+ and who need temporary medical insurance while traveling outside the U.S.

You have enough to worry about when you're traveling. Don't let your medical coverage be an uncertainty. IMG has developed two GlobeHopper ® Senior plan options that offer market-leading, affordable travel medical insurance that bridges the gap left by other limited domestic plans that do not cover seniors when they leave the U.S. GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip helps protect travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage from five days up to 12 months while on a single trip. GlobeHopper Senior Multi-Trip offers flexible protection to frequent travelers who prefer to purchase an annual plan to cover multiple trips throughout a 12-month period, with each trip covered up to a maximum of 30 or 45 days, depending on the plan option you choose. Option to renew plan up to 24 continuous months.

Additionally, the plans offer excellent benefits and services to help meet your global travel insurance needs. You have access to IMG's international, multilingual customer service representatives, claims administrators who process claims from all over the world, handling virtually every language and currency, and 24-hour access to highly qualified coordinators of international emergency medical services and treatment. You can also choose from a wide range of deductibles, several maximum limits, and you have access to more than 17,000 providers through our International Provider Access SM (IPA) when traveling and requiring treatment outside the U.S.

• Travel medical insurance for travelers age 65+
• GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip is extendable up to 12 months
• GlobeHopper Senior Multi-Trip is renewable up to 24 continuous months
• Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
• Maximum limits from $50,000 to $1,000,000
• Two plan designs – Single-Trip and Multi-Trip

Made for...

• Vacations / Holidays
• Visitors / Immigrants
• Employers / Business Travelers

Coverage Information

Conditions of coverage.

• Coverage and benefits are subject to the deductible, limites and coinsurance, and all terms of the Certificate of Insurance and Master Policy
• Coverage under this plan is secondary to any other coverage
• Coverage and benefits are for eligible medical expenses which are medically necessary and usual, reasonable, and customary
• Charges must be administered or ordered by a physician
• Charges must be incurred during the Period of Coverage or the Benefit Period
• Claims must be presented to IMG for payment within ninety (90) days from the date the claim was incurred

Eligibility

Eligible individuals are: 65 years of age or older, U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents, Qualified for Medicare, actively enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B and enrolled in a Medigap Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, This plan is secondary to Medicare, a Medigap and/or a Medicare Advantage Plan and provides coverage for medical expenses outside the U.S. only.

Extension of Coverage

The GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip is eligible to be extended up to 12 months from the initial effective date, provided there is not a break in coverage. Extensions are available in daily and monthly increments and may be completed online or by using a paper application; however, extensions of less than one month are available online. For each extension less than one month that is completed online, you will be charged an additional $5 processing fee. Each insured person must only satisfy one deductible within each 12-month coverage period.

Quality Guarantee

Your satisfaction is very important to IMG. If you are not pleased with this product for any reason, you may submit a written request, within 5 days from the effective date, for cancellation and refund of your premium. You may request cancellation of your coverage after the review period if you do not have any claims filed with IMG, however, the following conditions will apply: 1) You will be required to pay a $50 cancellation fee and 2) Only full month premiums will be considered for refunds (e.g., If you choose to cancel your coverage two months and two weeks prior to the date your coverage ends, IMG will only consider the two full months for a refund). If you have filed claims, your premium is nonrefundable

Looking for a Provider?

Search our database for medical, dental, and other care providers..

• "Although one hopes never to use travel insurance, IMG was a godsend throughout our ordeal. We couldn’t have done it without your continued assistance." Joan D. United States

" I took comfort in the fact that IMG had my back. "

While skiing in Chile, Mark, an IMG member, found himself on the brink of paralysis.

Select your Language

Headquarters, send a message.

If you need to send personal information such as medical records, payment information, etc., please use our Secure Message Center .

Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest News
• Stock Market
• Premium News
• Biden Economy
• EV Deep Dive
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Balance Transfer Cards
• Cash-back Cards
• Rewards Cards
• Travel Cards
• Personal Loans
• Student Loans
• Car Insurance
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

Best travel insurance plans for 2024: a unique and comprehensive list for travelers from international citizens insurance.

Including the Best Plans for Seniors, Global Nomads, Visitors to the USA, Pets, Adventure Sports Addicts and More

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 2, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker, has announced the best travel insurance plans for 2024 summer travel. As the cost of airfare and hotels continues to rise along with the increase in flight delays and cruise cancellations, this list could not have come at a better time for travelers looking to protect their travel plans and their finances.

"This summer's travel season promises a high level of demand, increasing costs, and a strong potential for travel disruptions due to political unrest, weather, and other factors," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "Our clients want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a medical emergency, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to unforeseen events. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the right plans for their individual needs."

International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. The most trusted insurers include WorldTrips , who made history as one of the first insurers to offer plans for purchase over the internet; GeoBlue Travel Insurance , which supports seniors with coverage for people up to 84 years old; and Trawick International, which offers coverage for over 500 adventure sports activities.

To help customers find the best insurance for their specific needs, International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best insurance for several use cases, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, travel medical plans, and insurance with coverage for pets. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for clients with special needs, including seniors, missionaries and volunteers, U.S. citizens abroad, and digital nomads.

In today's unpredictable world, travel insurance has become the most essential accessory for any international traveler. Travelers want trip cancellation insurance to protect their trip and travel medical insurance plans to protect their health. But with so many companies out there, which ones can you trust?

Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php .

About International Citizens Insurance

International Citizens Insurance is the insurance division of International Citizens Group. We provide educational content, reviews, and unique comparison engines that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase global life, travel, and international health insurance from various carriers.

Contact Information

Joe Cronin President [email protected] 617-500-6738

Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefits [email protected] (339) 221-5190

SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance

View the original press release on newswire.com.

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Bed and Breakfast
• Moscow Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Things to Do in Moscow
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Russian visa - Invitaion and health insurance - Moscow Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    

Russian visa - Invitaion and health insurance

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Central Russia forums
• Moscow forum

I'm looking to apply for a visa to travel to Russia. I'm a UK national. Would an invitation from VisitRussia or any visa agent be valid/legal? Also, would I require a health insurance? I've come across a few articles that say UK nationals do not require any additional health insurance as their NHS health insurance is valid. Thanks in advance for advice on this.

> Would an invitation from VisitRussia or any visa agent be valid/legal?

Can't see why not.

> would I require a health insurance?

Not sure about the invitation, our hotel invited us and there was no charge.

Regarding insurance you just put NHS

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• travel to moscow May 04, 2024
• Planning trip to Russia Apr 28, 2024
• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter Apr 24, 2024
• SIM card. Russian SIM cards, do they still work in the UK? Apr 09, 2024
• Union Pay debit card Mar 27, 2024
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
• Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia Mar 12, 2024
• about clothes Feb 27, 2024
• NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
• Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
• Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter Feb 02, 2024
• Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? Jan 27, 2024
• Booking accommodation Jan 11, 2024
• Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) Jan 05, 2024
• Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
• New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
• New year's in moscow 8 replies
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
• How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
• Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
• Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
• Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
• ATM Access 12 replies
• Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies

Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

• Business directory
• Health insurance

Health insurance in Moscow

Are you looking for an health insurance in Moscow? You will find in our directory a list of insurer who can provide you a medical cover in Moscow.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Moscow

Russia is known to have a two-tier healthcare system. There is a huge gap between those who can access to private ...

Russia's capital city has always conjured up some kind of mysterious fascination amongst foreigners. Despite all ...

With a population of some 12.3 million inhabitants, Moscow is one of the most populated cities in Europe. It also ...

Finding a job in Moscow can be a quite tedious task, although the local labour market is very open and dynamic ...

Moscow, the Russian capital city, is world famous for its cultural and historical legacy. So, if you are moving ...

Moscow was founded on the banks of the Moskva River and stretches over 2,511km2. It is deemed to be one of the ...

• River City Live
• Newsletters

WEATHER ALERT

A river flood warning in effect for Columbia County

A gene long thought to just raise the risk for alzheimer's may cause some cases.

Lauran Neergaard

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.

Scientists have long known a gene called APOE4 is one of many things that can increase people’s risk for Alzheimer's, including simply getting older. The vast majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur after age 65. But research published Monday suggests that for people who carry not one but two copies of the gene, it's more than a risk factor, it's an underlying cause of the mind-robbing disease.

Recommended Videos

The findings mark a distinction with “profound implications,” said Dr. Juan Fortea, who led the study the Sant Pau Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.

Among them: Symptoms can begin seven to 10 years sooner than in other older adults who develop Alzheimer’s.

An estimated 15% of Alzheimer’s patients carry two copies of APOE4, meaning those cases “can be tracked back to a cause and the cause is in the genes,” Fortea said. Until now, genetic forms of Alzheimer’s were thought to be only types that strike at much younger ages and account for less than 1% of all cases.

Scientists say the research makes it critical to develop treatments that target the APOE4 gene. Some doctors won’t offer the only drug that has been shown to modestly slow the disease, Leqembi, to people with the gene pair because they’re especially prone to a dangerous side effect, said Dr. Reisa Sperling, a study coauthor at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Sperling hunts ways to prevent or at least delay Alzheimer’s and “this data for me says wow, what an important group to be able to go after before they become symptomatic.”

But the news doesn’t mean people should race for a gene test. “It’s important not to scare everyone who has a family history” of Alzheimer’s because this gene duo isn’t behind most cases, she told The Associated Press.

HOW DO GENETICS AFFECT ALZHEIMER'S?

More than 6 million Americans, and millions more worldwide, have Alzheimer’s. A handful of genes are known to cause rare “early-onset” forms, mutations passed through families that trigger symptoms unusually young, by age 50. Some cases also are linked to Down syndrome.

But Alzheimer’s most commonly strikes after 65, especially in the late 70s to 80s, and the APOE gene – which also affects how the body handles fats -- was long known to play some role. There are three main varieties. Most people carry the APOE3 variant that appears to neither increase nor decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Some carry APOE2, which provides some protection against Alzheimer’s.

APOE4 has long been labeled the biggest genetic risk factor for late-in-life Alzheimer’s, with two copies risker than one. About 2% of the global population is estimated to have inherited a copy from each parent.

RESEARCH POINTS TO A CAUSE FOR A SUBSET OF ALZHEIMER'S

To better understand the gene’s role, Fortea’s team used data from 3,297 brains donated for research and from over 10,000 people in U.S. and European Alzheimer’s studies. They examined symptoms and early hallmarks of Alzheimer’s such as sticky amyloid in the brain.

People with two APOE4 copies were accumulating more amyloid at age 55 than those with just one copy or the “neutral” APOE3 gene variety, they reported in the journal Nature Medicine. By age 65, brain scans showed significant plaque buildup in nearly three-quarters of those double carriers – who also were more likely to have initial Alzheimer’s symptoms around that age rather than in the 70s or 80s.

Fortea said the disease's underlying biology was remarkably similar to young inherited types.

It appears more like “a familial form of Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging. “It is not just a risk factor.”

Importantly, not everyone with two APOE4 genes develops Alzheimer’s symptoms and researchers need to learn why, Sperling cautioned.

“It’s not quite destiny,” she said.

HOW THE NEW FINDINGS MAY AFFECT ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH AND TREATMENT

The drug Leqembi works by clearing away some sticky amyloid but Sperling said it’s not clear if carriers of two APOE4 genes benefit because they have such a high risk of a side effect from the drug – dangerous brain swelling and bleeding. One research question is whether they’d do better starting such drugs sooner than other people.

Masliah said other research aims to develop gene therapy or drugs to specifically target APOE4. He said it's also crucial to understand APOE4’s effects in diverse populations since it’s been studied mostly in white people of European ancestry.

As for gene tests, for now they’re typically used only to evaluate if someone’s a candidate for Leqembi or for people enrolling in Alzheimer’s research – especially studies of possible ways to prevent the disease. Sperling said the people most likely to carry two APOE4 genes had parents who both got Alzheimer’s relatively early, in their 60s rather than 80s.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
• Recreation and Wellbeing
• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to VandalStar.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Current International Students

International Programs Office

Physical Address: 901 Paradise Creek St. LLC Bldg. #3 Moscow, ID 83844

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1250 Moscow, ID 83844-1250

Phone: 208-885-8984

Fax: 208-885-2859

Email: [email protected]

Education Abroad

Phone: 208-885-7870

Email: [email protected]

University Requirements

International student fees.

The International Student Fee , implemented in 2009, allows the staff of International Services to provide a comprehensive package of services and activities to serve and support the growing population of international students at the University.

The International Student Orientation Fee was also implemented in 2009. International Services strives to provide new international students with the greatest assistance possible as they settle into their surroundings in Moscow. As such, attendance at the multi-day international student orientation is required for all new students. This orientation includes a complete immigration workshop, cultural activities, access and information to many important academic, social and health-related resources, and provides several meals and interaction with peers and current students.

Health Insurance

The University of Idaho requires international students to enroll in the University of Idaho Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) .

• You are automatically charged for SHIP when you register for classes. You will see SHIP on your bill from the University of Idaho for each semester. You do not have to fill out any forms.
• If you have dependents, then you need to enroll them an independent medical insurance plan.
• Find out the cost of SHIP and details of coverage .

Please Note: You and your dependents are required to have health insurance the day you enter the U.S. To activate your SHIP insurance coverage prior to the first day of your enrollment, email [email protected] with your name, V#, and date of arrival in the U.S.

Alternative Health Insurance Requirements

J-1 students and dependents of students are required to have health insurance that meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of State requirements. Those requirements are as follows:

• Benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Co-payment amount not greater than 25% so that the insurance pays at least 75% of charges
• Accident and illness coverage (to include maternity insurance)
• Repatriation coverage (a type of life insurance whereby the deceased is returned to their home country)
• Medical evacuation coverage (If the student is too ill to attend school, this pays for the student to return to their home country.)

Authorized Exceptions to SHIP

• Foreign Embassy Sponsored Students: All embassy sponsored plans that have full medical coverage (pay full medical expenses incurred in the U.S.) are accepted as an authorized alternative plan to SHIP (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Embassy of the State of Kuwait, Libya, etc.). A sponsor letter stating full medical benefits are paid for the student (and dependents), a copy of the insurance card, and page 1 of the insurance waiver form signed by the student must be submitted to International Services before a SHIP waiver will be processed.
• Engineering Outreach or other Outreach students (taking only Outreach courses) will automatically have a SHIP waiver because they will not be on the U of I campus. If your insurance was not waived, please email [email protected]
• Students at the Idaho State University/University of Idaho Center in Idaho Falls who are registered for classes at Idaho State University (must show Idaho State University registration and insurance) 
• Washington State University students taking concurrent classes at the University of Idaho are ineligible for SHIP at all times.
• H-1B or J-1 scholars taking courses at the University of Idaho must show their insurance cards to International Services for a SHIP waiver.
• Exchange students through another university that are on the University of Idaho Study Abroad Program and are out of the U.S. in another country will not be charged for SHIP insurance.