When planning an international trip, most travelers focus on the exciting details—destinations, hotels, excursions, and flights. One critical component, however, is often overlooked until it’s too late: travel insurance, particularly coverage for medical emergencies abroad. Travelers head off on vacation expecting rest and enjoyment, not medical bills, logistical headaches, and uncertainty far from home.

A Local Story with Global Lessons

A recent story involving a New Jersey family highlights just how quickly an overseas vacation can turn into a serious financial and emotional crisis. While on a family trip to the Dominican Republic, the son of retired Robbinsville Police Chief Mike Polaski suffered a traumatic fall that required emergency medical care abroad. What followed was not only a medical emergency, but a complex and costly situation involving treatment in a foreign country and significant out-of-pocket expenses. It’s a powerful reminder that unexpected medical emergencies don’t stop at international borders.

Healthcare Coverage Often Stops When You Leave the U.S.

One of the most common misconceptions among travelers, especially those with excellent health coverage at home, is assuming that existing coverage will extend overseas. In reality:

=> Many U.S. health insurance plans provide limited or no coverage abroad

=> Medicare generally does not cover international medical care

=> Credit cards that advertise “travel protection” often exclude medical treatment (particularly for pre-existing conditions), emergency evacuation, or cap benefits at relatively low levels

Even in popular destinations such as the Caribbean or Europe, hospitals may require upfront payment before treatment is provided, sometimes before care even begins.

Medical Emergencies Are Now the Top Travel Insurance Claim

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, emergency medical expenses have become the most common and costly travel insurance claims, surpassing trip cancellations for the first time in more than a decade. One traveler who broke her pelvis on a solo trip to Spain incurred more than $120,000 in medical and evacuation expenses. Luckily, those costs were fully covered by a Travel Guard policy purchased prior to departure. Medical evacuation, especially air ambulance transport back to the United States, can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars on its own.

What Travel Insurance Can Help Cover

While coverage varies by policy, comprehensive travel insurance may include:

=> Emergency medical treatment outside the U.S.

=> Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

=> Trip interruption coverage if you must return home early

=>Trip cancellation for covered reasons, including certain family medical emergencies

=> Coverage for pre-existing conditions when purchased within required timeframes

For travelers whose primary concern is medical risk rather than trip cancellation, medical-only policies are also available and can be a cost-effective option.

Preparedness Is Part of Smart Travel

No one expects to become ill or injured while traveling. But unfamiliar environments, language barriers, and different healthcare systems can turn even minor issues into major challenges, especially when far from home. Travel insurance should be viewed as a practical safeguard. Just as we insure our homes, cars, and businesses, travel insurance helps protect both a financial investment and offers peace of mind when traveling internationally.

A Thoughtful Step Before Your Next Trip

International travel creates unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences. Taking a few extra steps before departure to understand coverage options can help ensure those memories aren’t overshadowed by unexpected costs or stress.

The lesson is simple: planning well means planning for the unexpected. Travel insurance isn’t about assuming the worst, it’s about traveling confidently, knowing you’re prepared.

Author Bio

Virginio “Virge” Cavalli is a travel advisor with Cruise Planners, a nationally recognized travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, guided tours, and international vacation planning. Based in Robbinsville, New Jersey, Virge and his wife, Cheryl, work with families, couples, and retirees throughout the region to create memorable travel experiences while helping clients navigate important considerations such as flights, accommodations, and travel protection.