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Travel protection plans for individual travel

SafeTrip protection plans are created for individuals, families, business travelers, students and more with a single purpose – to give you the protection you need for the trip you want. It is medical coverage, medical and travel assistance as well as medical evacuation and more.

Choose from three plans that deliver a combination of trip protection, health benefits and safety services.

International Travel Medical Plus:  Travel protection for trip cancellations or interruptions plus international travel medical insurance to cover you for emergency medical costs.

International Travel Medical: Covers you for unexpected health care costs due to accident or illness while abroad.

Travel Protection: Protection for trip cancellation, interruption and delays for U.S. domestic travel only

International insurance plans for business travelers on short-term trips.

International insurance plans for expatriates, multinational and third-country nationals.

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Best International Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, though some countries may insist you have it before crossing their borders. It is also a requirement for the issuance of some visas. Still, international travel is uncertain. You’ll need international travel insurance if you’re about to embark on a trip abroad. 

Travel insurance will protect you from financial loss should you need medical attention, lose your luggage or find yourself stranded in a foreign country — flights cancelled or delayed.  Fortunately, several international travel insurance companies offer packages to suit all travel needs. 

Quick Look: Best International Travel Insurance

Five best international travel insurance, best for digital experience: faye, best for budget insurance: travelex, best for families: arch roamright, best for frequent fliers: allianz travel insurance, best for cruise vacations: nationwide travel insurance, how does international travel insurance work, what does international travel insurance cover.

• Travel Delay 

Trip Cancellation

• Trip Interruption 
• Baggage Insurance 
• Travel Medical Insurance 
• Emergency Medical Evacuation 
• Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) Travel Insurance 
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance 
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

What Is Not Covered by International Travel Insurance

How much does international travel insurance cost, travel with confidence.

• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Best for Travel on a Budget: Travelex International Ltd.
• Best for Cruise Vacation s: Nationwide Travel Insurance

Here are five of the best international travel insurance companies offering essential and add-on services for peace-of-mind travel.

Online travel insurance company Faye offers a single travel plan with optional add-ons. Users access plans and file claims on a free app with 24/7 access. Expect payment directly into a digital wallet. 

The basic insurance covers most medical expenses, including preexisting conditions and medical evacuation, lost or damaged luggage and trip cancellation and interruption. You can also choose add-ons like extreme sports and car rental damage coverage. Prices differ depending on the destination and travel duration. International coverage starts at an affordable $5.16 per day and domestic at $4.64.

• Available 24/7 on mobile app
• Customizable
• Provides nonmedical emergency evacuation up to $100,00
• Emergency medical coverage is no as generous as some of the other packages
• No interruption for any reason

Choose from three Travelex plans. The Basic plan comes in at a below-average premium. Quotes are available online. Benefits include trip delay, interruption and cancellation, baggage coverage and primary and emergency medical care. It also covers emergency medical evacuation. 

The family-directed Travel Select plan includes free coverage for children under 18. Unlike the Basic plan, it covers preexisting medical conditions. It also provides for customized add-ons like adventure sports. Travel America is designed for trips in the U.S. and covers up to seven people in a group. Apply for travel insurance online and get a quote in seconds.

• Three options to suit travel plans
• Free coverage for children under 18
• Domestic travel at a flat rate
• Some add-ons are unavailable on the Basic plan
• Low emergency medical coverage — $15,000 on the Basic plan

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

Choose from Pro and Pro-Plus plans when you insure with Arch RoamRight. Both plans offer free coverage for one child younger than 18 per adult with travel insurance. The children receive the same coverage as the accompanying adult traveler —  cost-effective insurance for traveling families. The insurance covers medical emergencies, travel delays and interruptions and lost luggage. Pro-Plus covers existing conditions. The company offers upgrades for adventure travel, rental car damage and delayed luggage. Make claims by phone, email or online.

• Excellent customer service
• Free coverage for a child younger than 18 per adult
• Two policies and upgrades
• Limited extreme sports coverage

If you’re looking for all the travel insurance essentials on a budget, the Allianz One Trip Basic plan will work for you. Allianz provides users with an app to track and claim coverage. 

There are several plans on offer with some interesting innovations. 

One Trip Emergency Medical increases the emergency medical coverage for the Basic plan from $10,000 to $50,000 but excludes trip interruption and cancellation benefits. All Trip options provide travelers with year-round protection for a single fee and include car rental protection. Allianz has a Concierge service and multilingual customer service 24/7. 

• Several policy options tailored to your needs
• All Trip Basics offers year-round coverage
• Multilingual service 24/7
• Concierge services included in the plans
• Medical coverage is low
• 12-hour delay for baggage delay

In business since 1926, Nationwide Travel Insurance offers travelers a choice of seven travel insurance policies. Nationwide’s Essential Plan offers basic travel insurance at below-average prices. It also provides specialized cruise insurance and annual plans for those who travel frequently and would prefer to pay a single premium for a year’s coverage. Add-ons include rental car coverage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Offers specialized cruise travel insurance
• Frequent travelers can buy annual travel insurance
• Optional add-ons include rental car damage, CFAR and AD&D
• 12-hour wait for baggage delay

Anything can go wrong when you travel to foreign countries. You may have to cancel the trip, or it may be delayed. You may become ill or lose your luggage. International travel insurance protects you from financial loss under some of these circumstances.  

International travel insurance can be worthwhile because it covers a broad range of possible circumstances.

Travel Delay 

Most insurance companies impose a six-hour minimum waiting period before you can claim expenses for travel delays. 

Trip cancellation covers you for the prepaid portion of your travel costs in the event of cancellation. The policy will list the covered events. You can also buy coverage for all events but at a higher premium.  

Trip Interruption 

Your insurance will cover you for specified unforeseen travel interruptions. Listed reasons usually include illness, injury or bad weather. 

Baggage Insurance 

Baggage insurance covers you for lost, damaged or stolen luggage. 

Travel Medical Insurance 

Overseas medical costs can pile up, and your medical aid may not cover them. Travel medical insurance covers all your medical like ambulance services, hospitalization and doctor’s visits should you become ill or injure yourself while traveling. 

Emergency Medical Evacuation 

If you are seriously injured or ill while abroad, you may have to move to another facility capable of providing the treatment. Emergency medical evacuation covers transportation costs. In some instances, medical evacuation will also cover repatriation costs so you can return home.  

Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) Travel Insurance 

Some insurance companies offer IFAR as an additional benefit. Under this benefit, you can return home for any reason. You will receive a portion of your prepaid expenses as a reimbursement. 

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance 

CFAR insurance is another add-on product. You must buy it within two to three weeks of paying deposits for the trip or you won’t qualify. There is also usually a waiting period before you can cancel and a cap of around 75% on the reimbursement. 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

AD&D covers you in case of accidental death or loss of a limb and faculties like sight. Your policy will define the injuries. Ensure you understand the exclusions if you buy this additional travel insurance. 

There are certain injuries and illnesses that your international travel insurance will not cover. These include:

• Preexisting medical conditions
• Natural disasters, civil unrest and war
• Change-of-mind cancellation
• Injury during high-risk activities
• Losses caused by negligence or in the commission of an illegal activity
• Routine doctor’s visits or procedures

Costs for international travel insurance differ considerably according to the trip cost, coverage, options, traveler age and ports of departure and destination. On average, travel insurance will cost between 3% and 6% of your nonrefundable costs. 

Don’t plan a foreign holiday without travel insurance. It isn’t worth the risk. Travel insurance protects you from losses when things go wrong as you travel the world. It protects you from financial loss and could make all the difference if you need medical attention or suffer the inconvenience of delayed or canceled flights. There is travel insurance to meet all your insurance needs at an affordable price. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is international travel insurance required.

In most countries, international travel insurance is not mandatory, though some may make it a prerequisite for entry. Some embassies also require proof of medical insurance before issuing a visa.

Does international travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

International travel insurance does not cover preexisting medical conditions.

Is it possible to extend international travel insurance coverage while abroad?

Most insurance companies will allow you to extend your international travel insurance coverage while abroad though there may be time limits.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

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Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Measles — United States, January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024

Weekly / April 11, 2024 / 73(14);295–300

Adria D. Mathis, MSPH 1 ; Kelley Raines, MPH 1 ; Nina B. Masters, PhD 1 ; Thomas D. Filardo, MD 1 ; Gimin Kim, MS 1 ; Stephen N. Crooke, PhD 1 ; Bettina Bankamp, PhD 1 ; Paul A. Rota, PhD 1 ; David E. Sugerman, MD 1 ( View author affiliations )

What is already known about this topic?

Although endemic U.S. measles was declared eliminated in 2000, measles importations continue to occur. Prolonged outbreaks during 2019 threatened the U.S. measles elimination status.

What is added by this report?

During January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024, a total of 338 U.S. measles cases were reported; 29% of these cases occurred during the first quarter of 2024, almost all in persons who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. As of the end of 2023, U.S. measles elimination status was maintained.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Risk for widespread U.S. measles transmission remains low because of high population immunity. Enhanced efforts are needed to increase routine U.S. vaccination coverage, encourage vaccination before international travel, identify communities at risk for measles transmission, and rapidly investigate suspected measles cases to reduce cases and complications of measles.

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Measles is a highly infectious febrile rash illness and was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, measles importations continue to occur, and U.S. measles elimination status was threatened in 2019 as the result of two prolonged outbreaks among undervaccinated communities in New York and New York City. To assess U.S. measles elimination status after the 2019 outbreaks and to provide context to understand more recent increases in measles cases, CDC analyzed epidemiologic and laboratory surveillance data and the performance of the U.S. measles surveillance system after these outbreaks. During January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024, CDC was notified of 338 confirmed measles cases; 97 (29%) of these cases occurred during the first quarter of 2024, representing a more than seventeenfold increase over the mean number of cases reported during the first quarter of 2020–2023. Among the 338 reported cases, the median patient age was 3 years (range = 0–64 years); 309 (91%) patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, and 336 case investigations included information on ≥80% of critical surveillance indicators. During 2020–2023, the longest transmission chain lasted 63 days. As of the end of 2023, because of the absence of sustained measles virus transmission for 12 consecutive months in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system, U.S. measles elimination status was maintained. Risk for widespread U.S. measles transmission remains low because of high population immunity. However, because of the increase in cases during the first quarter of 2024, additional activities are needed to increase U.S. routine measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination coverage, especially among close-knit and undervaccinated communities. These activities include encouraging vaccination before international travel and rapidly investigating suspected measles cases.

Introduction

Measles is a highly infectious acute, febrile rash illness with a >90% secondary attack rate among susceptible contacts ( 1 ). High national 2-dose coverage with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine led to the declaration of U.S. measles elimination* in 2000 ( 2 ). However, this elimination status was threatened in 2019 because of two prolonged outbreaks among undervaccinated communities in New York and New York City; these outbreaks accounted for 29% of all reported cases during 2001–2019 ( 2 ). To assess U.S. measles elimination status after the 2019 outbreaks and to provide context for understanding more recent increases in measles cases in 2024, † CDC assessed the epidemiologic and laboratory-based surveillance of measles in the United States and the performance of the U.S. measles surveillance system during January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024.

Reporting and Classification of Measles Cases

Confirmed measles cases § ( 1 ) are reported to CDC by state health departments through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System and directly (by email or telephone) to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Measles cases are classified by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists as import-associated if they were internationally imported, epidemiologically linked to an imported case, or had viral genetic evidence of an imported measles genotype ( 1 ); cases with no epidemiologic or virologic link to an imported case are classified as having an unknown source ( 1 ). For this analysis, unique sequences were defined as those differing by at least one nucleotide in the N-450 sequence (the 450 nucleotides encoding the carboxyl-terminal 150 nucleoprotein amino acids) based on the standard World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for describing sequence variants ¶ ( 3 ). Unvaccinated patients were classified as eligible for vaccination if they were not vaccinated according to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations ( 4 ). A well-performing surveillance system was defined as one with ≥80% of cases meeting each of the following three criteria: classified as import-associated, reported with complete information on at least eight of 10 critical surveillance indicators (i.e., place of residence, sex, age, occurrence of fever and rash, date of rash onset, vaccination status, travel history, hospitalization, transmission setting, and whether the case was outbreak-related) ( 5 ), and laboratory-confirmed.

Assessment of Chains of Transmission

Cases were classified into chains of transmission on the basis of known epidemiologic linkages: isolated (single) cases, two-case chains (two epidemiologically linked cases), and outbreaks (three or more epidemiologically linked cases). The potential for missed cases within two-case chains and outbreaks was assessed by measuring the interval between measles rash onset dates in each chain; chains with more than one maximum incubation period (21 days) between cases could indicate a missing case in the chain. This activity was reviewed by CDC, deemed not research, and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.**

Reported Measles Cases and Outbreaks

CDC was notified of 338 confirmed measles cases with rash onset during January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024 ( Figure ); cases occurred in 30 jurisdictions. During 2020, 12 of 13 cases preceded the commencement of COVID-19 mitigation efforts in March 2020. Among the 170 cases reported during 2021 and 2022, 133 (78%) were associated with distinct outbreaks: 47 (96%) of 49 cases in 2021 occurred among Afghan evacuees temporarily housed at U.S. military bases during Operation Allies Welcome, and 86 (71%) of 121 cases in 2022 were associated with an outbreak in central Ohio. During 2023, 28 (48%) of 58 cases were associated with four outbreaks. As of March 28, 2024, a total of 97 cases have been reported in 2024, representing 29% of all 338 measles cases reported during January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024, and more than a seventeenfold increase over the mean number of cases reported during the first quarter of 2020–2023 (five cases).

Characteristics of Reported Measles Cases

The median patient age was 3 years (range = 0–64 years); more than one half of cases (191; 58%) occurred in persons aged 16 months–19 years ( Table ). Overall, 309 (91%) patients were unvaccinated (68%) or had unknown vaccination status (23%); 29 (9%) had previously received ≥1 MMR vaccine dose. Among the 309 cases among unvaccinated persons or persons with unknown vaccination status, 259 (84%) patients were eligible for vaccination, 40 (13%) were aged 6–11 months and therefore not recommended for routine MMR vaccination, and 10 (3%) were ineligible for MMR because they were aged <6 months. †† Among 155 (46%) hospitalized measles patients, 109 (70%) cases occurred in persons aged <5 years; 142 (92%) hospitalized patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. No measles-associated deaths were reported to CDC.

Imported Measles Cases

Among all 338 cases, 326 (96%) were associated with an importation; 12 (4%) had an unknown source. Among the 326 import-associated cases, 200 (61%) occurred among U.S. residents who were eligible for vaccination but who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Among 93 (28%) measles cases that were directly imported from other countries, 34 (37%) occurred in foreign visitors, and 59 (63%) occurred in U.S. residents, 53 (90%) of whom were eligible for vaccination but were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. One (2%) case in a U.S. resident occurred in a person too young for vaccination, two (3%) in persons who had previously received 1 MMR vaccine dose, and three (5%) in persons who had previously received 2 MMR vaccine doses. The most common source for internationally imported cases during the study period were the Eastern Mediterranean (48) and African (24) WHO regions. During the first quarter of 2024, a total of six internationally imported cases were reported from the European and South-East Asia WHO regions, representing a 50% increase over the mean number of importations from these regions during 2020–2023 (mean of two importations per year from each region).

Surveillance Quality Indicators

Overall, all but two of the 338 case investigations included information on ≥80% of the critical surveillance indicators; those two case investigations included information on 70% of critical surveillance indicators. Date of first case report to a health department was available for 219 (65%) case investigations; 127 (58%) cases were reported to health departments on or before the day of rash onset (IQR = 4 days before to 3 days after). Overall, 314 (93%) measles cases were laboratory confirmed, including 16 (5%) by immunoglobulin M (serologic) testing alone and 298 (95%) by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Among 298 rRT-PCR–positive specimens, 221 (74%) were successfully genotyped: 177 (80%) were genotype B3, and 44 (20%) were genotype D8. Twenty-two distinct sequence identifiers (DSIds) ( 3 ) for genotype B3 and 13 DSIds for genotype D8 were detected (Supplementary Figure, https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/152776 ). The longest period of detection for any DSId was 15 weeks (DSId 8346).

Chains of Transmission

The 338 measles cases were categorized into 92 transmission chains (Table); 62 (67%) were isolated cases, 10 (11%) were two-case chains, and 20 (22%) were outbreaks of three or more cases. Seven (35%) of 20 outbreaks occurred during 2024. §§ The median outbreak size was six cases (range = three–86 cases) and median duration of transmission was 20 days (range = 6–63 days). Among the 30 two-case chains and outbreaks, more than one maximum incubation period (21 days) did not elapse between any two cases.

Because of the absence of endemic measles virus transmission for 12 consecutive months in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system, as of the end of 2023, measles elimination has been maintained in the United States. U.S. measles elimination reduces the number of cases, deaths, and costs that would occur if endemic measles transmission were reestablished. Investigation of almost all U.S. measles cases reported since January 2020 were import-associated, included complete information on critical surveillance variables, were laboratory-confirmed by rRT-PCR, and underwent genotyping; these findings indicate that the U.S. measles surveillance system is performing well. A variety of transmission chain sizes were detected, including isolated cases, suggesting that sustained measles transmission would be rapidly detected. However, the rapid increase in the number of reported measles cases during the first quarter of 2024 represents a renewed threat to elimination.

Most measles importations were cases among persons traveling to and from countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and African WHO regions; these regions experienced the highest reported measles incidence among all WHO regions during 2021–2022 ( 6 ). During November 2022–October 2023, the number of countries reporting large or disruptive outbreaks increased by 123%, from 22 to 49. Global estimates suggest that first-dose measles vaccination coverage had declined from 86% in 2019 to 83% in 2022, leaving almost 22 million children aged <1 year susceptible to measles ( 6 ).

As has been the case in previous postelimination years ( 7 ), most imported measles cases occurred among unvaccinated U.S. residents. Increasing global measles incidence and decreasing vaccination coverage will increase the risk for importations into U.S. communities, as has been observed during the first quarter of 2024, further supporting CDC’s recommendation for persons to receive MMR vaccine before international travel ( 4 ).

Maintaining high national and local MMR vaccination coverage remains central to sustaining measles elimination. Risk for widespread U.S. measles transmission remains low because of high population immunity; however, national 2-dose MMR vaccination coverage has remained below the Healthy People 2030 target of 95% (the estimated population-level immunity necessary to prevent sustained measles transmission) ( 8 ) for 3 consecutive years, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergarten children susceptible to measles each year ( 9 ). Furthermore, 2-dose MMR vaccination coverage estimates in 12 states and the District of Columbia were <90%, and during the 2022–23 school year, exemption rates among kindergarten children exceeded 5% in 10 states ( 9 ). Clusters of unvaccinated persons placed communities at risk for large outbreaks, as occurred during the central Ohio outbreak in 2022: 94% of measles patients were unvaccinated and 42% were hospitalized ( 10 ). Monitoring MMR vaccination coverage at county and zip code levels could help public health agencies identify undervaccinated communities for targeted interventions to improve vaccination coverage while preparing for possible measles outbreaks. As of March 28, 2024, a total of 97 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States in 2024, compared with a mean of five cases during the first quarter of each year during 2020–2023. Similar to cases reported during 2020–2023, most cases reported during 2024 occurred among patients aged <20 years who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, and were associated with an importation. Rapid detection of cases, prompt implementation of control measures, and maintenance of high national measles vaccination coverage, including improving coverage in undervaccinated populations, is essential to preventing measles and its complications and to maintaining U.S. elimination status.

Limitations

The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, importations might have been underreported: 4% of reported cases during the study period had no known source. Second, case investigations resulting in discarded measles cases (i.e., a diagnosis of measles excluded) are not nationally reportable, which limits the ability to directly evaluate the sensitivity of measles case investigations. However, surveillance remains sufficiently sensitive to detect isolated cases and outbreaks, and robust molecular epidemiology provides further evidence supporting the absence of sustained measles transmission in the United States. Finally, the date of first case report to a health department was not available for 35% of case investigations.

Implications for Public Health Practice

The U.S. measles elimination status will continue to be threatened by global increases in measles incidence and decreases in global, national, and local measles vaccination coverage. Because of high population immunity, the risk of widespread measles transmission in the United States remains low; however, efforts are needed to increase routine MMR vaccination coverage, encourage vaccination before international travel, identify communities at risk for measles transmission, and rapidly investigate suspected measles cases to maintain elimination.

Corresponding author: Adria D. Mathis, [email protected] .

1 Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC.

All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Stephen N. Crooke reports institutional support from PATH. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

* Elimination is defined as the absence of endemic measles virus transmission in a defined geographic area for ≥12 months in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system.

† https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00504.asp

§ A confirmed measles case was defined as an acute febrile rash illness with laboratory confirmation or direct epidemiologic linkage to a laboratory-confirmed case. Laboratory confirmation was defined as detection of measles virus–specific nucleic acid from a clinical specimen using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction or a positive serologic test for measles immunoglobulin M antibody.

¶ Genotyping was performed at CDC and at the Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers of the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

** 45 C.F.R. part 46.102(l)(2), 21 C.F.R. part 56; 42 U.S.C. Sect. 241(d); 5 U.S.C. Sect. 552a; 44 U.S.C. Sect. 3501 et seq.

†† MMR vaccine is not licensed for use in persons aged <6 months.

§§ At the time of this report, six measles outbreaks have ended, and one outbreak is ongoing. A measles outbreak is considered to be over when no new cases have been identified during two incubation periods (42 days) since the rash onset in the last outbreak-related case.

• Gastañaduy PA, Redd SB, Clemmons NS, et al. Measles [Chapter 7]. In: Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html
• Mathis AD, Clemmons NS, Redd SB, et al. Maintenance of measles elimination status in the United States for 20 years despite increasing challenges. Clin Infect Dis 2022;75:416–24. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab979 PMID:34849648
• Williams D, Penedos A, Bankamp B, et al. Update: circulation of active genotypes of measles virus and recommendations for use of sequence analysis to monitor viral transmission. Weekly Epidemiologic Record 2022;97(39):481–92. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/weekly-epidemiological-record-wer-30-september-2022-vol-97-no-39-2022-pp-481-492-enfr
• McLean HQ, Fiebelkorn AP, Temte JL, Wallace GS; CDC. Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, 2013: summary recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep 2013;62(No. RR-4):1–34. PMID:23760231
• World Health Organization. Measles: vaccine preventable diseases surveillance standards. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/vaccine-preventable-diseases-surveillance-standards-measles
• Minta AA, Ferrari M, Antoni S, et al. Progress toward measles elimination—worldwide, 2000–2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:1262–8. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7246a3 PMID:37971951
• Lee AD, Clemmons NS, Patel M, Gastañaduy PA. International importations of measles virus into the United States during the postelimination era, 2001–2016. J Infect Dis 2019;219:1616–23. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiy701 PMID:30535027
• Truelove SA, Graham M, Moss WJ, Metcalf CJE, Ferrari MJ, Lessler J. Characterizing the impact of spatial clustering of susceptibility for measles elimination. Vaccine 2019;37:732–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.012 PMID:30579756
• Seither R, Yusuf OB, Dramann D, Calhoun K, Mugerwa-Kasujja A, Knighton CL. Coverage with selected vaccines and exemption from school vaccine requirements among children in kindergarten—United States, 2022–23 school year. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:1217–24. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7245a2 PMID:37943705
• Tiller EC, Masters NB, Raines KL, et al. Notes from the field: measles outbreak—central Ohio, 2022–2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:847–9. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7231a3 PMID:37535476

FIGURE . Confirmed measles cases, by month of rash onset (N = 338) — United States, January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024

Abbreviations: IgM = immunoglobulin M; rRT-PCR = real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction; WHO = World Health Organization. * A case resulting from exposure to measles virus outside the United States as evidenced by at least some of the exposure period (7–21 days before rash onset) occurring outside the United States and rash onset occurring within 21 days of entering the United States without known exposure to measles during that time. † A case in a transmission chain epidemiologically linked to an internationally imported case. § A case for which an epidemiologic link to an internationally imported case was not identified, but for which viral sequence data indicate an imported measles genotype (i.e., a genotype that is not detected in the United States with a pattern indicative of endemic transmission). ¶ A case for which an epidemiologic or virologic link to importation or to endemic transmission within the United States cannot be established after a thorough investigation. ** Percentage is percentage of international importations. Four cases among persons who traveled to both the Eastern Mediterranean and African regions and one case in a person who traveled to both the Eastern Mediterranean and European regions were counted twice. †† Place of residence, sex, age or date of birth, fever and rash, date of rash onset, vaccination status, travel history, hospitalization, transmission setting, and whether the case was outbreak related. §§ Includes 65 cases among patients who received both positive rRT-PCR and positive IgM results. ¶¶ Percentage is percentage of total chains.

Suggested citation for this article: Mathis AD, Raines K, Masters NB, et al. Measles — United States, January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:295–300. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7314a1 .

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6 Best Luggage Pieces For International Travel

F or international travel, you want to ensure your luggage can withstand a long flight, different temperatures, and the fact that several people could be handling your bag. While you can’t trust that baggage handlers will treat your luggage with the same respect and care that you do, you can worry less by purchasing the right luggage.

Using weight, durability, flexibility, style as our criteria, here are the best pieces of luggage for international travel.

Here Are Our Top 6 Luggage Picks

• Best Carry-On For Avoiding Scratches: LUGGEX Carry-On Luggage
• Best Check-In Luggage For Long Hauls: Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside
• Best For Less Than $100: COOLIFE Carry-On With Pocket Compartment
• Best For Functionality in Airport: Monos Hybrid Carry-on
• Best Carry-On To Pack A Lot: Solgaard Carry-On Closet
• Best Hands-Free Luggage: Pakt Travel Backpack

Best Carry-On For Avoiding Scratches

Luggex carry-on luggage.

This is the best carry-on luggage for people who are looking for one that’s scratch-resistant. LUGGEX’s carry-on dimensions are 22x14x9, and it features aluminum corner protectors that provide top-notch protection for your things on the inside and keeps the outside clean.

A considerable benefit of this luggage is that it’s made with three layers of polycarbonate, which provides even more protection from extreme temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though it’s packed with extra material, the suitcase is still lightweight, making it easy to carry on your journey.

“I’ve taken these pieces on six flights and more than ten ride-share/shuttles (and witnessed a few drivers literally throw them when they thought we weren’t watching, lol),” Amazon reviewer Oyugap Mairim said. “I must say they hold up pretty well. These trunks are durable, and there is not a single scratch on the body. They truly are scratch-resistant.”

Best Check-In Luggage For Long Haul Trips

Travelpro platinum elite hardside.

Travelpro’s platinum elite hard-side luggage is the best on the market for travelers checking in luggage for long-haul international flights. We all know that suitcase dimension requirements vary from country to country. Travelpro’s luggage passes the check-in size restrictions for nearly all major airlines, measuring 62 linear inches.

The check-in luggage has an ultra-strong polycarbonate hard shell with aluminum corner guards to protect your luggage from baggage handlers or turbulence underneath the cabin. The polycarbonate material and textured finish also help to reduce the visibility of scratches and scuffs.

Best For Less Than $100

Coolife carry-on with pocket compartment.

For less than $100, travelers can purchase this COOLIFE carry-on that offers durability for half the price of other suitcases on the market. Don’t let its cheaper price fool you. This 20-inch carry-on suit can withstand some heavy lifting and bumps.

“The luggage absorbs impacts and shocks without issues,” Amazon reviewer Jasmine V. stated. The front pocket can hold heavy items, including a laptop and chargers. It’s also very convenient because it is an excellent place to place your important documents and identification.

Best Luggage For Functionality

Monos hybrid carry-on.

The hybrid material from Monos is what wins travelers over. Monos took two sought-out materials, aluminum and polycarbonate, and merged them for a sleek suitcase that offers top-tier functionality. The hybrid luggage means it’s essentially unbreakable, but that’s not all.

While most suitcases are equipped with a zipper on the outside, Monos’ Hybrid Carry-on does not have outer zippers. Instead, it comes with two lock handles on the outside, and the zippers are on the inside compartments. 

Best Carry-On To Pack A Lot:

Solgaard carry-on closet.

Getting the most out of your luggage begins with organization. Salgaard’s Carry-On Closet is a gem travelers don’t know they need. The carry-on can hold up to eight days of clothing items with its built-in shelving system. Travelers should pack the shelving unit up to 70% full before compressing it into the suitcase.

Aside from being able to pack more with this suitcase, there are other benefits. It comes equipped with a polycarbonate and lightweight aluminum frame to prevent scratches. It also has a built-in charger, allowing travelers to charge on the fly.

Best Hands-Free Luggage

Pakt travel backpack.

For travelers who like their hands free, Pakt’s travel backpack will allow you to travel easily. The padded backpack has enough space to pack for at least four days. The main compartment can be divided into two, allowing travelers to pack folded clothes on both sides. There’s a padded laptop compartment that holds devices up to 16 inches and a clip-in pouch that can be used for groceries.

As you travel abroad, you will find some countries don’t have elevators or lifts in older buildings. This backpack will also come in handy just in case you have to walk up a few flights of stairs.

Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 

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Air Ambulance Cost Guide

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Note: This blog is an informational guide on the typical costs of an air ambulance, and what you should expect regarding transparency. This guide, in parts refers to helicopter services, which we do not provide. No information in this post should be considered typical of rates charged by Travel Care Air, as they vary based on the needs of every patient. Please request a quote  and we will give you an estimated price based on your needs.

Many air ambulance companies are coming under fire in the media lately because of the high costs associated with the service. Most air ambulance transports are done by helicopter, assisting people in immediate need. Those people helped in those situations are often surprised by the high bill. Typically we don’t serve people in immediate need. Travel Care mainly helps people in non-immediate need of transport. This gives us an advantage because we are able to talk to you first to go over cost options.

However you may not always be as fortunate. If an air ambulance is the only option to save your life you may be surprised by a high bill. You also may not have the option of choosing how you reach the hospital, which is frustrating for many people who believe an air ambulance cost to be too high. Most medical responders and receiving facilities will determine how to transport you based on your immediate needs and the geography and weather in the location.

That lack of choice and a bill can lead to frustration for the patient once he or she has healed. Medical bills are never considered when someone is in need of care. Extreme cases of air ambulance gouging tend to make headlines. Some costs are high because of more factors than inflation alone. Factors like the amount that Medicare will reimburse, state laws regulating the air ambulance industry, insurance guidelines and other various factors will affect total cost. However the reality is most air ambulance companies offer affordable services, especially if you are in immediate need. Some companies offer membership services that will bring down costs, however many people don’t know they exist until the service is needed.

Cost Transparency In the Air Ambulance Industry:

A recent article in the New York Times  raises certain questions about the air ambulance industry. The article notes how helpful an air ambulance can be in the time of crisis while focusing on the costs associated with the service. Unfortunately the article really only focuses on one particular company and uses their examples to blanket the entire air ambulance industry in a negative light.

The article in the New York Times focused mainly on helicopter air ambulance, which have seen a rise in numbers over the last two decades. But that doesn’t stop the reporter from painting some services as the industry standards. Since we started our air ambulance in the early 1980’s we have seen first hand the tremendous growth of the industry.

But as the industry has grown, payments by insurance companies have declined. Most of the reputable air ambulance companies are hoping for additional help from Congress. The Times article points to legislation being discussed that would increase Medicare payments for air ambulance services.

The reality of the air ambulance industry is most companies, including Travel Care, do not operate in the manner discussed in the Times article. When you research an air ambulance company, it can be overwhelming. There are so many options available that the search can seem never-ending. On the opposite side, you may be in an area that may seem like it is only served by one company. Our advice? Take the time if it’s available to research. Use the information in the Times article to learn to ask the right questions.

A reputable air ambulance company will be up front about costs. Get a clear idea on a quote. There are always circumstances that may affect your rate. Ask what may alter the costs beyond the quote. Just like any other health care industry, costs vary greatly depending on your needs, location, health and various circumstances. But a good company will give you a quote you can rely on.

You should also find out if you are  talking to a real air ambulance company or a broker or private insurance company . Many of these companies have websites that look and feel like a real air ambulance website, however they are essentially middle-men who tack on additional costs.

In times of crisis it’s important to remain calm and not let anyone push anything on you that you don’t want. You can refuse a service if you don’t think it’s right for you. No one should force an air ambulance on anyone that doesn’t feel like they need it, especially if it makes sense to use ground transport in non-life threatening situations.

Will Insurance Cover My Air Ambulance?

When most people are considering health coverage an air ambulance may be the furthest thing from their mind. It, should, however be an important question to consider because the use of ambulances have become the primary way to transport an injured or sick patient to the hospital. Most people who are covered don’t think about the ambulance, but what changes, if anything, if the ambulance flies instead of drives you to the hospital, like the article mentioned above?

The people who may most need an air ambulance are those who travel frequently. If you travel frequently many people think that travel insurance will not cover the cost of an air ambulance, should you need it. If the insurance policy is from a reputable company it should cover air ambulance costs. Always play it safe and ask the representative that you meet with and read the terms and conditions. Some policies are as high as $1 million however it’s important to talk with someone who has traveled to find out how much coverage is really necessary. Usually a $100,000 medical evacuation policy should be enough coverage, depending on where you travel.

Air ambulances aren’t only necessary for the well-traveled. Even though air ambulance services continue to increase in popularity, in part because they have greatly improved the survival rate of patients, many insurance companies have not caught up to the growing trend. Some insurance companies haven’t increased the amount they will cover for ambulance services, leaving many to pay the majority of the air ambulance fees out of pocket. Because of this it is never a good idea to assume you’re covered.

Contact your insurance company to see what coverage you may already have. It’s possible even if you have coverage it may not be enough to offset the costs for domestic flights depending on staff and the distance you need to travel. Once you find out the basic information from your insurance company shop around. Talk with different companies about their rates so you can compare and find the best rate.

What About Medicare? Will it Help Me Pay My Air Ambulance Bill?

NOTE: Due to the current proposed laws, potential changes to Medicare may affect part of this guide. We will try to update as necessary.

If you are on Medicare understanding what is covered for air ambulances can be confusing. Depending on the situation and the type of Medicare will determine what, if any, coverage you will have for air ambulances. Navigating the Medicare air ambulances information can be time consuming but our guide will help you start the complicated process.

Medicare Part B covers air ambulances under certain emergency conditions. Air ambulances are covered if you are injured and require immediate ambulance transportation that can’t be provided by a ground ambulance. Examples of this situation is if you are in a remote area not easily accessed by ground, or if you are in a traffic accident and ground ambulances can’t make it through heavy traffic.

Typically Medicare Part B only covers air ambulances in times of immediate emergency. You may get some limited coverage in a few non-emergency situations. If air ambulances are your only option because another form of transportation could endanger your life, you would be covered. You’ll also have limited coverage if you need air ambulances to obtain treatment for an illness or for a diagnosis. You can also get a written note from a doctor that states that air ambulances are necessary for your health. The doctor’s note must be dated no earlier than 60 days prior to your trip.

One key to air ambulances and Medicare coverage is to remember that Medicare will only cover you to the nearest hospital or medical facility. One surprise for many people who use air ambulances is they don’t have a say in where they are transported to. If you want to be transported to a different medical care facility you will likely have to arrange for your own air ambulances.

Medicare will cover 80% of air ambulances in emergency situations, after your deductible. Costs and coverage for air ambulances and Medicare coverage can change. Medicare funding can be changed by Congress at different times during the year, and those changes could impact everything, including air ambulances. You should always contact a health care insurance professional to find out what air ambulances coverage are available to you.

If you are in a non-emergency situation air ambulance companies will provide you with an “Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage” (ABN) prior to your trip. Travel Care Air is based in South Carolina, which has special rules for multiple air ambulances. If you get non-emergency, medically necessary transportation three or more times in a 10 day period Medicare requires us to get prior authorization for a fourth trip within 30 days. This means you’ll know if you are covered and also applies in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

What to do When the Air Ambulance Bill Arrives:

Last year an article written by the World-Herald highlighted potential issues for people who need an air ambulance. Insurance is the number one concern for most people involved in air ambulance services.

Receiving a bill for an air ambulance can be a shock to people. An air ambulance flight can be costly, depending on many factors, and the wrong insurance could stick you with a large sum of the bill. It’s always important to remember that anything may happen. Having coverage for an air ambulance flight is not something many people think about, however with a little education you can avoid getting stuck with a large bill.

In the case of some mentioned in the World-Herald article, some people transported by an air ambulance may find that outside insurance will cover the trip if regular health insurance does not. Some air ambulance companies have contracts with certain insurance companies. If you are involved in a car accident and have car insurance, it is possible that your car insurance will cover an air ambulance trip to a hospital. Typically car insurance covers all ambulance needs. If you don’t have strong health insurance you should first talk with your car insurance company provider to find out what coverage are available to you.

The World-Herald article also covered a man who had to use an air ambulance and was stuck with the entire bill because the air ambulance company that was used in his rescue was out of his health insurance network. If you are in a serious accident you may not have time to choose the right air ambulance provider. Usually the paramedics will decide to call for air ambulances without regard for your insurance.

But most air ambulance companies will work with you to find a payment plan that is right for you, if you are stuck with the full amount of a bill. Also, you may qualify for special reductions in payments if you can prove you have financial hardships. Other air ambulance companies also offer advanced fees that will cover a certain amount of an air ambulance flight. Annual or monthly fees may be available to help in an emergency situation.

Need a quote?  Contact us for a free quote , and we would be happy to assist you in your air ambulance needs.

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