Does my car insurance work abroad?
Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.
Your U.S. policy likely only covers you in the U.S. and Canada, so you'll need a separate policy when driving in all other countries. Whether you plan to drive across a border or rent or purchase a car overseas, you have plenty of options for getting the international auto insurance coverage each country requires.
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
No, your U.S. car insurance doesn't protect you while driving in Europe. Your rental car fee should include any liability insurance required by the country you're visiting.
If you buy a car in your new country of residence, you are generally required to buy an auto insurance plan from a local company. International car insurance is specifically designed for people who are taking their current vehicle to a foreign country.
Yes, you can pause car insurance, but it depends on your circumstances and insurer. Whether you need to take your car off the road due to work commitments, moving abroad, traveling, or for any other reason, pausing your car insurance may be a great way to save money.
We can arrange insurance in more than 30 countries and have several offices overseas. You can stop in to pay a bill, make a policy change, or maybe even get a recommendation for someplace that serves your favorite local dish!
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage. Through the Overseas Assistance Center, you're covered when working or traveling overseas.
Can you use American insurance in Europe?
Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation. If you're searching for the best Europe travel insurance that money can buy, consider the following plans and all they have to offer.
- Emergency medical and hospital expenses.
- Repatriation to the UK for ongoing medical treatment.
- Cancelling or cutting short your trip.
- Lost or stolen luggage and property.
- Loss or theft of passports and travel documentation.
- Flight delays or cancellations.
- Personal liability cover.
Whether travelling in the UK or Europe, you'll need to take out insurance when hiring a car. Whichever car hire company you go with, they will provide you with basic insurance – but you'll need to check the small print to see what this covers.
You might be able to get some emergency coverage abroad to an extent, but you won't be able to visit a doctor for a routine procedure or buy prescription medication and expect a reimbursement. Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have.
In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go. Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums.
Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.
Your personal auto insurance policy typically covers you in all 50 states and Canada. Whether you're driving cross-country or vacationing in another state, you're protected up to the full extent of your policy's coverages and limits.
Suspending Your Insurance
Not all states or insurance companies allow for coverage to be suspended, so before deployment be sure to check with your insurance company and state insurance department to get a handle on the specific laws and policy limitations for your situation.
have continuous coverage even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. Surrender the license plate/tag BEFORE cancelling your insurance. purchase the policy from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida.
But when driving abroad, your own insurance is unlikely to cover you. Fortunately, there's usually more than one way to limit your financial risk in case of an accident. Baseline rates for European rentals nearly always include liability coverage — for accident-related damage to anyone or anything outside the car.
Does my car insurance cover me in Mexico?
Your U.S. auto insurance won't cover you after crossing the border of Mexico. You'll need a special Mexican auto insurance policy to legally drive in Mexico, which can be acquired through an insurance provider.
Most countries do offer and require car insurance. However, insurance policies will differ. There are also varying degrees of requirements, coverage options, and laws regarding auto insurance, depending on your location. For instance, some countries may require a minimum of liability insurance.
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
- Travelex Insurance: Our top pick.
- Nationwide Travel Insurance: Best for baggage coverage.
- AIG Travel Guard: Best for families.
- Faye: Best cancel for any reason coverage.
- WorldTrips: Most affordable comprehensive coverage.
- Generali Global Assistance: Best for trip interruption coverage.
Read your policy terms: Different insurers have different rules about international residency. Some will maintain your coverage; others may only offer reduced benefits or even cancel your policy. On the other hand, some policies have international riders that specifically cater to expatriates.
