Glossary term · Visa & travel
Travel health insurance (also: Travel medical insurance, Medical evacuation insurance): Travel health insurance is cover for medical costs and, often, medical evacuation while travelling abroad, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions.
Travel health insurance covers some medical costs while you are abroad and, with evacuation cover, transport home if you become seriously ill. The CDC warns that domestic health plans may not cover care abroad. Medical tourists may need supplemental cover, including medical evacuation. Many ordinary travel policies exclude treatment you planned to have, so read the terms carefully.
What does official guidance recommend?
The CDC Yellow Book says domestic plans may not cover care abroad. It says medical tourists might need supplemental medical insurance, including medical evacuation cover. The CDC’s traveller page advises international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation home. It also warns that follow-up care for complications can be expensive and may not be covered.
What should you ask an insurer?
- Does the policy cover any part of a planned treatment trip, or only unexpected illness?
- Are complications of planned treatment covered, in India or after you return?
- How are pre-existing conditions handled?
- Is medical evacuation included, and to which country?
- Will you pay the hospital directly, or must I pay first and claim later?
- Is the attendant covered too?
Are there other forms of cover?
Ask the hospital whether it can suggest any complication cover for medical travellers, and ask your employer or national insurer whether they cover any treatment abroad with prior approval. Get any approval in writing before you travel.
What records will an insurer need?
Keep copies of your hospital estimate, invoices, discharge summary and medical reports. The CDC advises getting copies of all your medical records before you go home. These documents support any claim and help doctors at home.
Questions people ask
Will my travel insurance pay for my surgery in India?
Usually not, if the surgery is the reason for the trip. Most travel policies cover unexpected illness and accidents. Ask the insurer in writing whether planned treatment or its complications are covered.
Does my attendant need insurance?
Yes. An attendant can fall ill or be injured while in India. Make sure the attendant has their own travel health insurance that matches their age and health.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.