Planning a trip abroad can expose you to costly medical risks. This guide shows how to choose overseas health insurance, compare deductibles and policy exclusions, and verify evacuation coverage and the claims process.

If you're heading abroad, overseas health insurance protects you from unexpected medical bills that your domestic plan may not cover. Unlike general travel insurance, which focuses on trip cancellation and baggage, it centers on international medical coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescriptions.

When comparing policies, examine coverage limits, the deductible, coinsurance, and out‑of‑pocket maximums. Read policy exclusions carefully, noting adventure sports, high‑risk activities, and regions under travel advisories. Check provider networks and whether direct billing is available.

Be clear about pre-existing conditions and how they are evaluated; some plans offer limited look‑back waivers or require medical underwriting. Confirm emergency evacuation coverage and repatriation benefits, especially if traveling to remote areas with scarce specialty care.

Before you buy, verify documentation requirements for claims process steps, including incident reports, medical records, and receipts, and ask about filing deadlines. Compare insurers’ support channels, multilingual assistance, and 24/7 hotlines to ensure your overseas care runs smoothly.