Travel Medical Insurance

See Prices & Compare Our Travel Medical Plans

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Travel Medical Insurance protects you in the event of an illness or injury when traveling outside of your country of residence. It provides key medical benefits in case of an emergency.

Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but unpredictable illnesses and accidents can happen. Even worse, the resulting medical bills can be overwhelming. The level of international medical coverage provided by your domestic insurance provider can vary greatly depending on your plan, so you may have very limited coverage or no coverage at all. A travel medical insurance plan can provide the coverage you need. For more information, check out our blog: "How to Choose the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan."

Travel medical coverage is ideal for:

  • International vacationers
  • Relatives visiting from overseas
  • People going on cruises, safaris or guided tours
  • International business travelers
  • Students studying abroad

International Medical Group® (IMG®) also offers travel insurance that protects your health as well as your trip costs and travel expenses. And if you need long-term medical coverage, check out our international health insurance. IMG plans include a wide range of medical benefits, protection, and support should a problem arise.

Popular Travel Medical Plans
Ideal for Traveling Outside of Your Home Country

Recommended
Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance

Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary first-class health insurance for individuals, families, and groups

Highlights

  • COVID-19 coverage for travelers to the U.S.
  • Coverages for inside and outside the U.S.
    ( Patriot America Platinum / Patriot International Platinum )
  • Short-term travel medical coverage
  • Coverage for individuals, groups, and their dependents
  • Higher Limits & More Coverage than Patriot Lite Travel or Patriot Plus
  • Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
Plan Details View Brochure
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Trip Protection
Medical Benefits
Most Popular
iTravelInsured Travel SE

iTravelInsured Travel SE

Family-friendly plan for domestic and international destinations

Highlights

  • Family-friendly plan for domestic and international destinations
  • Trip cancellation maximum benefit up to 100% of trip cost
  • Trip interruption maximum benefit up to 150% of trip cost
  • Up to $125 per day per person to a maximum benefit of $2,000 for trip delay
  • $500,000 maximum benefit for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
Plan Details View Brochure
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Trip Protection
Medical Benefits
Recommended
Patriot America Plus

Patriot America Plus

Temporary health insurance for non-U.S. residents traveling to the USA

Highlights

  • COVID-19 coverage for travelers to the U.S.
  • Coverage for inside the U.S.
  • Short-term travel medical coverage
  • Made for individuals, groups, and their dependents
  • Coverage for Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions*
  • Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
Plan Details View Brochure
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Trip Protection
Medical Benefits

Additional Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance

Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary health insurance for individuals, families, and groups when traveling outside of your home country.

Visitors Care

Visitors Care

Temporary fixed coverage health insurance for non-U.S. residents when traveling outside of your home country.

Student & Scholar Insurance

Student & Scholar Insurance

Student health insurance plans tailored to fit the needs of international students involved in educational or cultural exchange.

GlobeHopper Senior

GlobeHopper Senior

Temporary health insurance for travelers age 65+ when traveling outside of your home country.

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance

Annual multi-trip travel medical insurance for individuals, families and groups.

Outreach Travel Medical Insurance

Outreach Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary health insurance for missionaries and mission groups when traveling outside of your home country.

 

Need Extra Protection and Coverage?

Explore our travel insurance options.

Insurance Plans

Why Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?

Depending on where you travel, you may encounter language and currency barriers that prevent you from accessing high-quality medical care. Check out IMG’s Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance Now More Than Ever to learn more about some of these challenges.

Traveling unprotected can leave you vulnerable to paying high out-of-pocket medical expenses, and navigating a foreign health care system without the assistance you need.

However, with a travel medical insurance plan, you can worry less and experience more knowing you have medical coverage and a trusted health advisor who can support you in your time of need.

Get even more information by checking out our article, “Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?”

How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
Less than $3 per day for an average plan.

Like other travelers, you may be wondering if the coverage is worth the cost. It may surprise you to learn that IMG’s travel medical plans can cost less than $3 per day (based on an average plan) and can provide coverage worth well beyond your initial cost. Pick a plan and get protected.

Factors that Determine Cost
The cost of a plan varies based on many factors including:

Age of Traveler

Age is one of the primary factors that determines insurance rates. Each IMG plan has a complete breakdown of insurance rates based on ages that can be found in the plan brochure.

Destination

Medical expenses vary around the world. To provide the best balance of coverage and cost, plan coverage rates may be different for a traveler visiting the United States than they are for a traveler in a destination where healthcare is less expensive.

Duration of Trip

A breakdown of daily rates and monthly rates can be found in IMG plan brochures. If you need long-term coverage (1 year or more), view our international health insurance plans.

Deductible, Maximum Limit, & Additional Optional Coverage

Customize your plan by choosing the deductible amount, maximum limit, and any optional rider that is best for you.

When Is Travel Health Insurance required?
Some countries may require you to purchase travel health insurance to gain entry.

Traveling to Schengen Countries

Schengen countries require visa applicants to prove they have travel medical insurance to cover expenses for repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment and more. Read our blog about Countries that Require Travel Medical Insurance for Entry to learn more.

Other Situations

You may also be required to purchase travel health insurance depending on the purpose of your trip. The U.S., for example, requires those traveling on a J1 or J2 visa to maintain a certain level of medical coverage for the duration of their stay. However, if you're visiting the U.S. on a B2 visa, a travel medical insurance plan is only recommended. Find out How to Choose the Best Visitor Insurance Plan for You.

Travelers embarking on other trips — such as organized tours, working holiday schemes, mission trips, and cruises — may also be required to purchase coverage.

These are just a few reasons when you would be required to purchase Travel Medical Insurance. See the full list for 6 Times You Need to Purchase Travel Medical Insurance.

Recent Blog Articles

Top 5 Reasons People Don’t Purchase International Medical Insurance - And Why They Need To

Nov 2, 2016, 08:00 AM by User Not Found

No one expects to become sick or injured while they’re traveling internationally, just like no one expects to get into a car accident.

The only difference is that most — 87.4%1 — of motorists purchase auto insurance to protect their health and investment just in case, while only a sliver of the population purchases international medical insurance.

Why? This article explains the top five reasons people don’t buy insurance when traveling, working or living internationally.

Five Reasons People Don't Buy International Medical Insurance

“I‘m already covered through my domestic insurance/other insurance plan.”

Not necessarily. Most people assume they will be covered by their standard medical plan or Medicare, but that isn’t always the case.

While traditional plans may offer adequate domestic coverage, they aren’t designed for international travel. In fact, many offer very little coverage outside of your home country, and none of the emergency assistance benefits you would require when facing an emergency abroad.

Without even realizing it, you may be putting your health and finances at risk while traveling without the proper coverage.

But you’re not alone. According to a survey2 by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), about 47% of Americans age 18 and older assume they’re covered for trip cancellation, medical care or lost/stolen baggage through:

  • Personal or group health insurance (27%)
  • Insurance benefits provided by their credit card (18%)
  • The airline, cruise line or tour operator (15%)
  • Homeowner’s insurance (8%)

When it comes to credit card travel insurance, many plans don’t provide any protection or reimbursement in the event you are injured or sick while on your trip. Most plans also don’t provide emergency medical or dental benefits, including emergency medical evacuation coverage.

So what does cover you? There are three types of international medical insurance plans — travel insurance, travel medical insurance and long-term international medical insurance — which are too often misunderstood, as highlighted by the next reason people don’t purchase these plans.

“All insurance plans are the same.”

Every international medical insurance plan is unique, with each serving a specific purpose or type of traveler

As previously mentioned, there are three types of international medical insurance: travel insurance, travel medical insurance and long-term international medical insurance. Here’s an overview of each type, and when they’re a priority for you:

  • Travel Insurance: Designed to protect your trip investment and provide some emergency medical and dental benefits. Along with cover for baggage and travel delay, missed connections, change fees and more, travel insurance protects against many trip cancellation and interruption perils. Depending on your plan, covered trip cancellation and interruption perils could include:
    • Sickness, injury or death
    • Documented theft of a passport or visa
    • Documented traffic accident
    • Unannounced strike
    • Mechanical breakdown of the common carrier
    • Bankruptcy or default of travel provider
    • Natural disasters or mandatory evacuations
    • Active military service
    • Documented terrorist incident
  • Travel Medical Insurance: Designed to provide temporary medical insurance while you’re going on a short-term international trip or if you take multiple international trips throughout the year. The cover is ideal for international vacationers, students studying abroad, relatives visiting from overseas, groups of executives and more. Travel medical insurance plans provide you a wide range of cover:
    • Emergency medical and dental, including emergency medical evacuation
    • Political evacuation, natural disaster and terrorism
    • Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
    • Repatriation of mortal remains or cremation/burial
    • Emergency transportation
    • Physician visits
    • Diagnostic procedures
    • Prescription medication
  • Long-Term International Medical Insurance: Designed to provide long-term, continuous worldwide medical coverage for yourself and your family while you’re living or working outside of your home country for one year or longer.

    One of the chief advantages of this type of insurance plan is that you can seek medical care anywhere in the world. Since it’s designed to provide long-term, worldwide medical coverage, it allows you to receive and continue treatment — including that for chronic conditions — wherever you choose. Along with the benefits that travel medical plans offer, some long-term plans also cover:
    • Child and adult wellness benefits
    • Physical therapy
    • Mental and nervous benefits
    • Complimentary medicine, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy and more
    • Vision and non-emergency dental benefits can also be added to some plans.

International medical insurance sounds like a no-brainer, right? It protects your health and investment, all the while providing you and your family peace of mind. Still, there are people who come up with reasons not to purchase the sometimes lifesaving coverage. Here’s another reason:

“I’m young and healthy — nothing will happen to me.”

Anything could happen while you’re away from home — even if you’re young and healthy. For example, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people age 15 to 29 years old, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)3.

But you don’t necessarily have to be driving to be at risk. In fact, the WHO reports that half of those dying on the world’s roads are “vulnerable road users” — including pedestrians and cyclists.

In addition to road accidents, those who are traveling to, working or residing in foreign countries face many other dangers. One U.S. database highlights this fact:

A quick search indicates that between October 2002 and December 2015, more than 11,000 U.S. citizens died in a foreign country from “non-natural” causes, according to the U.S. Department of State4. (To put it into perspective, that’s more than two people each day.) These non-natural causes of death included drowning, homicide, automobile accident, terrorist action, air accident, natural disaster and more.

Regardless of whether you’re a U.S. citizen, it’s clear that you face many risks when traveling, working or living internationally. We would all like to think that we’re impervious to danger, but being realistic is vital when it comes to protecting your health.

The best way to ensure you’re protected from the unexpected while you’re away from home is to purchase international medical insurance.

“I’ve purchased international medical insurance for years and I’ve never used it.”

Just because you haven’t used your insurance doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable or that you don’t need it. No one can predict the future, and accidents and emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.

With insurance, you’ll spend less time worrying about the “what ifs” and more time focusing on what matters most: the memories you create during your trip or stay.

Let’s take travel insurance, for example. A survey5 conducted by the UStiA shows that the top three reasons people purchase travel insurance are: peace of mind, protection against the unexpected and concern over losing the financial investment in a trip.

International Medical Group® (IMG®) clients feel the same:

  • “We didn't have to use our insurance (thank goodness!), but I felt comfortable knowing that if anything should happen, we were covered. That was worth every cent!” – Edward T.
  • “Fortunately I didn’t have to use it, but it did offer me peace of mind. I felt this added a lot of value!” – Jonathan B.
  • “Peace of mind obtained in a simple manner at a reasonable cost. That is what insurance is and ought to be.” – Ronald C.

The conclusion here? Purchase international medical insurance and peace of mind will follow.

“It costs too much.”

The coverage you need might not be as expensive as you think, especially if you consider what could happen if you don’t purchase an international medical insurance policy.

One IMG client would have learned this the hard way, had she not purchased the proper coverage. The client, a missionary who was living in Quintana Roo, Mexico, gave birth to a premature baby who needed ongoing care in order to survive.

The hospital, whose care was costly, demanded payment from the client, and threatened to discontinue treatment and send the baby to a different facility. IMG intervened and paid the hospital directly in order to prevent the baby’s care from being interrupted.

Instead of worrying about mounting expenses, the client was able to focus on what was really important: her son’s well-being.

Imagine if you were in this situation. Would you have the money to pay the bill, or the support you needed to ensure your baby had the proper care?

Depending on your needs, international medical insurance plans can be as comprehensive or as basic as you desire — and can meet any budget type. You can purchase some travel medical plans for as little as $5.

However, if you ask some people, the peace of mind international medical insurance provides is priceless — and far outweighs the additional cost.

If you’re traveling, working or living away from home and want to learn more about international medical insurance, contact IMG today.

If you’re ready to purchase coverage, click here to search for plans based on your needs.

Don’t wait for an accident or emergency while you’re away from home. Get covered today.

1 Insurance Research Council, “Uninsured Motorists, 2014 Edition”

2 http://www.ustia.org/studies--statistics.html

3 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs358/en/

4 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/statistics/deaths.html

5 http://www.ustia.org/studies--statistics.html

Frequently Asked Questions

What country do I select as my primary destination if I'm visiting several countries?

If you're planning a trip with multiple destinations, such as a vacation to Europe, you'll want to select the country that you plan on spending the most time in. Your travel medical insurance will cover you for the entirety of your trip and in countries outside of your own.

Can I purchase visitors insurance for my relatives?

Yes, the insured does not have to be the one that fills out the application. You can purchase a travel medical plan for your parents, friends, or relatives as long as you have the necessary information.

I am a non-U.S. citizen and an international student. Will PPACA's individual mandate affect my IMG plan?

As non-resident aliens, international students on F, J, M and Q visas (and certain family members of students) are not subject to the individual mandate for their first 5 years in the U.S. All other J categories (teacher, trainee, work and travel, au pair, high school, etc.) are not subject to the individual mandate for 2 years (out of the past six).

Since international students are not subject to the mandate, they are not required to purchase a plan that meets PPACA requirements and can purchase an appropriate IMG plan.

International Students – Exempt as Non-Resident Aliens

Under the IRS international student exemption, anyone “temporarily in the United States on an “F”, “J”, “M”, or “Q” visa for the primary purpose of studying at an accredited academic institution or vocational school (and certain family members of students), and who substantially complies with the requirements of that visa,” is exempt from being treated as a resident alien, and is therefore exempt from the individual mandate as a non-resident alien.

That exemption applies for 5 years. After 5 years, a student is no longer exempt, and the substantial presence test must be applied. See examples here.

Even after 5 years in the U.S., an international student may continue to be a non-resident alien for tax purposes under the “Closer Connection” exception if they can prove that they still have a closer connection to their home country than to the U.S.

The Individual Mandate and Alien / Non-Alien Status

The IRS provides a questions and answers page on the individual mandate. Question 11 asks whether all individuals living in the U.S. are subject to the mandate. The answer is that U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents are subject to the mandate, as are “foreign nationals who are in the U.S. long enough during a calendar year to qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes.” Thus, non-resident aliens are not subject to the individual mandate, even if they have to file a tax return.

Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?

The IRS states that you are a non-resident alien unless you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test.

Under IRS Publication 519, Tax Guide for Aliens (the green card test), green card holders are resident aliens for tax purposes. The substantial presence test uses a formula to count the number of days present in the U.S. over the past 3 years. Generally, you a resident alien after six months of presence in the U.S. – unless you are exempt.

I am a U.S. citizen that will be temporarily traveling outside of the U.S. Do I need PPACA coverage for this?

IMG’s international travel medical products are not a substitute for minimum essential coverage that you may need to have under PPACA. However, since most PPACA plans do not provide the types of international benefits and assistance that travelers need, you should strongly consider purchasing an international travel medical plan such as IMG’s Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance for coverage while you travel outside of the U.S.

If you are a U.S. citizen, national or an “alien lawfully present” in the U.S., you will need to maintain minimum essential coverage unless you are exempt. Exemptions include:

  • Individuals not residing in the U.S.
  • Non-U.S. citizens who are “non-resident aliens” (for U.S. income tax purposes). See Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?
  • Individuals with a coverage gap of less than 3 months.
  • Individuals who cannot afford coverage (i.e. required contribution exceeds 8% of
  • household income).
  • Individuals with a religious conscience exemption (applies only to certain faiths).
  • Members of a health care sharing ministry.
  • Incarcerated individuals.
  • Individuals with income below the tax filing threshold; and
  • Members of Indian tribes

 

In general, PPACA does not govern short-term limited duration insurance, like IMG’s short-term travel medical insurance programs.

However, please understand that under PPACA, as of January 1, 2014, extensions of short-term coverage will be limited to less than 12 months to meet the definition of a short-term limited duration plan.

I am a non-U.S. citizen that will be traveling to the U.S. temporarily. Do I need PPACA coverage?

IMG’s international travel medical products are not a substitute for minimum essential coverage that you may need to have under PPACA. If you are a U.S. citizen, national or legal resident alien in the U.S., you will need to maintain minimum essential coverage unless you are exempt. Exemptions include:

  • Individuals not residing in the U.S.
  • Non-U.S. citizens who are “non-resident aliens” (for U.S. income tax purposes).  See Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien? 
  • Individuals with a coverage gap of less than 3 months
  • Individuals who cannot afford coverage (i.e. required contribution exceeds 8% of household income)
  • Individuals with a religious conscience exemption (applies only to certain faiths)
  • Members of a health care sharing ministry
  • Incarcerated individuals
  • Individuals with income below the tax filing threshold; and
  • Members of Indian tribes

 

You will not need PPACA coverage for short-term travel to the U.S., unless you are considered an “alien lawfully present” in the U.S. See I am a Non-U.S. citizen covered under a Global Medical Insurance Plan.

In general, PPACA does not govern short-term limited duration insurance, like IMG’s short-term travel medical insurance programs.

However please understand that under PPACA, as of January 1, 2014, extensions of short-term coverage will be limited to less than 12 months to meet the definition of a short-term limited duration plan.

What is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act? (PPACA)

The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," commonly known as PPACA, was first introduced as a measure to deal with rising healthcare costs and numbers of uninsured.

The heart of PPACA consists of three provisions: guaranteed issue (insurers must offer coverage regardless of the applicant's health status or pre-existing conditions), community rating (insurers must offer policies within a given territory at the same price regardless of health status, age, gender, or other factors), and an individual mandate. The individual mandate assures that everyone has a minimum amount of coverage: those above a certain annual income are required to purchase coverage or incur a tax penalty; those who cannot afford it will have their coverage paid for by the government.

As PPACA continues to be implemented and challenged throughout the country, understanding the issues and implications for the international insurance industry and your business becomes all the more important.

Am I getting the best deal on these plans?

Insurance prices are regulated by the government - you won't find a better price on IMG insurance plans anywhere else.  

What should I do if the worst happens and I need to go to a hospital while on a mission Trip?

IMG plans provide you access to more than 17,000 providers through our International Provider Access (IPA) while you're outside of the United States. Our multilingual customer service centers, claims administrators, and 24-hour emergency care coordinators are ready if the unforeseen does happen during your mission trip. 

My family is planning a visit. When should visitors to the U.S. purchase international insurance?

Visitors should plan to get insurance after they plan their trip and receive their visa, but before they arrive in the U.S. The effective dates for coverage should match their visa.

I already have health insurance. Why would I need Visitor Insurance in the U.S.?

If you were to suffer an injury or get sick while visiting the United States, you might be surprised by the cost of medical care. You may also be surprised by the limited assistance your domestic insurance provider can provide while you're visiting. Visitor insurance coverage in the U.S. helps to ensure that you don't incur any unforeseen expenses, receive excellent care, and get home quickly and safely if anything were to happen during your visit. 

What mission focused benefits are included in these plans?

In addition to the medical and health coverage, healthcare provider access, and other benefits you expect from IMG plans, we offer missionary-specific insurance benefits like coverage for furlough and political evacuations. See your plan befits information for more!

When should I complete my waiver?

Once your plan is purchased and you have your plan documents, you will have the information you'll need to complete your school's waiver. 

How do I determine the status of my waiver?

Check with your school to get your waiver status. 

How do I provide proof of insurance for my school?

To show proof of insurance, simply download or print a copy of the ID card and/or confirmation letter and provide it to your school's program administrator.

Do these plans cover sports-related illness or injuries?

IMG plans include customization options and add-ons, including add-on coverage for high school sports, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, personal liability and legal assistance. 

How long does it take to process my application and receive my ID card and other documents?

If you are applying for coverage under the Patriot series of plans, IMG will process your application and send your ID card and other documents within one business day. If you are applying for coverage under the Global or Group series, IMG will process your application within three to four business days following the receipt of all required information, and your materials will be forwarded the same day coverage is approved. Every attempt will be made to process your application timely. The specific time frame depends largely on the type of coverage for which you are applying. 

Disclaimer

This is not an offer to enter into an insurance contract. This is only a summary and shall not bind the company or require the company to offer or write any insurance at any particular rate or to any particular group or individual. The information on this page does and will not affect, modify or supersede in any way the policy, certificate of insurance and governing policy documents (together the "Insurance Contract"). The actual rates and benefits are governed by the Insurance Contract and nothing else. Benefits are subject to exclusions and limitations.