What Happens if You Get Hurt on Vacation?

Ah… the allure of vacation. A time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere: a twisted ankle during a hike, food poisoning at a resort buffet, or a car accident in a foreign country. Instead of tropical umbrellas in your drink you might find yourself in a doctor’s office, or worse, the emergency room.

Do you know whether your insurance covers you if you get hurt while on vacation?

The answer depends on where you are, what kind of insurance you have, and whether you’ve taken extra steps to protect yourself.

Injured While Traveling in the U.S.?

If you're traveling within the United States, most health insurance plans will cover you for injuries treated in another state, especially for emergencies. Whether you're on a ski trip in Colorado or visiting family in North Carolina, your insurance network might not apply, but emergency care is usually still reimbursed at some level. However, you could pay more out-of-pocket if the hospital or provider is out-of-network.

The same applies to auto accidents. Your car insurance policy typically follows you across all U.S. states, and may even provide limited rental coverage if you're using a rental car. But make sure to confirm your policy’s specifics, especially if you’re borrowing a car or traveling with family or friends.

Injured While Traveling Abroad?

Here’s where things get tricky. Most U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside the country, with the exception of some emergency care and Medicare Advantage plans with travel benefits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 30% of travelers report a health problem during or after international trips. Yet, few are financially prepared for it. Emergency evacuation, for example, can cost $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on location.

That’s why travel insurance or travel medical insurance is so important. These plans can cover:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Medical evacuation
• Trip interruption due to medical issues

Some travel insurance even offers 24/7 multilingual support to help you find care fast in unfamiliar countries.

Supplemental Products That Help

If you're worried about gaps, consider:

• Travel Medical Insurance: For international trips, especially if you’re traveling to a country with limited healthcare infrastructure.
• Accident or Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Provides a cash benefit if you’re hospitalized or injured, helping with deductibles, lost income, or additional travel costs.
• Medical Evacuation Coverage: Critical if you’re exploring remote areas or taking cruises.

Getting hurt on vacation is bad enough. Don’t let unexpected medical bills make it worse. Check your health and auto coverage before you go, and consider supplemental policies to close the gaps. You’ll enjoy your trip a lot more knowing you're protected.

If you are planning your next vacation and would like a review of how your policies may (or may not) cover you while traveling, let’s chat!