Can I use my US health insurance in Europe? (2024)

Can I use my US health insurance in Europe?

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Will US health insurance work in Europe?

While traveling in Europe, your U.S. health plan (including Medicare) likely does pay for medical expenses like hospital bills, ambulance costs or doctor visits if you require medical attention. A robust travel insurance policy will provide medical expense coverage in case you get sick or injured during your travels.

Can US citizens get free healthcare in Europe?

Essentially, with a European Health Insurance Card, you are eligible to receive the same healthcare benefits as the citizens of any EU country you go to. If the country you are currently in offers free healthcare services, you are entitled to receive them as well — at no cost whatsoever.

Should I bring my health insurance card overseas?

Before you go abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance and a claim form.

Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?

Without travel medical insurance, coverage is up to the discretion of your health insurance provider. If not covered, you could accrue thousands of dollars in medical bills by the time you return home, especially if you need emergency medical evacuation services.

What happens if I get sick in Europe?

While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.

What happens if you have a medical emergency abroad?

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Do I need health insurance when traveling to Europe?

Bottom line. If you're traveling internationally, it's a good idea to get comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical benefits. International trips tend to be pricier than traveling locally, so the potential loss in investment and time could be greater.

Do US citizens need health insurance in Europe?

Travelers entering the EU from the U.S. and other visa-free countries are not required to have travel insurance. However, travelers from countries with visa requirements for the Schengen area must have insurance coverage.

What countries accept US Medicare?

The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S. Anywhere else is considered outside the U.S. Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.

Does my health insurance cover me when abroad?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

How much does international health insurance cost?

How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,500 per year.

Does Medicare cover you in Europe?

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

How much is travel health insurance to Europe?

International travel insurance typically costs only around 5%of the total trip cost, and this is highly recommended for US citizens visiting Europe as it provides coverage and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage, or travel ...

How much does travel medical insurance cost?

Based on our research, you can expect to pay between $35 and $200 for travel insurance depending on various factors such as your age and vacation location. An easy way to predict your travel insurance cost is to look at your trip cost — most insurance policies cost between 5% and 6% of your total trip cost.

How much international travel medical insurance do I need?

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

What happens if a US citizen gets sick in Europe?

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you desire, inform your family and/or friends.

Which country has free healthcare for tourists?

Only one country offers healthcare that is free for everyone: Brazil. The constitution defines healthcare as a universal right. Anyone in the country, even short-term visitors, can get health care for free.

Why do hospitals ask if you've been out of the country?

Americans take 60 million international trips each year, and as many as half of those travelers bring back unwanted souvenirs in the form of gastrointestinal illnesses, fevers, skin disorders and other ills. That's why physicians should routinely ask patients if they've recently been out of the country, says Dr.

What happens if you don't pay your medical bills abroad?

Q: What happens if you leave a country without paying your medical bills? A: This could result in a number of different consequences, including debt pursuit through legal action or debt collection, negative impacts on credit scores, or issues re-entering a country where your debt is owed.

What happens if there is a medical emergency on a plane over the ocean?

As long as the plane has communication to ATC or other planes, the pilot would report the problem and his/her next cause of action. This would include the intention to divert to the closest airport or to do an emergency water landing if there is no other option.

Do airlines refund for medical emergencies?

Most people's best case scenario will be to obtain a credit for future travel, rather than an outright refund. Keep in mind that the airline reps do have a certain amount of latitude in what they will allow a passenger to recoup, but outright refunds are usually reserved for only the most serious situations.

Which travel health insurance is the best for Europe?

How much emergency medical travel insurance do I need?

Recommended Emergency Medical Coverage Limits

For those traveling internationally, Squaremouth recommends a minimum of $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Portugal?

Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens are required to have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death).