Health Insurance for Travel Outside the USA...
Here is a choice of competing, international (single trip) travel insurance plans that may be purchased online for "next-day" coverage. All plans are USA-Style.
Page Contents...
-- Insurance Comparison Table
-- Atlas Travel Series
-- Liaison Majestic - Liaison International
-- Diplomat LT - Diplomat International
-- TravelGap Excursion
-- Quick-Pick Suggestions
The most important differences are not in the benefits or rates, but rather in the definitions and exclusions, the policy wording by which your insurance claims are actually paid . . . or not paid.
| Temporary Health Plan | Atlas Travel Series |
Liaison Majestic Liaison International |
Diplomat LT Diplomat International |
TravelGap Excursion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Period (see Buying Tips) |
180 days | 6 months (both plans) |
12 months (both plans) |
Policy Period only |
| Is Health Insurance Company Fully Regulated in Most States? (see Buying Tips) |
Lloyd's, London - "admitted" in KY & IL only, but "approved" in all other states. | Yes (both plans, most states) |
Yes (both plans, all states) |
Yes (not available in all states) |
| Is Health Insurance Policy Renewable? |
Yes, renewable for up to 3 years total |
"Majestic" Yes, up to 3 years "International" Yes, up to 6 months |
"LT" Yes, up to 3 years "International" No, up to 1 year |
No, up to 6 months maximum |
| Is Follow-Up Medical Treatment Covered in the USA? | Yes, as travel for covered medical treatment is not excluded. |
Limited to $5000 maximum in the USA (both plans) |
Limited to $5000 with optional Home Country rider only (both plans) |
No, you must have "primary" coverage in the USA |
| Any Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions? (*Important -See Plan Literature for details.) |
Yes, up to $15,000 (under age 70) + up to $25,000 for Medical Evacuation | For U.S. citizens only, Yes, up to $20,000 (under age 65) Liaison Majestic: New! Fully Covered to policy limit, if under 65, traveling outside the USA or Canada, if you have "primary" coverage in the USA |
None, other than Emergency Medical Evacuation Benefit |
For U.S. citizens only, Yes, Fully Covered, to policy limit, but you must have "primary" coverage in the USA. |
| Evacuation to "Home Country" Expressly Stated in Policy? | No | Yes (both Liaison plans) |
Yes (both Diplomat plans) |
Yes |
| Definition of "Home Country" for plan eligibility purposes. (see policy for details) |
For U.S. citizens, the USA is your "Home Country," regardless of country of residence. | "Fixed and permanent home and principal establishment" | "Fixed and permanent home establishment..." | Available to current U.S. residents in approved states only. |
Atlas Travel Series... International Travel Health & Medical Insurance
Administered by HCC Medical Insurance Services, Inc. (HCCMIS)
Insured by Lloyd's, London.
Atlas Travel Series - Quote & Apply (opens in a new window)
Atlas Travel Series - Plan Brochure (opens in a new window)
Atlas may be purchased in daily increments from 5 days up to one year. Atlas may be renewed for up to 3 years of continuous coverage.
Important - Atlas Eligibility - Definition of "Home Country:"
International travel health insurance plans cover you while traveling outside of your "Home Country."
For Atlas eligibility purposes, if you are a U.S. citizen, your "Home Country" is the United States, regardless of your principal place of residence.
This unique "Home Country" definition is important to American expatriates. For example, if your make your home outside the USA and are traveling back to the USA for a visit, Atlas will NOT work for you. However, if you are a U.S. citizen who resides permanently in another country and you want or need inexpensive coverage for that country (or anywhere outside the USA), then the Atlas plan will work, because as a U.S. citizen, the USA is always your "Home Country" for eligibility purposes.
Plan Advantage - For U.S. citizens traveling abroad, travel back to the USA for follow-up treatment of a covered injury or illness is not excluded and allowed under the Atlas plan. The condition must have been first diagnosed or treated while outside of the USA (see "Review Coverage" on Atlas quote page). Note: upon arrival in the USA, the insurance terminates, but your present condition (if first treated outside the USA) is covered for the balance of the plan "Benefit Period" (see Buying Tips & Reviews #2).
Plan Advantage - If you are a US-citizen under age 70, you are covered for a sudden and unexpected Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition up to a maximum of $15,000 (see plan literature for details).
The "Plan Advantages" noted above make Atlas a strong fit for many travel health insurance needs.
A Limitation to Note - The Atlas Series is underwritten (insured) by Lloyd's, London. Lloyd's is fully "admitted" in only two states, but "approved" in all others (see Buying Tips & Reviews #5). Lloyd's is the only non-USA insurance company that we currently recommend. We do so because Lloyd's has a long and reputable business history in the United States, is admitted or approved in every U.S. state.
What to Expect After You Apply - The plan administrator (HCCMIS) does not mail an insurance policy packet, unless specifically requested. When purchasing on-line, you are asked if you want "on-line fulfillment?" Unless you click the drop-down box and select otherwise, you will not be mailed a policy certificate and ID. There is no additional charge if you select "U.S. mail." In either case, please be sure to print your on-line insurance confirmation page or your e-mail insurance confirmation.
Liaison Majestic & Liaison International... Travel Health & Medical Insurance Plans
Administered by Seven Corners Inc.
Insured by Nationwide Insurance Company (most states).
Liaison Majestic - Quote & Apply (opens in a new window)
For Sample Policy Wording & Brochure - open quote link and see the 2 links in the left column.
Liaison Majestic may be purchased in daily increments, from 5 days up to one year, and renewable for up to 3 years. For longer-term travel, the Majestic Plan is higher cost than the "International" Plan.
Liaison International - Quote & Apply (opens in a new window)
For Sample Policy Wording & Brochure - After completing the quote page, on the following page you will find links to "Program Summary" and "Brochure" just above
your quoted rates.
Liaison International may be purchase in daily increments, from 5 days up to 6 months, renewable for up to 6 months maximum. For short-term travel, Liaison International is lower cost than "Majestic."
Liaison Plans Advantage - For U.S. citizens traveling outside the USA or Canada, this plan will pay up to $20,000 for the sudden and unexpected reoccurrence of a "pre-existing condition," (to $2500 for persons age 65 or over). *New for Liaison Majestic only - For U.S. citizens under age 65, traveling outside the USA or Canada, pre-existing conditions are covered to the policy limit if you have a "primary" health plan in place.
Liaison Plans Advantage - When traveling outside the USA or Canada, the look-back period for "pre-existing conditions" is only twelve (12) months (instead of 36 months).
Liaison Plans Advantage - in most states, insured by a fully regulated insurance company.
Liaison Plans Advantage - Emergency medical evacuation (up to $300,000) is a separate benefit that does not count towards the policy's medical maximum and (Liaison Majestic only) is not subject to the "pre-existing" exclusion for medical benefits. Also, back to "Home Country" is a specifically stated benefit.
Limitation to Note - Travel back to your home country (USA) for follow-up treatment of a covered injury or illness first diagnosed or treated while outside the USA is limited to $5000.
What to Expect After You Apply - Upon completing your online application, a Confirmation page will appear. Within moments, you are sent a confirmation e-mail. Print the Confirmation page or e-mail and make extra copies. This is your insurance confirmation /ID card.
The confirmation/ID contains your policy number, insurance contact information, and critical "Pre-Notification" instructions. This is good, detailed information on using the plan and you should keep it handy in several locations.
Diplomat LT & Diplomat International... Travel Health & Medical Insurance Plans
Administered by Global Underwriters Inc.
Both Diplomat Plans Insured by AIG Insurance Company
Diplomat LT (renewable) - coverage for up to 36 months.
Diplomat LT - Quote & Apply (select "LT" - link opens in a new window)
Diplomat LT - Policy Details (opens in a new window)
Diplomat International (non-renewable) - coverage from 15 days to one year.
Diplomat International - Quote & Apply (select "International" - link opens in a new window)
Diplomat International - Policy Details (opens in a new window)
Plan Advantage - All Diplomat plans are insured by a US-domiciled insurance company that is fully regulated ("admitted") in all 50 states.
*Plan Advantage - All Diplomat plans have a 52 week Benefit Period, as compared to 26 weeks (or less) with most other temporary international health insurance plans.
Plan Advantage - Emergency Medical Evacuation (up to $300,000) is a separate benefit that does not count towards the policy's medical maximum and is not subject to the "pre-existing" exclusion for medical benefits. Also, back to "Home Country" is a specifically stated benefit.
Limitations to Note - There is no medical coverage for "pre-existing conditions," such as the limited or full coverage as found in the other travel health insurance plans offered here.
Diplomat LT (only) limits covered expenses to $1000 maximum for any illness that is first manifested, treated, or diagnosed during the first 30 days of coverage.
What to Expect After You Apply - Upon completing your online application, a confirmation page will appear. This page may be printed to immediately serve as your insurance ID. Within 1 or 2 business days, an insurance packet is mailed to your correspondence address. This packet will include your insurance policy, ID card, claim form, etc..
TravelGap Excursion... International Travel Health Insurance Plan
Administered by HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Insured by HM Life Insurance Company, or UniCare Life
For short-term trips abroad (up to 180 days), if you have "primary insurance" in the USA (e.g. group insurance, individual major medical, Medicare), then there are some good reasons to consider the TravelGap "Excursion" plan. (Note: VA and Medicaid are not "primary" coverage.)
TravelGap Excursion - Quote & Apply (opens in a new window)
TravelGap Excursion - Plan Benefits (opens in a new window)
TravelGap Excursion - Sample Certificate ("pdf," opens in a new window)
Plan Advantage - "Excursion" plan only; there is no exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions. You must not be traveling against doctor's orders (see plan literature for all details).
Plan Advantage - medical evacuation wording specifically includes "back to home area."
A Limitation to Note - no extended "Benefit Period" (see Buying Tips & Reviews #2). However, to qualify for the "Excursion" plan, you must be enrolled in a "primary health plan" in the USA. In such case, an extended Benefit Period would likely be of little or no importance. Important: no extended "Benefit Period" is why we do not recommend the TravelGap "Voyager" plan, which does not require that you have "primary USA insurance" to qualify.
TravelGap Excursion - Quote & Apply (opens in a new window)
What to Expect After You Apply - Upon completing your online application, a Confirmation page will appear and you are sent a confirmation e-mail. Important
telephone numbers are on this confirmation. There is also a link to print your insurance ID card. Your policy is mailed within 24 hours.
Advantage: HTH Worldwide has an extensive network of
doctors and hospitals overseas who accept direct payment for services (much like a "PPO" in the USA). On your confirmation, there are instructions and a link to the HTH log-in page to view/print a list
of providers. (Not available in all areas.) Note that you may go to any doctor or hospital as required, but these are pre-contracted and English-speaking.
Quick-Pick Suggestions...
These quick suggestions are intended to help guide you to the right international travel insurance plan for your exact needs and situation. (See plan literature for exact plan wording.)
1. For U.S. citizens only, if you will have "primary" health insurance while traveling abroad:
Consider Liaison Majestic or TravelGap Excursion.
These plans have limited or no coverage for follow-up treatment in the USA. However, both cover "pre-existing conditions" to the policy limit if you have a "primary" health insurance plan in place in the USA. (Liaison Majestic - this does not apply in Canada.)
2. If you want the option of follow-up medical treatment covered in the USA:
See Atlas Travel Series. Upon return to the USA, the policy ends, but the 180 day Benefit Period does not exclude treatment
in your Home Country for a covered condition first diagnosed and treated while outside of your Home Country.
3. If you want the longest "Benefit Period" available:
See the Diplomat Plans.
(For a definition of "Benefit Period," see See Buying Tips & Reviews #2.}
4. If you need coverage for a "pre-existing" medical conditions:
With "primary" health coverage in the USA, see Liaison Majestic or TravelGap Excursion.
With no "primary" coverage in the USA, see Atlas International,
5. If emergency medical evacuation "back to Home Country" is important wording:
Consider Liaison Majestic, Diplomat Plans, or TravelGap Excursion.
6. If you need coverage for complications of pregnancy:
See Atlas International (first 26 weeks only) or TravelGap Excursion.
7. If you are a U.S. citizen, but live permanently abroad:
See Atlas International. As a U.S. citizen, your "Home Country" is the USA, even if you live permanently outside the USA. You are eligible for temporary coverage (renewable up to 3 years) under the Atlas plan while living in other any country worldwide.
General Comments...
There is no single "best choice" for all situations. The most significant plan differences are in the terms, definitions, and exclusions. We have attempted to highlight many of these key differences here and in greater detail at Buying Tips & Reviews.
International travel health insurance plans are for sudden and unexpected injury or illness while traveling outside of your home country on a temporary basis. While not intended as a substitute for long-term (or annual) "Major Medical" insurance, sometimes these travel insurance plans are used as "primary" health coverage. For example, (1) if you do not qualify for long-term insurance, (2) if you cannot afford long-term insurance, or (3) if you want some coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The international travel health insurance plans found here are not the same type of plans you might get from a travel agent (e.g. temporary trip insurance). These insurance plans are typically much more comprehensive. Here is just a sample of the benefits contained in these plans (see plan literature).
- Hospital
- Intensive Care
- Surgery
- Outpatient Treatment
- Prescription Drug
- Dental due to Accident
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains
- Emergency Reunion
- Return of Minor Children
- Accidental Death or Dismemberment
- 24-Hour International Traveler's Assistance
- Trip Interruption
- Lost Baggage
Your questions are invited - E-mail us,
or call 407-532-3383, or USA toll-free 1-888-227-9449
USA-Style Travel Health & Medical Insurance for most International Travel Insurance Needs.