ObamaCare Health Plans: Am I Covered When I Travel?
ObamaCare health plans offer coverage that stay within certain networks, but does it cover you when you travel? It depends.
What if I Have a Health Emergency in Another Country?
Most ObamaCare health plans do not cover foreign emergency care. When traveling abroad and while cruising you’ll want to get travel insurance.
What if I Have a Health Emergency in Another State?
One of the essential health benefits of ObamaCare is that all emergencies must be covered at in-network costs. So you don’t have to worry if you break your arm in hiking in Utah but your plan is in California.
What if I Travel in the U.S. and Need Non-Emergency Care?
While most Obamacare health plans have a limited network within your area and do not cover you for out of network costs, some plans, like a PPO, allow you to visit out of network doctors. However, just because you may be able to visit out of network doctors for non-emergency care does not always mean you will have coverage outside of your state. You will need to check with your provider or agent to see if you are covered. Click here to see the difference between an HMO, EPO, and PPO.
To learn more about a health plans network call 800-930-7956 or to apply go to HealthApplication.com.
Comments and Questions
Click to leave a CommentComment from Richard Cupryjak on May 19, 2016
I have currently medical coverage as required by Obamacare. I will be leaving USA for 4 months on extended vacation and I know that I need to purchase insurance in another country since my coverage is only valid in USA. Can I suspend my medical coverage for the time I spent abroad since it does not provide me with any benefits while I am outside USA?
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Richard,
I just checked with my contact at Covered Ca and they said that you would have to maintain your coverage while you’re gone for 4 months. If you choose not to, you will be subject to a penalty and may not be able to enroll in insurance until January 1st. You would have to be out of the country for 330 days or 3 months or less to qualify. If you were out of the country for 330 days, when you return you have a qualifying event to enroll. If you were out of the country for 3 months, you may not have a qualifying event to enroll. Hope this helps!
-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from Amy on April 16, 2016
Does “Obama Care” insurance include coverage for American students studying abroad? (for example: on a Semester abroad program, or on a year long study program). Thank you.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Amy,
Obamacare plans do not offer international health coverage. You will want to contact the company you are working with to study abroad, and they should put you in touch with the right insurance.
-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from lori ferguson on January 01, 2015
I am looking to start travel nursing with in the usa, what plan would you recommend I obtain? My primary resifence will be ny. I plan to go to tx, ca, and ak.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Lori,
There may be an insurance company that will offer nationwide coverage, however without knowing additional information about you we wouldn’t be able to suggest a plan. Please call 800-930-7956 to speak to an agent who may help you find the right plan for you.
-Chris www.medicoverage.com