There is a very good possibility that your health insurance may not cover you when traveling internationally.  Fortunately, medical travel insurance is relatively inexpensive.

When preparing to travel internationally, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you ask your insurance company the following questions:

• Does this insurance policy cover emergency expenses abroad such as returning me to the United States for treatment if I am seriously ill?
• Does this insurance cover high-risk activities such as parasailing, mountain climbing, scuba diving and off-roading?
• Does this policy cover pre-existing conditions?

• Does the insurance company require pre-authorizations or second opinions before emergency treatment can begin?
• Does the insurance company guarantee medical payments abroad?
• Will the insurance company pay foreign hospitals and foreign doctors directly?
• Does the insurance company have a 24-hour physician-backed support center?

Of course, medical travel insurance is so inexpensive, you may wish to consider purchasing a policy rather than waiting endlessly on the phone for answers from your insurance company. By doing so, you'll save time and gain peace of mind knowing that you are covered.