As summer approaches, many of us are booking flights, reserving hotels, and planning long-awaited trips abroad.
Many travelers overlook one important thing: travel medical insurance.
You might be wondering:
“If I already have health insurance, do I really need it?”
The answer—especially in 2026—is yes. Here’s why:
1. Emergency Medical Evacuation Can Be Extremely Expensive
Most U.S. health plans do not cover medical evacuation.
If you experience a serious medical event abroad—such as a heart condition requiring specialized care—you may need transport to another country or back to the U.S.
- From Central America: ~$25,000+
- From Europe or Asia: $100,000+
- Intensive care transport can exceed $250,000
Without travel insurance, these costs are typically out-of-pocket.
2. Access to Trusted Doctors and Hospitals Worldwide
U.S. insurance plans rarely provide international provider networks.
That means in an emergency, you’re left trying to:
- Find a reputable doctor
- Navigate a foreign healthcare system
- Overcome language barriers
Travel insurance gives you access to a pre-vetted global network, so you’re not figuring this out alone.
3. Faster Access to Care
While telemedicine is helpful, it has limitations abroad:
- Overseas pharmacies may not accept your prescriptions.
- Your plan won’t direct you to local in-network providers.
Travel insurance connects you directly to local care providers, helping you get treatment quickly and efficiently.
4. Simplified Claims—No International Paperwork Headaches
Without travel insurance, you may need to:
- Translate medical records
- Convert foreign currencies
- Navigate reimbursement with your U.S. carrier
This can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Travel insurance providers handle international claims directly, making the process far more seamless.
5. Medicare Has Limited or No Coverage Abroad
For those on Medicare, it’s important to note that Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S., and while some Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans offer emergency coverage, it is often very limited.
For example:
- Emergency transport from a cruise ship: $10,000+
- Caribbean to U.S. medical transfer: ~$30,000
- Long-distance ICU transfer: up to $250,000
Affordable Protection for Peace of Mind
In addition, through Solid Health Insurance Services, in partnership with GeoBlue, you have access to flexible travel medical plans, including deductibles ranging from $0 to $500 and coverage limits from $50,000 up to $1,000,000.
👉 Coverage is designed to protect both your health and your finances while traveling abroad.
Before your next trip, take a moment to protect both your health and your finances. You can easily run your quote to get a free travel insurance quote or learn more about your options by reaching out to Solid Health Insurance Services at 310-909-6135 or email us at info@solidhealthinsurance.com—we’re here to help you choose the right coverage so you can travel with confidence.