Wellabroad.com Blog

If you are a US citizen and get seriously ill or injured abroad, a US consular officer can assist in locating medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. (Note, however, that payment of hospital and all expenses is your responsibility unless you have confirmed your insurance covers you outside the US or if you have purchased a travel medical insurance policy. If you purchase a travel medical policy you should try the number they provide you on an ID card to help you get to the right providers as well. If your US insurance says they will cover you, get a direct phone number into the person who will assist you in finding a provider if needed in the location where you are traveling. If your health insurance policy does carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition. The US Medicare program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the US.