Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it comes with its share of risks—especially when it comes to your health. Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, road-tripping across Europe, or taking a luxury cruise, unexpected medical issues can turn an amazing trip into a nightmare. That’s where travel health insurance steps in—offering peace of mind and financial protection when you’re far from home.
Many travelers overlook or misunderstand travel health insurance, assuming it’s optional or too complicated. But the reality is, a simple accident or illness abroad could lead to thousands in out-of-pocket costs, especially in countries where healthcare is expensive or not easily accessible. Knowing how to choose the right policy is just as important as booking your flight or packing your bag.
This post will walk you through smart, practical tips for getting the best health insurance when traveling, highlight common mistakes people make, and explore why this topic can be surprisingly controversial—especially among seasoned travelers and digital nomads.
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BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Quick & Easy Tips
Know the difference between travel insurance and health insurance. Travel insurance often covers cancellations and lost luggage but may not include adequate medical coverage. Look for a dedicated health insurance plan for longer trips or specific health risks.
Check if your existing health plan offers international coverage. Many don’t, or they limit what they’ll reimburse. Don’t assume you’re already covered.
Buy based on your trip, not just price. A plan for a two-week beach vacation is different than what a digital nomad or long-term traveler needs.
Pay attention to exclusions. High-risk activities like scuba diving, skiing, or even motorbike use are often not covered unless you add them.
Choose a policy with 24/7 emergency assistance. You don’t want to be figuring things out at 2 a.m. in a foreign hospital.
Look at evacuation and repatriation coverage. Getting flown home in a medical emergency can cost tens of thousands of dollars without it.
While most travel experts advise having health insurance, there’s a growing debate among long-term travelers and digital nomads about whether it’s always worth it. Some claim that self-insuring—setting aside money for emergencies—is cheaper in the long run, especially in countries with low-cost healthcare. Others argue that unless you’re extremely lucky (and healthy), this is a huge gamble.
Another controversial issue? U.S.-based travelers often face dramatically higher insurance premiums due to the healthcare system back home. Some people even choose to use a foreign address to get cheaper international insurance, toeing the line legally and ethically. There’s a gray zone in how policies are marketed and enforced, and not all providers will pay claims easily if they suspect you’re bending the rules.
Lastly, many policies are intentionally vague or buried in fine print. Travelers often find out too late that “pre-existing conditions” aren’t covered, that mental health issues are excluded, or that their provider requires upfront payment before reimbursement. The industry is not always transparent, and not all insurers are equally reliable.
HEYMONDO IS OUR FAVORITE QUALITY-PRICE
Heymondo Travel Insurance prices valid for 90 days are so competitive. This is Heymondo’s Long Stay Plan. If you are coming from Europe/UK, for example in Spain, you will pay around $45 USD per person valid for 30 days. It means for $135 USD you will get your Travel Insurance with Heymondo valid for 90 days. For even cheaper, you can book here with Heymondo discount code.
Here’s another example. Let’s say you are coming from Canada or the Philippines, like Rachel. Heymondo Travel Insurance prices are similar and you will have to pay $140 USD for 90 days for a travel insurance with Heymondo.
If you are from the United States you will pay $260 USD for 90 days which is $85 USD per person for 30 days. You can get even cheaper if you book here with Heymondo discount code!
Genki Insurance Cheapr Price
Offerings: Genki provides worldwide health insurance plans, specifically tailored for expatriates.
Coverage: Their coverage includes comprehensive medical coverage, including hospital expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. Genki also offers optional add-ons for non-emergency medical treatments.
Pricing: While Genki offers extensive coverage, its pricing might be less competitive compared to other providers, especially for short-term travel.
Customer Service: Genki has a 24/7 customer service line and is generally praised for its prompt and helpful responses. Some customers, however, have reported issues with claim reimbursements.
Assess Your Health And Travel Needs
Before you start looking for the best health insurance plan, it’s essential to evaluate your health and travel needs. Consider any pre-existing medical conditions and the kind of activities you’ll be participating in during your trip. This will help you determine the level of coverage you need and identify any specific benefits you should look for in a policy.
Compare Different Health Insurance Plans
Not all health insurance plans are created equal. Some offer comprehensive coverage, while others may provide only basic protection. To find the best plan for your needs, compare various policies and their benefits, including the extent of medical coverage, the types of treatments and services covered, and any limitations or exclusions.
Consider Purchasing A Travel-Specific Health Insurance Plan
Some health insurance providers offer travel-specific plans, which are designed to provide coverage for health emergencies during international trips. These plans often include benefits such as emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and 24/7 assistance services, which can be invaluable during a medical crisis abroad.
Look For A Plan With A Broad Network Of Healthcare Providers
When choosing a health insurance plan, make sure it includes a wide network of healthcare providers, particularly in the regions you plan to visit. This ensures that you’ll have access to quality medical care wherever you are and can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Check For Coverage Of Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s crucial to find a plan that provides coverage for it. Not all health insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions, and some may only offer limited coverage. Make sure to read the fine print and confirm that your chosen plan offers the coverage you need.
Understand The Importance Of Medigap For International Travel
Medigap is a supplemental insurance policy designed to help cover any Medicare-approved expenses, including emergency medical costs during international travel. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s essential to consider purchasing a Medigap plan before embarking on your journey. Medigap plans can help fill the gaps in your Medicare coverage, providing additional protection and peace of mind while you’re abroad.
Medigap policies often cover 80% of emergency medical costs during the first 60 days of international travel, with a lifetime limit of $50,000. This coverage can be crucial in case of an unexpected health emergency, as Medicare generally doesn’t provide coverage outside the United States.
Review The Policy’s Cancellation And Refund Terms
Unexpected events can sometimes force you to cancel or change your travel plans. Make sure to understand the cancellation and refund terms of your health insurance policy to avoid any financial losses in such situations.
Conclusion
Getting the right health insurance for your trip is less about fear and more about freedom. Knowing you’re covered lets you focus on exploring, experiencing, and enjoying your travels without constant worry about what could go wrong. It’s one of the smartest ways to protect both your finances and your well-being on the road.
That said, don’t just buy the first plan that pops up in a search. Read reviews, compare coverage details, and consider your specific itinerary, health needs, and risk tolerance. Think of it like packing the right gear—tailor your insurance to fit your journey.
In the end, skipping travel health insurance may save you money upfront, but the cost of not having it—physically, emotionally, and financially—can be far greater. Plan smart, read the fine print, and travel with confidence knowing you’re covered for the unexpected.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.