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Can I buy travel medical insurance only?

Travel medical insurance is offered either as part of comprehensive travel insurance plans, or may be purchased as a stand-alone plan. If you have a comprehensive plan, you may also be covered by other travel-related coverages, such as trip cancellation or interruption.



Yes, you can absolutely purchase Travel Medical Insurance as a standalone product, separate from "comprehensive" travel insurance. While comprehensive plans cover things like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and flight delays, "Medical Only" or "Travel Health" plans focus exclusively on emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and emergency medical evacuation. These plans are often significantly cheaper and are ideal for travelers who have already booked non-refundable trips or those who are traveling "budget-style" and only care about the catastrophic financial risk of a foreign hospital bill. In 2026, many countries (particularly in the Schengen Area) require proof of a specific amount of medical coverage (usually €30,000) for visa approval, and a standalone medical policy is a perfect way to meet this requirement. It is important to check if the plan covers "pre-existing conditions" and includes "repatriation of remains," as these are critical features for international travelers seeking true peace of mind.

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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).

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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.

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