Best Travel Insurance for US Citizens Abroad (2026): Expert Guide
Key Takeaway
Your US health insurance — including Medicare and most employer plans — does not cover you abroad. Every American traveling internationally needs a separate travel medical insurance policy. Our top picks for 2026: BCBS Global Solutions (best for pre-existing conditions and frequent travelers), IMG Patriot International (best budget plan), and WorldTrips Atlas International (highest coverage limits).
Americans are among the most under-insured travelers in the world for international trips. A 2024 US Travel Insurance Association study found that only 36% of US travelers purchase travel insurance for international trips — despite the fact that a single medical evacuation from Europe can cost $50,000 to $100,000, and routine hospitalization in countries like Japan or Switzerland can reach $5,000–$10,000 per day.
The reason: most Americans assume their health insurance covers them everywhere. It doesn't. Here's what you need to know, and what to buy instead.
Does US Health Insurance Cover International Travel?
The short answer is no — with very limited exceptions. Here's how the most common US health plans handle international coverage:
| Insurance Type | International Coverage? | Evacuation Covered? |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare (Parts A & B) | ❌ No coverage outside the US | ❌ No |
| Medicaid | ❌ No coverage outside the US | ❌ No |
| Employer PPO/HMO | ⚠️ Emergency only, very limited | ❌ Rarely |
| ACA Marketplace plan | ⚠️ Emergency only, usually out-of-network | ❌ No |
| BCBS domestic plan | ⚠️ Emergency only, no direct billing abroad | ❌ No |
| BCBS Global Solutions | ✅ Full international coverage | ✅ Yes |
| IMG Patriot International | ✅ Full international coverage | ✅ Yes |
| WorldTrips Atlas International | ✅ Full international coverage | ✅ Yes |
The 4 Best Travel Insurance Plans for US Citizens Abroad
BCBS Global Solutions — Single Trip Platinum
The only international travel plan backed by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Best if you have pre-existing conditions or want the comfort of your familiar insurer.
- ✓Up to $5,000,000 in medical coverage
- ✓Pre-existing conditions covered (purchase timely)
- ✓$0 deductible at BCBS network providers — no out-of-pocket
- ✓Coverage in 190+ countries
- ✓24/7 telemedicine via Global Core
- ✓Direct billing at network hospitals
Best for: Travelers with pre-existing conditions, brand-conscious buyers, anyone wanting $0 deductible at network hospitals
View Plan & PriceBCBS Global Solutions — Multi-Trip Platinum
One annual premium covers unlimited international trips. Identical benefits to Single Trip Platinum — just paid annually.
- ✓Unlimited trips per year, up to 70 days each
- ✓Same $5M medical coverage as Single Trip
- ✓Pre-existing conditions covered
- ✓$0 deductible at BCBS network providers
- ✓Cost-effective for 3+ international trips/year
Best for: Business travelers, digital nomads, retirees spending extended time abroad
View Plan & PriceIMG Patriot International Lite
Comprehensive travel medical coverage at a lower price point. Best for healthy travelers under 65 who want solid coverage without paying for BCBS's network premium.
- ✓Up to $1,000,000 in medical coverage
- ✓Emergency evacuation included
- ✓Acute onset of pre-existing conditions covered
- ✓24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
- ✓Prescription drug coverage
Best for: Healthy travelers under 65 looking for solid coverage at lower cost
Get a QuoteWorldTrips Atlas International
Industry-leading $2M medical limit with flexible deductible options. Best for adventure travelers or those visiting countries with high healthcare costs.
- ✓Up to $2,000,000 in medical coverage
- ✓Emergency evacuation included
- ✓Flexible deductibles from $0–$2,500
- ✓Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- ✓Adventure sports covered
Best for: Adventure travelers, high-net-worth individuals, travelers to high-cost countries
Get a QuoteWhat to Look for in International Travel Insurance
Not all international travel insurance is the same. Here are the four features that matter most for US citizens traveling abroad:
1. Medical coverage limit
Minimum $100,000 for any trip. Europe and Japan healthcare costs can reach $10,000/day. Aim for $500K–$1M minimum. BCBS Global Solutions offers $5M.
2. Emergency medical evacuation
Non-negotiable. An air ambulance from Southeast Asia to the US costs $80,000–$150,000. Every plan on this list includes evacuation.
3. Pre-existing condition coverage
Most plans only cover 'acute onset' (sudden unexpected symptoms). BCBS Global Solutions is the only plan on this list that covers ongoing management of pre-existing conditions.
4. Direct billing vs. reimbursement
Direct billing means the hospital bills your insurer directly — you owe nothing upfront. BCBS Global Solutions offers $0-deductible direct billing at network providers. Other plans typically require you to pay and submit for reimbursement.
Compare Plans for Your Trip
Live quotes from BCBS, IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick International
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover international travel?
No. Medicare Parts A and B provide no coverage outside the United States. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans C, D, F, G, M, and N offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage — typically 80% of costs after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime maximum. This is insufficient for a serious medical event abroad. A dedicated international travel insurance policy is essential for Medicare beneficiaries traveling internationally.
Can I buy travel insurance after I've already left the US?
Some plans allow purchase after departure, but coverage typically won't apply to any conditions or events that began before you bought the policy. For best coverage — especially pre-existing condition benefits — always buy before your departure date.
Is BCBS Global Solutions worth the higher premium compared to IMG or WorldTrips?
It depends on your situation. If you have pre-existing conditions or want the peace of mind of $0 out-of-pocket at network hospitals, BCBS Global Solutions is worth the premium. If you're healthy and primarily want emergency evacuation and hospitalization coverage, IMG Patriot International provides excellent value at a lower price.
What's the best travel insurance for US expats living abroad long-term?
For US citizens living abroad full-time (12+ months), a short-term travel insurance plan is not the right fit — you need an international health insurance plan. BCBS Global Solutions Multi-Trip Platinum can work for extended travel, but for full expat living, look at GeoBlue Xplorer or Cigna Global, which are designed for long-term international residency.
Does travel insurance for US citizens abroad cover trip cancellation?
BCBS Global Solutions is a travel medical insurance product — it covers health emergencies but not trip cancellation. If you want trip cancellation coverage (reimbursement if you cancel before departure), you need a comprehensive travel insurance plan like Trawick Safe Travels Outbound or a standalone trip cancellation policy. Use our quote tool to compare options.
About the author: Ty Taylor is a licensed travel insurance advisor (TX #2608479TX) and founder of Tower Hill Travel Insurance. Tower Hill has helped over 60,000 travelers find the right international coverage since 2019 through partnerships with IMG, WorldTrips, Trawick International, and BCBS Global Solutions.
Disclosure: Tower Hill Travel Insurance earns a commission on plans purchased through links on this page. This does not affect recommendations — we evaluate all plans on objective criteria: coverage limits, pre-existing condition rules, network quality, and claims experience.