Safetrip Internal Site
MSID:
Partner List Clear Purchase Session Log out
Skip navigation
  • For Partners
  • For more information:
  • call Toll free +1.800.732.5309
  • call International +1.410.453.6380
UnitedHealthcare Global Safetrip
UHG
menu close
  • Insurance
  • Why SafeTrip?
  • Travel tips & information
  • Contact us
  • Make a claim
  • Get your quote
  • Insurance
  • Why SafeTrip?
  • Travel tips & information
  • Contact us
Make a claim
Get your quote
  • For Partners
  • For more information:
  • Toll free +1.800.732.5309
  • International +1.410.453.6380
⁠⁠ Insurance

What travel insurance do I need?

  • Vacation travel

    Learn more
  • Student travel

    Learn more
  • Individual business travel

    Learn more
  • Global volunteering

    Learn more

What insurance plans do you provide?

  • International Travel Medical Plus

    Learn more
  • International Travel Medical

    Learn more
  • Travel Protection

    Learn more

Need help?

If you have any question, give us a quick call or just send an email.

call Toll free +1.800.732.5309
call International +1.410.453.6380
email [email protected]
⁠⁠ Why SafeTrip?
  • Benefits of travel insurance

    Learn more
  • FAQ

    Learn more

Who we are?

  • About UnitedHealthcare Global

    Learn more

Need help?

If you have any question, give us a quick call or just send an email.

call Toll free +1.800.732.5309
call International +1.410.453.6380
email [email protected]
Get a quote
Travel Tips & Information Travel health International travel with a medical condition
Share
twitter facebook linkedin whatsapp mail_outline

International travel with a medical condition

May 02, 2024

International travel with a medical condition can be daunting, but with the expert advice of UnitedHealthcare Global's Medical Director, Dr. Amit Arwindekar, it is possible to navigate the challenges and enjoy a safe and fulfilling journey. This blog covers essential aspects of international travel with a medical condition, such as pre-travel visits to your doctor, medication management, symptom management and the importance of securing travel insurance to protect your health and your travels while abroad.

Can you travel with a chronic illness?

Yes, in most cases, chronic conditions should not hinder you from traveling, but it is strongly advised that you see your doctor as soon as possible or even prior to planning your trip to be aware of the precautions you need to take. Your doctor can provide guidance on managing your condition while traveling and ensure you have the necessary medications and supplies.

How do you travel with a medical condition?

Here are a few expert tips:

  1. Consult with your primary doctor to determine if it is safe for you to travel: Before you travel, schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss your travel plans. They can provide guidance on managing your condition while traveling and ensure you have the necessary medications and supplies, as well as discuss risks, any precautions you should take and limitations, adjustments or accommodations.
  2. Carry extra medication and supplies: Pack 3-7 days of extra medication and supplies in case of delays or unexpected circumstances. Make sure they are clearly labeled in their original containers and packed in your carry-on bag. Also be sure to check your destination's medication and drug regulations since some prescription drugs contain substances banned in other countries.
  3. Carry medical information: Carry basic medical information on a laminated card on your person that includes your conditions, current medications with doses, allergies and primary care doctor contact information.
  4. Allow extra time to go through security. If you are carrying medically necessary liquids, tell the TSA agent and separate them from your other possessions before screening. Clearly mark all medications and assume they will go through the normal X-ray screening process, as will ice packs and gel packs. TSA agents may swab mobility aids or external medical devices to test for explosives.
  5. Consider travel insurance to cover medical costs while traveling, reimbursement for trip interruption, delays, or help getting back home if you fall ill.
  6. Know where to go for help if you get sick. Plan out where you can get care if something happens. Our policies come with access to our 24/7 Emergency Response Center where trained nurses can help you find the most appropriate facility to get you safe care while traveling.

Will travel insurance cover illness?

Travel medical insurance may provide coverage for illness or medical emergency if something were to go wrong related to your medical condition while traveling internationally, but it's important to review the specific terms and conditions of your policy. UnitedHealthcare Global’ SafeTrip offers different levels of medical coverage across their International Travel Medical plans. The plans give you access to assistance in finding quality medical providers and hospitals, 24/7 support and other services in case you need medical attention while traveling. It is important to note that pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage, so it's essential to review the policy's definitions and exclusions.

If you have any questions about travel medical insurance coverage for illness, you can contact the UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip team.

Know carrier and TSA rules

Every airline or cruise line has “special needs” guidelines, which are usually available online. Don’t forget to check the rules for connecting airlines as well. This is especially important for those who will be traveling with oxygen. Check the TSA website ahead of time so you know what to expect when going through security.

Buy travel medical insurance

A travel medical policy is particularly important for any international traveler with a medical condition. A SafeTrip International Travel Medical plan from UnitedHealthcare Global can provide you with an added extra layer of protection. Should you need medical attention while overseas, simply call the 24-hour Emergency Response Center (ERC). You’ll get help finding the right physicians and hospitals, help with medication transfers, and much more.

Get a quote

Your itinerary is fully planned and all you need is your travel insurance? Get started with your quote here.

* indicates a required field

* Required fields

Period of coverage

expand_more
expand_more
Clear
Note: Policy must be purchased one or more days prior to your originally scheduled travel start date. The travel dates must cover the full duration of your trip. The policy will be void, refunded and claims denied if incorrect travel dates are provided.
Clear

Location of coverage

Where do you need coverage?

Primary location of coverage
Where do you need coverage?
expand_more
Note: Please enter your primary destination. You'll have the option of adding more countries later in the process. This will not impact cost or service.


Number of travelers

Who needs coverage?

Number of travelers
Who needs coverage?
expand_more

Booking for a large group?

We can help you enroll groups of 6 or more.

Toll free +1.800.732.5309

International +1.410.453.6380

Go back
Traveler 1
help
$
Note: Plans are unavailable for residents of CO, NY and WA.
help Booking for group of 6+?

Need help?

If you have any question, give us a quick call or just send an email.

call Toll free +1.800.732.5309
call International +1.410.453.6380
email [email protected]
Get started with a free quote

Selecting the right plan is quick and easy using our simple form.

Get a quote

You might also like

Travel health | August 23, 2024

How to stay active while traveling

Read more
Travel health | August 22, 2024

Everything you need to know about medical assistance

Read more
Travel health | September 23, 2022

Virtual Visits and how to access them

Read more
UnitedHealthcare Global
UHC Logo
  • call Toll free +1.800.732.5309
  • call International +1.410.453.6380
  • email [email protected]

Legal
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Health Data Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Policy Documents
Legal non-U.S.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms of use
Partners
  • Partner - Contact us

© 2025 United HealthCare Services, Inc.

This website contains highlights of the plans, which include travel insurance coverages underwritten by Centurion Casualty Company or H&W Indemnity SPC for and on behalf of Global Solutions SP. The plans also contain non-insurance Travel Assistance Services provided by United Healthcare Services Inc., or its applicable affiliate operating as UnitedHealthcare Global. Claims administration services are provided by Co-Ordinated Benefit Plans, Inc. Coverages may vary under applicable law and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Insurance coverages are subject to the terms, limitations and exclusions in the plan, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. UnitedHealthcare Global does not guarantee clinical outcomes. The cost of your plan is for the entire plan, which consists of both insurance and non-insurance components. Individuals looking to obtain additional information regarding the features and pricing of each travel plan component, please contact the UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip Team via email at [email protected] or via phone at +410.453.6380 or +1.800.732.5309.

UnitedHealthcare Global does not guarantee clinical outcomes. UnitedHealthcare Global is not responsible for the content of third-party websites and links to such websites do not imply recommendation, approval or endorsement of that website.