International Travel and Healthcare Emergencies – Are you Prepared to Pay for Care?

Do you keep a credit card open when you travel overseas to pay hospital fees for medical emergencies? Many people who travel abroad might not be aware that, for foreigners in need of medical care, money is often required up-front. That's right, if you are like thousands of travelers each year, in order to receive hospital care from Mexico to the Dominican Republic, Philippines or many other countries – an upfront payment could be required. While some insurance companies may reimburse you a percentage of the bill (often at the out-of-network rate), there are exemptions and requirements to claim reimbursement. Even travel insurance doesn’t typically pay on the spot and, depending on why you were hospitalized, may not pay at all.

Medical Emergencies Abroad

In the US, a patient is protected by The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). EMTALA requires any hospital that accepts Medicare to treat and stabilize all people presenting with medical emergencies or active labor regardless of ability to pay. Because EMTALA is so ingrained in our healthcare system, people might assume the same coverage for care is provided abroad – but it’s not. According to Forbes, “If you need medical care in another country, you will probably need to pay upfront. This is the case in most countries, including Mexico and Canada.” Thousands of Americans take off for international locales every summer not knowing that inability to pay means they or their loved ones might not be able to access the appropriate level of care when they need it most.

Hospitalized Overseas

If the patient needs ongoing hospital care, the costs for that have to be paid in advance in many countries. In fact, there have been cases where patients were waylaid (link : Couple Stuck in Mexican Hospital Over $14K Bill (people.com)) and not discharged until the hospital bills were satisfied. Aside from the costs, the level of care and privacy in hospitals abroad are not on par with expectations of patients used to hospital care in the US. From dormitory-style wards to having to purchase food and hygiene supplies themselves – most US patients would be shocked at the conditions of some foreign hospitals compared to the standards they are accustomed to.

Secure High-quality Medical Care Abroad

While many places will be able to offer the same (or better) standard of care as a US hospital, concerns about uncovered costs and inability to pre-pay for those services are a real issue. Most people would simply prefer to be home if they need hospital care; closer to family and their own doctors. Fortunately, AirMed International can assist those with a preference for care in the US and those who cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for care abroad. As a member, if you are ill or injured abroad and hospitalized, a call to AirMed International is all it takes to coordinate medevac to the US or Canada. Our team handles all the logistics ensuring you receive top-notch, ICU level care and transport back home. While anyone can request medevac with AirMed International, our members pay nothing out-of-pocket for this invaluable peace of mind. Learn more before you travel at AirMed.com/membership.

Does Health Insurance Cover You When Traveling Outside The U.S.? – Forbes Advisor