Planning for medical care abroad is an essential part of staying safe.
The following is Part 2 of a four-part series of brief, practical guidance to help our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community stay safe when traveling abroad. This guidance is intended for international personal travel; for UMB-related international travel, please consult the Global Hub and International Operations for additional information. The series was written by the UMB Office of Public and Occupational Health in collaboration with Wilbur Chen, MD, director of the Travel Medicine Practice at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.
Health care access varies widely across regions, making planning essential.
Check your insurance before you travel: Contact your health insurer to ask whether you are covered outside the United States, what care is included (emergency vs. routine), whether you must pay up front, and whether medical evacuation is covered. Many U.S. plans provide limited overseas coverage, and travelers are often responsible for costs at the time of care.
If gaps exist, consider supplemental travel health or evacuation insurance. Understanding your coverage in advance can prevent significant financial and logistical challenges if you become ill while abroad.
Role of U.S. embassies and consulates: If you become ill while traveling, U.S. embassies or consulates can provide lists of local physicians and hospitals, assist with communication, and help you contact family or your insurance provider. They do not provide medical care or pay for services but can be a valuable resource for navigating care in an unfamiliar setting. Learn more.
Plan for:
- Possible out-of-pocket costs
- Need for medical evacuation in serious cases
For individualized travel health guidance, schedule a consultation with the Travel Medicine Practice at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.