The U.S. Department of State cautions against making the assumption that your existing health insurance will cover you when traveling internationally:

"Many health insurance plans do not provide coverage overseas.  Those that provide "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad may not pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can easily cost $10,000.00 and up depending on your location and medical condition."

They go on to recommend several questions that you should ask your insurance company, including:

• 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?

If the answers to any of those questions leave you feeling vulnerable or uncomfortable, it may be a good idea to purchase a separate medical travel insurance policy from a company that specializes in medical travel insurance for international travel.  Doing so can give you peace of mind and protect both your health and your finances. Plus, these policies are so inexpensive, it's just a good idea.