Yes! Most US health insurance plans don't cover you abroad, or only provide limited coverage. Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and more. Medicare doesn't cover international travel at all.

CFAR coverage is an optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not otherwise covered by standard policy. It typically reimburses 50-75% of non-refundable trip costs. CFAR must usually be purchased within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit and costs about 40-60% more than standard coverage.

Travel insurance typically costs 4-10% of your total trip cost. For a $3,000 trip, expect to pay $120-$300. Factors affecting price include your age, trip cost, destination, length of trip, and coverage level. Medical-only plans are cheaper, while comprehensive plans with CFAR cost more.

Buy as soon as you book your trip. Early purchase ensures you're covered if you need to cancel before departure and may unlock time-sensitive benefits like pre-existing condition waivers and CFAR coverage. Most insurers require CFAR to be purchased within 14-21 days of your initial trip payment.

Many policies offer a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet certain requirements: purchase insurance within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit, insure the full non-refundable trip cost, and are medically able to travel when you buy the policy. Always disclose all conditions when purchasing.

Medicare generally does not cover healthcare outside the United States. There are limited exceptions (emergencies in Canada/Mexico under specific circumstances). If you're traveling internationally, you'll need supplemental travel medical insurance. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited international coverage.

Emergency medical evacuation covers transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility if local care is insufficient, or repatriation to the US if medically necessary. This can cost $50,000-250,000+ without insurance. It includes air ambulance, medical staff during transport, and related medical expenses. This coverage is crucial for remote destinations.