Is Travel Medical Insurance Expensive?
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
Is travel medical insurance expensive? Not at all. In fact, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to protect yourself financially while traveling abroad. Compared to the potential cost of a medical emergency overseas—which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars—travel medical insurance is remarkably affordable. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help travelers compare top-rated plans from International Medical Group (IMG) and Petersen International Underwriters (PIU) to find the right coverage for every trip and every budget.
Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance
Most U.S. health insurance plans—including Medicare—offer little or no coverage outside the country. If you’re hospitalized overseas or require an air evacuation, the out-of-pocket costs can be staggering. A single emergency evacuation can exceed $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the destination. Travel medical insurance ensures you’re protected against these expenses while enjoying the freedom to explore with confidence.
How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
On average, travel medical insurance costs $2–$5 per day for a healthy traveler under age 60. Premiums vary depending on your age, trip duration, and coverage amount. Even for older travelers or extended stays, premiums typically remain well below the cost of a single hospital visit abroad. With flexible plan options, you can adjust your deductible, maximum benefit, and trip length to match your budget and needs.
Factors That Influence Cost
- Trip Length: Longer trips cost more but are priced per day for flexibility.
- Traveler Age: Premiums increase slightly with age, especially over 65.
- Coverage Limits: Plans typically offer $50,000 to $2 million in protection.
- Deductible: Higher deductibles lower your premium cost.
- Destination: Certain regions with higher healthcare costs can increase pricing.
Compare Coverage Options
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we offer a wide range of travel medical insurance plans designed for individuals, families, missionaries, students, and frequent travelers. Whether you need a single-trip policy or long-term international coverage, we’ll guide you to the best fit for your itinerary.
Explore IMG Travel Medical Plans
Comprehensive medical protection for international trips—coverage you can count on worldwide.
View Plans & ApplyWhy It’s Worth Every Penny
Travel medical insurance covers far more than doctor visits—it’s designed for emergencies that could derail your trip or threaten your safety. Key benefits often include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Emergency dental care for accidents
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Prescription medications
- 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
When compared to the average daily cost of coffee or bottled water while traveling, the premium for peace of mind is minimal. More importantly, it prevents medical bills from becoming a financial crisis.
For Extended or High-Risk Trips
For those traveling for work assignments, missionary service, or extended stays abroad, Petersen International Underwriters (PIU) offers comprehensive long-term international medical plans. These plans include major medical protection for extended periods and high-limit evacuation benefits, ensuring you’re fully covered no matter where you go.
Long-Term Global Health Coverage
Ideal for expats, global professionals, and frequent travelers seeking extended protection.
Get a PIU QuoteProtecting Your Investment
Adding travel medical insurance is a small price to pay compared to the potential losses from an emergency abroad. For added protection, many travelers combine medical coverage with trip cancellation insurance to cover non-refundable costs if illness, injury, or other covered events interrupt your plans.
Why Choose Diversified Insurance Brokers?
Since 1980, our family-owned firm has helped thousands of clients find customized, affordable insurance solutions. Our advisors compare top-rated travel medical providers—like IMG and PIU—to make sure your policy fits your travel profile, health history, and risk tolerance. We’ll help you navigate exclusions, deductibles, and benefit limits so you know exactly what’s covered before you leave.
Ensure You’re Getting the Best Value
Before your next trip, take five minutes to compare travel medical insurance options. You’ll likely find that the cost is far less than expected and that the coverage could save you thousands if the unexpected happens abroad.
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FAQs: Is Travel Medical Insurance Expensive?
How much does travel medical insurance cost per trip?
Most travelers pay between $2–$5 per day depending on age, destination, and trip duration. Plans are flexible and can be tailored to fit your budget.
Does my U.S. health insurance cover me overseas?
In most cases, no. Medicare and many domestic health plans offer little or no international coverage, making travel medical insurance essential.
What’s the difference between travel medical and trip insurance?
Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses abroad, while trip cancellation insurance reimburses prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
Can I get coverage for long-term travel?
Yes. Extended or international residents can apply for long-term global health coverage through providers like Petersen International Underwriters (PIU).
Does travel medical insurance cover COVID-19?
Many plans now include COVID-19 coverage for treatment and evacuation if contracted while traveling, though limits vary by insurer.
How soon should I buy travel medical insurance?
It’s best to purchase coverage as soon as you book your trip to ensure you’re protected from day one of travel.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
