Almost 1 in 4 Americans have had a health issue while traveling abroad. Do you know what you would do if you were traveling outside the U.S. and got sick or injured?

Many people expect that their U.S. health plan will cover them wherever they go.

But it doesn’t work like that. Your U.S. health plan is designed for getting care in the U.S. And U.S.-style health plans with copays, deductibles and coinsurance typically don’t work with non-U.S. health care systems. In other countries, the government may run the health care system, and providers may expect to be paid in full at the time of service.

The good news is you can protect yourself with international health plans. With these plans, you get the quality care you need, and you don’t have to worry about figuring out unfamiliar health care systems or how to pay.

Benefits You Don’t Know You Need, Until You Do

When it comes to choosing an international plan, look for a plan that offers these things:

• Coverage for medical care outside the U.S., enough to cover worst-case scenarios
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Access to quality providers who speak your language wherever you are in the world
• Direct payment to providers and facilities so you don’t have to pay upfront and submit a claim
• Coverage for medically necessary evacuation to a quality facility and transport back home if needed

Prepare for Your Next International Adventure

Download this pre-travel checklist  to help guard your health and safety while you’re abroad. Also consider buying international health insurance, such as a plan from GeoBlue^®. GeoBlue is part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield family and is the only global carrier that’s backed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Learn more about GeoBlue.

GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. GeoBlue is the administrator of coverage provided under insurance policies issued by 4 Ever Life International Limited, Bermuda, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Source: International Travel Medical Insurance: Awareness, Usage and Perceptions, Harris Poll & GeoBlue, 2022