Will UHC Cover International Travel in 2025? Advantages and explanations for coverage
Understanding UHC and its scope
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) seeks to guarantee that everyone, free from financial constraints, may get the required medical treatment. It should preferably cover palliative care, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and promotion. Definitions differ even if many nations aim for universal healthcare. While some want 99% population coverage, others find 90% plenty. The WHO projects that 4.5 billion people worldwide lack complete coverage of basic healthcare as of October 2023. Disturbing services in most nations, the COVID-19 epidemic worsened the situation.
UHC and international travel: a complex relationship
Most U.S.-based health insurance, including UHC plans, mainly provides domestic care. Particularly in non-emergency cases, international coverage is often either inadequate or nonexistent. According to a 2019 UnitedHealthcare survey, most Americans who travel internationally have not bought travel insurance. Given the expense of foreign medical treatment, this is dangerous. The International Federation of Health Plans pointed out that an overnight hospital stay in Australia may run out-of-pocket costs of almost $1,500. The CDC reports that medical evacuations can cost $100,000 or more.
UHC plans and their limitations abroad
UHC plans such as those provided by PEBB may have service area limitations even inside the United States. Usually, outside these boundaries, only urgent and emergency care are covered. With limited worldwide coverage, UHC Medicare plans are designed for emergencies. Although commercial UHC plans may provide different degrees of overseas coverage, verifying your insurance is essential. Specific plans, including the UHC Choice Plus plan, exclude non-emergency foreign treatment unless the journey lasts more than 45 days.
The role of travel medical insurance
International travel calls for travel medical insurance. It covers the holes left by household health insurance. Among the several companies that sell plans, especially for overseas travel, are GeoBlue, IMG, Seven Corners, and UnitedHealthcare Global's SafeTrip programs. Benefits including medical expenditure coverage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, and lost luggage coverage abound in these plans. A few, like GeoBlue, additionally give destination-specific health information, bilingual support, and access to foreign provider networks.
Navigating healthcare in countries with universal healthcare
Universal healthcare systems abound in several European nations, Canada, and others. Still, these systems mainly benefit people who live there. Visitor access can be restricted and expensive. Although emergency treatment is usually given, non-residents could have to pay hefty expenses. For hospital stays in the UK, for example, non-residents can be charged thousands of pounds daily. For guests, even regular care can be costly; occasionally, pre-payment or confirmation of ability to pay is necessary. Travel medical insurance is thus advised even in nations with universal healthcare.
Factors to consider when choosing travel insurance
When choosing travel insurance, give these things thought:
Coverage area and duration
Ensure the coverage covers your trip's whole duration and your destination.
Medical expenses
Search for sufficient coverage limits, given possible expenses at your location.
Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Verify coverage for these expensive services.
Pre-existing conditions
See whether and how your prior medical conditions are covered.
Activities
: Ensure coverage if you plan on engaging in adventure sports or other potentially risky activities.
Travel assistance services
Including language interpretation and medical referrals, these services can offer helpful assistance in negotiating healthcare overseas.
Real-world examples of medical emergencies abroad
Stories from real life highlight the need for travel insurance. One GeoBlue member had a medical emergency in Mexico. GeoBlue planned a medical evacuation back to the United States, coordinated their treatment, and guaranteed payment to the hospital. Another case was a visitor who broke a bone in Sweden. They needed a wheelchair, a leg brace, and hospitalization. Travel medical insurance can assist with managing such unanticipated expenses and logistics.
Staying informed and prepared
One must plan for possible health problems while abroad. Before starting any foreign journey, the U.S. Department of State advises getting travel insurance. The WHO's International Travel and Health website and the CDC's travel health alerts provide helpful information on health hazards particular to a specific destination and advised safeguards.
| Insurance Provider/Plan | UHC Coverage Abroad | Medical Coverage Abroad | Evacuation/Repatriation | Trip Cancellation/Interruption | Other Benefits/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State | No | No. Recommends purchasing private insurance. | Yes, through repatriation loans. The amount of the loan is based on the cost of a commercial flight, or the actual cost of the evacuation. | No | Offers resources and information on health, safety, and security abroad. |
| GeoBlue Xplorer | No, this plan does not meet ACA requirements. | Yes, worldwide coverage. Customizable deductibles. Direct billing with providers outside the U.S. U.S. network access through Blue Cross Blue Shield. | Yes, up to $1 million. | No | Optional pharmacy benefit, telehealth services, COVID-19 coverage. |
| Travel Guardian Global (UnitedHealthcare Global) | No | Yes, up to $25,000 per person, $100,000 per policy. | Yes, up to $1 million per policy. | Yes, up to $50,000 per policy. Trip interruption up to 100% of trip cost. | Specifically for non-U.S. residents traveling to the U.S. 24/7 assistance services. |
| UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip | No | Yes, internationally (various plans with different maximums, e.g., up to $1 million for International Travel Medical). | Yes (amount varies by plan, up to $500,000). | Yes, some plans. (e.g., International Travel Medical Plus). | 24/7 support, virtual visits, destination profiles. Various plans: International Travel Medical, Travel Protection, International Travel Medical Plus. Available to all Americans. |
| PEBB (Washington State Public Employees Benefits Board) | Varies by plan | Emergency and urgent care often covered. Non-emergency varies significantly by plan (e.g., Kaiser covers some non-emergency with approval, Premera Medicare Supplement has limited emergency coverage abroad). UMP has worldwide coverage, but certain benefits are at in-network rates regardless. | Details vary by plan. | No | Coverage and costs depend greatly on the specific plan chosen (Kaiser, UMP, Premera, etc.). |
| Seven Corners Travel Medical (Excluding USA) | No | Yes, up to $1 million (age dependent). Basic and Choice plans. | Yes, up to $500,000. | Limited Trip Interruption (up to $5,000). Trip delay only with Choice plan. | 24/7 support, COVID-19 treatment coverage. Designed for U.S. residents traveling internationally, excluding the U.S. |
| WHO (World Health Organization) | Promotes UHC globally but does not provide insurance itself. | No | No | No | Works to strengthen health systems and expand health service coverage worldwide. Sets standards and provides guidance for UHC. Publishes reports and data on UHC progress. |
| University of Washington Student Insurance | No | Yes, internationally. Requires waiver for using other insurance. | Yes. Included with UW insurance plan. | CFAR/IFAR available for purchase through CISI. | Comprehensive plan required for study abroad. Insurance waiver possible with proof of equivalent coverage. |
| University of South Florida (USF) Global Health and Security Insurance | No | Yes, up to 365 days. Provided by International SOS (ISOS). | Yes. Included with USF insurance plan. | Yes, trip delay and interruption. | Covers registered USF international travelers (faculty, staff, students). Excludes dependents and guests. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance available separately. |
| Generali Global Assistance | No | Yes, in excess of primary health insurance, up to plan maximum. | Yes, up to $1,000,000 with the Premium plan. | Yes. Covers 20 different trip cancellation/interruption events. | Medical referral and interpretation/translation services. Baggage and personal items coverage. Travel assistance services. |
