Finance & Performance
When traveling outside the country, medical coverage must be sufficiently high to cover hospitalization, surgery and medication. Top-of-the-range policies offer $250,000 to $500,000 for treatment and $500,000 to $1 million for evacuation. Financial guides recommend targeting a minimum of $250,000 in medical expenses for travel outside the E.U., and $500,000 for evacuation.
We use the Forbes Advisor 2026 grid (medical and evacuation ceilings at 15% each), but weight medical coverage more heavily, as this is the most frequent expense item abroad.
We examine the coverage of pre-existing illnesses and the time required to obtain the waiver (often within 14 days of the travel deposit).
We check exclusions (extreme sports, high-risk countries, pandemics).
We compare the levels of medical cover provided by Allianz, IMG, Seven Corners, World Trips, Travelex and AXA.
Allianz OneTrip Prime / Premier – Balanced coverage.
Allianz offers plans with $50,000 medical care (Prime) and evacuation up to $1 million. They include benefits such as visiting a loved one in hospital, returning a child, and tele-consultation services. Although Allianz doesn’t reach $500,000 in medical expenses, their assistance service and the quality of the organization make them a solid choice for travel in North America or Europe.
IMG Travel LX – Maximum Care. This plan provides $500,000 medical coverage and $1 million evacuation. It includes a hospital option of your choice, 75% CFAR reimbursement and pet benefits. This plan is suitable for remote or high-risk destinations.
Seven Corners / HTH / World Trips – Various medical plans.
Seven Corners Trip Protector: medical coverage up to $250,000, evacuation coverage up to $500,000, possibility of CFAR/IFAR (75%) and 150% reimbursement in the event of interruption.
HTH Travel Insurance: offers medical and long term plans up to age 95 withevacuation ceilingsof $500,000. The TripProtector Classic plan covers pre-existing illnesses if the policy is purchased within 14 days of booking.
World Trips (Atlas Journey): offers modular plans (Elevate, Essential) with solid medical ceilings and adventure sports options. The Atlas Journey Elevate plan features a low deductible and extensive baggage coverage.
Travelex / Generali / Nationwide – A good compromise. Travelex offers medical plans (from $50,000 to $500,000) with cancellation and delay options. Generali Premium stands out for its coverage of pre-existing conditions and generous interruption indemnity. Nationwide offers cruise-specific plans with an international medical network.
AXA Travel / AXA Schengen – Basic coverage. AXA Schengen provides the minimum for obtaining a visa (€30,000). AXA Assistance USA’s top-of-the-range plans cover up to $250,000 in medical care and $1 million in evacuation, but we place them at the bottom of the ranking for medical coverage, as other insurers offer higher ceilings at comparable prices.
| Insurer | Medical coverage | Evacuation | Highlights | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz | 50,000 (Premium/Premier) | 1 M $ | Robust assistance, family tour options, cancellation | European/American travel |
| IMG Travel LX | 500 000 $ | 1 M $ | Hospital of choice, CFAR/IFAR 75%, veterinary care | Risky or multi-destination travel |
| Seven Corners | 250 000 $ | 500 000 $ | Interruption 150%, CFAR/IFAR 75%, cruises | Cruisers, long stay |
| HTH | 125 000 $ à 250 000 $ | 500 000 $ | Pre-existing policyholders covered (if subscribed <14 days), seniors up to age 95 | Seniors, expatriates |
| World Trips | 250 000 $ à 500 000 $ | 500,000 to $1M | Flexible ceilings, adventure sports options, generous baggage allowance | Adventurers, globetrotters |
| Travelex / Generali / Nationwide | 50 000 $ à 500 000 $ | 250 000 $ à 500 000 $ | Family packages, cancellations, delays | Families, mixed trips |
| AXA Assistance | 30 000 € à 250 000 $ | 30 000 € to $1 M | Schengen certificate, basic coverage | Visa applicants or tight budgets |
* Refer to each contract for details.
How much medical cover do I need to travel outside the E.U.?
Recommended plans offer $250,000 to $500,000 for medical expenses and $500,000 to $1 million for evacuation. A lower limit may be sufficient in Europe, where the cost of care is lower, but stays in the U.S., Switzerland or Japan require higher levels of coverage.
Why don’t some insurance companies pay for pre-existing illnesses?
Most exclude conditions existing between 60 and 180 days prior to travel. Some insurers, such as Allianz or HTH, offer a waiver if the insurance is purchased within 14 days of the first payment and if the traveler is fit to travel at the time of purchase.
What’s the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance?
Travel insurance covers a limited period and often includes cancellation, delay and baggage. International health insurance (e.g. CFE, expatriate) provides continuous coverage, but does not include repatriation. For longer stays, HTH or IMG offer annual plans with health and evacuation cover.
Is a bank card enough?
As explained above, most cards offer very little medical coverage (a few thousand dollars). Specialized travel insurance is strongly recommended.