Healthcare costs abroad can be unpredictable; travellers should plan ahead to avoid high medical bills and secure appropriate travel insurance before departure.
Summary: Healthcare costs abroad can be high and vary widely by country — travellers should research local healthcare systems, buy suitable travel medical insurance, consider financing options for unexpected bills, and take preventive measures before departure.
As international travel rebounds in 2026, one often-overlooked expense is healthcare abroad. Costs for medical care — from doctor visits and prescriptions to emergency room treatment and hospital stays — can differ dramatically by destination, so travellers need to plan in advance to avoid steep bills and financial stress.
Why healthcare costs abroad vary so much
Prices and access to care differ by country because of healthcare system structure, regulation, and local pricing. In nations such as the U.S. and Canada, medical bills can be extremely high without suitable insurance, while in parts of Southeast Asia or South America services may be less costly but vary in quality and accessibility.
- U.S.: Emergency care can run into thousands of dollars without coverage
- Canada: High treatment costs for non-residents in some settings
- Mexico: Some urgent care is more affordable, but language and practice differences can create challenges
Beyond price, travellers should also check whether local facilities accept foreign insurance, the availability of English-speaking staff, and whether telemedicine services can handle minor issues remotely to avoid hospital visits.
Travel insurance: what to look for in 2026
Travel medical insurance is a primary defense against unexpected costs. Policies often cover emergency medical treatment, medical evacuations, and repatriation, but the extent of cover varies widely. Read policy terms carefully and choose plans that explicitly include international emergency care and hospital stays if travelling to countries with high medical prices.
- Emergency medical expenses and hospitalisation coverage
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions, if needed
- Clarity on exclusions and claim processes
Global providers such as Allianz Global Assistance and AXA Travel Insurance offer plans tailored for international travellers, often combining routine care options with protection for serious, unexpected events. Verify whether repatriation is included and how claims are handled overseas.
If insurance falls short: financing and payment options
Even with insurance, travellers may encounter gaps or upfront payment requirements. Short-term financing and emergency loan services can bridge immediate costs, and some overseas hospitals offer payment plans for foreign patients. Experts recommend carrying an emergency fund to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
- Short-term financing: PayPal Credit, CareCredit
- Hospital/clinic payment plans at some facilities
- Personal emergency savings or travel fund
Prevention: steps to reduce your risk and bills
Preventive action is often the most cost-effective safeguard. See your doctor before travel for vaccinations and advice, refill prescriptions, carry an international prescription record, and identify local clinics and telemedicine providers at your destination to handle minor problems without a hospital visit.
- Schedule pre-travel health checks and vaccinations
- Pack a travel health kit and sufficient prescriptions
- Save digital copies of medical records and insurance details
- Research local clinics, hospitals and telemedicine options
So what? For travellers and the travel industry, understanding healthcare costs abroad is essential to reduce financial risk and improve the traveller experience. Adequate insurance, an emergency fund, knowledge of local healthcare systems, and basic prevention can prevent a medical incident from becoming a financial crisis — and make travel safer and less stressful in 2026.
Sources
