Why You Need Travel Health Insurance
We hope it doesn’t happen, but even in paradise, you can suddenly fall ill or need a doctor due to a small accident. To ensure you’re well-prepared, here you’ll learn everything about medical care on-site, what to look for in foreign health insurance for the USA, and how to act correctly in case of an emergency.
The 5 most Important Tips for Foreign Health Insurance
- Choose only insurance with explicit USA coverage
- Ensure sufficiently high coverage limits: at least 500,000 to 1,000,000 US
- Prefer direct billing over advance payment
- Always keep insurance contact documents handy
- Clarify pre-existing conditions medication needs beforehand
Why Foreign Health Insurance for the USA is Indispensable
A medical emergency can quickly become expensive. The USA has one of the best, but also most costly healthcare systems in the world. Without the right foreign health insurance, even minor treatments can cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s important to be well-prepared before traveling, to inform yourself about necessary insurance and medical care on-site, and to have health insurance in place upon entry.
Medical care in the USA is almost exclusively privately organized, which is why even simple doctor visits can quickly lead to high treatment costs. A consultation with a general practitioner can already cost between 100 and 300 US dollars, while a hospital stay can quickly amount to several thousand dollars.
Those who don’t want to be financially overwhelmed in an emergency should opt for solid foreign health insurance. It should offer a high coverage limit, ideally between 500,000 and 1 million US dollars, and preferably allow direct billing with doctors and clinics. The coverage of repatriation costs to Germany can also be a decisive factor if further treatment there would be more sensible or cost-effective.
Important Criteria for Good Insurance
- High coverage limit: At least 500,000 to 1 million US dollars for medical treatments
- Direct billing: The insurance should bill clinics and doctors directly so you don’t have to pay upfront
- Repatriation to Germany: If treatment there is necessary or cheaper, the insurance should cover this
- Explicit validity for the USA: Not every travel health insurance automatically includes the USA
Foreign Health Insurance for the USA
Top offers for your health in the USA with repatriation throughout the entire travel duration.
The 5 Best Providers for Foreign Health Insurance
The most popular providers for foreign health insurance in Germany are those that convince with fair prices, reliable service, and good scope of benefits. Here are the top providers that are regularly recommended in comparisons by Stiftung Warentest, Finanztest or comparison portals:
1. Hanse Merkur
- Very good price-performance ratio
- Comprehensive coverage including repatriation
- Popular for short and long-term trips
- Tariffs: e.g. “Travel Health Protection”, “Annual Insurance”
2. ADAC Foreign Health Protection
- Especially popular with drivers and families
- Good benefits for trips up to 63 days
- Can be booked without ADAC membership
3. Allianz Travel (Formerly Evlia)
- International insurer with strong market position
- Very good protection for long-term stays
- Good service worldwide through partner networks
4. Ergo Travel Insurance
- Flexible tariff design
- Special tariffs for students, au pairs, long-term travelers
- Good accessibility in emergencies
4. Envivas (for TK Members)
- Exclusively for those insured with Techniker Krankenkasse
- Very affordable premiums with good benefits
- Billing also possible via the TK app
Medical Care in Florida – where to Go in an Emergency?
In case of a medical emergency, there are various places to seek help. Life-threatening situations require calling 911 or going directly to a hospital’s emergency room. However, not every incident justifies an expensive visit to the Emergency Room. For less urgent cases, so-called Urgent Care Clinics are often the better choice, as they provide quick assistance and are generally cheaper than hospitals.
Places to Seek Medical Care
- Emergency Room (ER): For serious accidents and acute emergencies, high costs, so use only in severe cases
- Urgent Care Clinics: Quick help for non-life-threatening illnesses, cheaper than a hospital
- Private practice doctors: If you need a regular doctor’s appointment. Costs between 100 and 300 USD per visit
- Pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS): Many over-the-counter medications available, some offer medical advice on-site in so-called Minute Clinics
Those who rely on regular medication should definitely bring the original packaging and ideally carry a doctor’s certificate in English. In the USA, some medications are only available by prescription, even if they are sold over the counter in Germany.
Health Precautions before Traveling to the USA
To best prepare for the trip, standard vaccinations should also be checked and updated if necessary. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the usual vaccinations are relevant for adults and children. For travelers exposed to special risks – for example through outdoor activities such as boating or longer stays in certain areas – additional protection against Hepatitis A and B may be advisable.
Infectious Diseases in Florida
- West Nile Fever: Virus disease transmitted by mosquitoes, protection through mosquito spray and long clothing
- Hantavirus: Found in national parks, transmitted by rodents. Caution when camping and in remote accommodations
- Lyme Disease: Infection transmitted by tick bites, especially in wooded areas
- Rabies: Avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats
- Diarrheal diseases: Do not drink untreated water from lakes or rivers, observe thorough hygiene
What to Do in Case of Illness or Accident?
If health problems occur during your stay, it’s important to stay calm and act thoughtfully. In case of severe emergencies, call 911 emergency service immediately. If it’s a less urgent matter, visiting an Urgent Care Clinic might be more sensible.
Once treatment has been received, it’s advisable to carefully keep all bills, as some international health insurance for the USA may require subsequent reimbursement. A call to the insurance company can also help quickly find out which medical facilities are recommended and how billing is handled.
Conclusion: Staying Healthy in the USA with Good Preparation
International health insurance for the USA is not a luxury, but a necessity. Those who inform themselves early can avoid high costs and react calmly in case of emergency. The medical care in Florida is excellent, but so are its costs – solid coverage ensures that your vacation remains relaxed and worry-free.