Americans Traveling Abroad · New York

Best Travel Insurance for New York Residents Traveling Abroad (2026)

Your New York health insurance stops working the moment you leave the US. Here are the best plans for New York residents — ranked and compared so you can choose the right coverage for your trip.

Updated April 2026 · 10 min read


Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a policy through WithFaye, Squaremouth, or BCBS Global Solutions links on this page, Tower Hill may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on coverage quality, price, and real traveler needs — not commission rates. Tower Hill's own plans (available through our quote tool) are also recommended.

Quick Summary

The best travel insurance for New York residents traveling abroad:

  • 🥇Best Overall: WithFaye — comprehensive coverage, app-based claims, trip cancellation included
  • 🥈Best for Comparing Prices: Squaremouth — compare 30+ carriers, find the lowest rate
  • 🥉Best Brand Recognition: BCBS Global Solutions — up to $1M medical, trusted BCBS name
  • Also Recommended: Tower Hill's own plans (IMG, Trawick, WorldTrips) — compare directly through our quote tool

Why New York Residents Need International Travel Insurance

New York City is the US's top international departure hub — JFK offers direct flights to nearly every country in the world. New York's extraordinary ethnic diversity means travel to every corner of the globe is common, from the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to West Africa, Israel, and China.

The critical thing to know: your New York health insurance plan does not cover you outside the United States. New York State's EPIC and Medicaid programs provide strong domestic coverage but zero international benefits — New Yorkers abroad need separate travel medical insurance regardless of their domestic plan.

Without coverage, a single medical emergency abroad can result in bills of $30,000–$200,000. Medical evacuation back to the US alone costs $50,000–$250,000. A travel insurance plan starts at $3–$8 per day.

Where Do New York Residents Travel Internationally?

The most popular international destinations for New York residents include:

None of these destinations are covered by US health insurance — including Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored plans. A separate international travel insurance policy is required for all of them.

Main departure airports for New York residents: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty (EWR), Buffalo Niagara (BUF)

Best Travel Insurance Plans for New York Residents (Ranked)

🥇Best Overall
Up to $250,000 medical

WithFaye

Best for travelers who want one great plan — simple, comprehensive, app-based

  • Up to $250,000 primary emergency medical coverage
  • Up to $500,000 emergency medical evacuation
  • 100% trip cancellation / 150% trip interruption
  • Pre-existing conditions covered (if bought within 14 days of deposit)
  • App-based claims — fast digital reimbursement
  • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade available
  • Trip delay: $300/day up to $2,100 after 6 hours
Pros: Best choice for travelers who want a single comprehensive plan with transparent pricing and easy digital claims.
Note: Does not cover trips longer than 180 days.
Get a Quote — WithFaye
🥈Best for Comparing Prices
Compare all coverage levels

Squaremouth

Best for price shoppers — compare 30+ carriers side-by-side in minutes

  • Compare 30+ travel insurance carriers instantly
  • Filter by medical limit, evacuation, trip cancellation
  • Best-in-class transparency with side-by-side comparison
  • Top-rated carriers: Tin Leg, Seven Corners, Travel Insured
  • Tin Leg Gold: $500K primary medical + $500K evacuation
  • Zero-complaint guarantee — 5-star customer reviews
  • Best price guarantee across all listed providers
Pros: Best choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to compare options and find the lowest rate for their specific trip.
Note: As a marketplace, plan quality varies — read the comparison carefully.
Get a Quote — Squaremouth
🥉Best Brand Recognition
Up to $1,000,000 medical

BCBS Global Solutions

Best for travelers who want the BCBS name — trusted brand, medical-only coverage

  • Up to $1,000,000 in emergency medical coverage (Platinum)
  • Up to $500,000 emergency medical evacuation
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield — most trusted US insurance brand
  • Single Trip and Multi-Trip annual plans available
  • Pre-existing conditions covered on Platinum plan
  • Multi-Trip: unlimited trips per year, 70 days per trip
  • 24/7 multilingual assistance worldwide
Pros: Best choice for travelers who already have BCBS domestically and want consistent coverage abroad under a familiar brand.
Note: Secondary coverage — must file with your primary US insurance first. Does not include trip cancellation.
Get a Quote — BCBS Global Solutions
Also Recommended · Tower Hill Plans
Up to $2,000,000

IMG, Trawick International & WorldTrips

Compare Tower Hill's own partner plans — the same carriers trusted by 60,000 clients across 151 countries

  • IMG Patriot International Lite — up to $1,000,000 medical, 24/7 assistance
  • Trawick Safe Travels International — trip cancellation + medical in one plan
  • WorldTrips Atlas International — up to $2,000,000 medical, industry-leading limits
  • Instant quote, instant coverage confirmation
  • Licensed in Texas (#2608479TX) · 60,000 clients insured · 151 countries
Compare Tower Hill Plans →

What to Look for in International Travel Insurance

When comparing plans as a New York resident traveling abroad, prioritize these coverage areas:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my New York health insurance cover me abroad?

No — virtually all New York health insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth, Medicare, and Medicaid, provide little or no coverage outside the United States. Even plans with limited international emergency benefits typically cap at $25,000 and exclude medical evacuation. International travel requires a separate travel insurance policy.

What is the best travel insurance for New York residents traveling internationally?

The best travel insurance for New York residents depends on your priorities. For a comprehensive all-in-one plan, WithFaye offers up to $250,000 medical coverage plus trip cancellation. For comparing prices across 30+ carriers, Squaremouth is the best marketplace. For BCBS brand recognition with high medical limits, BCBS Global Solutions offers up to $1,000,000 in coverage. Tower Hill's own plans (IMG Patriot International, Trawick Safe Travels International, WorldTrips Atlas International) are also excellent options available through our quote tool.

How much does travel insurance cost for New York residents?

Travel medical insurance for New York residents typically costs $3–$8 per day for a healthy traveler under 50. A comprehensive plan with trip cancellation typically runs 4–8% of your total trip cost. For a 10-day trip to Europe, expect to pay $60–$150 for medical-only coverage, or $150–$400 for comprehensive coverage. Get an instant quote from any of the providers above.

Do I need travel insurance if I'm just visiting a nearby country like Mexico or Canada?

Yes — your US health insurance does not cover you in Mexico or Canada. Mexican and Canadian hospitals bill US visitors at private rates with no discounts. A one-week Mexico trip without travel insurance exposes you to potential $30,000–$100,000 hospital bills for serious emergencies, plus $20,000–$50,000 for medical evacuation back to the US. Travel insurance for Mexico or Canada typically costs less than $30 for a one-week trip.

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