The main risks
Tourists should compare medical maximum, deductible, emergency room rules, urgent care, pre-existing condition language, evacuation, repatriation, and whether the insurer has US assistance support.
A low premium can hide low maximums or narrow exclusions.
What to do before travel
Bring policy documents, assistance phone number, passport information, medication list, and emergency contacts. Know whether the policy pays providers directly or reimburses you later.
Questions to ask
- Is this coverage category available for my location, age, residency status, and enrollment window?
- Which doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centers are in network?
- What deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum could apply?
- Are prescriptions, referrals, prior authorization, or medical records required?
- What should I get in writing before I enroll, travel, or schedule care?
Red flags
- A salesperson avoids written plan documents or official carrier links.
- The pitch focuses only on monthly premium and skips deductible, network, exclusions, and maximum exposure.
- Someone says a doctor, hospital, country, or procedure is covered without written verification.
- A limited-benefit, short-term, travel, or discount product is described like full major medical insurance.
Official sources to verify
Next step
Use the navigator to organize your situation, then verify plan-specific details with official sources, insurers, employer benefits teams, or licensed professionals.