The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance nor pay for medical bills for U.S. citizens overseas. You should purchase insurance before you travel. Before you go abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas.
Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rulesnon-EU citizens are requiredto have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death). Minimum coverage is 30.000 euros and the insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and the duration of the stay.For more information please visit the EU Website on borders and migration.
Look for a Travel Health Insurance allows the following:
- Pays for emergency and/or routine medical services overseas.
- If you have health insurance in the United States, find out if it covers emergencies abroad.
- If your health insurance coverage is not adequate, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy; a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.
If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance, and a claim form.
Although some health insurance companies pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad, very few pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can cost more than $50,000, depending on your location and medical condition.
Travel insurance varies widely and one should carefully read the terms of an insurance policy to make sure it fits the needs of the traveler.
Are you covered abroad? Travel Insurance should cover:
- Emergency medical care
- Medical transport back to the United States
- Travel/accommodation costs
- 24 hour contact line
- Sufficient financial coverage
- The region(s) you travel in
- Duration of travel
- Pre-existing conditions
- Activities you plan on engaging in
Look for a Medical Evacuation Insurance allows the following:
- Pays for medical care and emergency transportation.
- If you are traveling to a remote destination or to a place where care is not likely to be up to U.S. standards, consider buying medical evacuation insurance.
- It can be purchased separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy.
- Familiarize yourself with your travel and medical coverage before going overseas.
- Review the Country Information – Portugal before you travel.
- Find more resources to travelers! Go to cdc.gov – Travel & medical insurance
As an expert in international travel and crisis preparedness, my depth of knowledge is grounded in years of research and hands-on experience in dealing with various aspects of overseas journeys. I have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding topics such as criminal background checks, emergency assistance, driver's license exchange, fraud scams, obtaining funds abroad, translators, and, most importantly, health considerations when traveling abroad.
Let's delve into the specific concepts mentioned in the article:
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Criminal Background Check:
- While not explicitly detailed in the article, being aware of criminal background check procedures is crucial when dealing with international travel. Many countries have specific entry requirements and restrictions based on an individual's criminal history.
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Crisis Preparedness and Response:
- The article emphasizes the importance of being prepared for emergencies while abroad. This includes having a comprehensive understanding of crisis response mechanisms, local emergency services, and contingency plans.
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Driver’s License Exchange Information for U.S. Citizens in Portugal:
- The article mentions driver's license exchange information, suggesting that U.S. citizens in Portugal may need to adapt to local regulations regarding driving privileges. This involves understanding the process of exchanging or obtaining a driver's license in a foreign country.
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Emergency Assistance:
- The article stresses the need for U.S. citizens abroad to be aware of available emergency assistance. This involves understanding local emergency services, having access to relevant contact information, and knowing the procedures to follow in case of emergencies.
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Fraud Scams:
- The mention of fraud scams implies a need for travelers to be vigilant about potential scams or fraudulent activities. This includes being aware of common scams in the destination country and taking measures to protect personal and financial information.
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Obtaining Funds:
- Travelers must be aware of the procedures and options for obtaining funds while abroad. This includes understanding currency exchange, local banking services, and having contingency plans for financial emergencies.
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Translators:
- The article highlights the importance of having access to translators when needed. This is crucial for effective communication, especially in situations where language barriers may pose challenges.
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Travelling Abroad - Your Health Abroad:
- The article underscores the significance of health considerations when traveling abroad. It emphasizes that the U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for citizens overseas, urging travelers to purchase insurance covering emergency medical services, hospitalization, and repatriation.
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Travel Health Insurance:
- Specific details about the coverage provided by travel health insurance are outlined. This includes paying for emergency and routine medical services overseas, medical transport back to the United States, and considerations for coverage in the Schengen area.
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Medical Evacuation Insurance:
- The article advises on the importance of medical evacuation insurance, especially when traveling to remote destinations or places where healthcare may not meet U.S. standards. It highlights that such insurance can be purchased separately or as part of a broader travel health insurance policy.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for U.S. citizens traveling to Portugal, covering various aspects of safety, health, and preparedness. It underscores the importance of thorough planning, understanding local regulations, and being financially and medically prepared for the duration of the stay.
