International Medical

When you’re cruising outside the United States, medical planning involves more than just hospital bills. International Medical Insurance is structured to address the full scope of care abroad — from routine doctor visits to emergency hospitalization and, when necessary, evacuation to a higher level of care. It’s designed to function within international healthcare systems, where payment expectations, provider networks, and logistics often differ from what you’re used to at home.

Coverage typically includes access to physicians and hospitals overseas, coordination of emergency medical evacuations from remote areas, and increasingly, telemedicine support while underway or anchored in less developed regions. Whether it’s a minor illness that requires a local clinic visit or a serious event requiring transport to a regional medical center, international medical plans are built to respond quickly and coordinate care across borders.

For extended sailors, that coordination matters just as much as the coverage limits.

By the Numbers

$20000-$75000

The cost for air ambulance from Caribbean to Florida

This is how much Medicare, ACA, or most employer based insurance covers when outside of the U.S.

$25,000

Claims for hospitalization often exceed $25,000.

4-8%

Claims rates for travel medical insurance average 4-8%. As length of voyage and age increase, so does the risk.

Three Pillars of International Medical Protection

Extended cruising requires more than basic travel coverage. International Medical Insurance is built around three core components that work together to protect you offshore and abroad.

Doctors and Hospitals

A strong international medical plan provides access to a broad network of vetted doctors and hospitals in more than 60 countries worldwide. Instead of navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems on your own, you gain coordinated access to reputable facilities and providers experienced in treating international patients. This global network helps streamline admission, reduce payment friction, and ensure you’re directed to appropriate care — whether you’re anchored in the Caribbean or transiting farther abroad.

Medical Evacuation

When cruising offshore or in remote regions, the greatest risk isn’t always the bill — it’s access to the right facility. Smaller island clinics may lack advanced equipment or specialists for serious conditions. Medical evacuation coverage coordinates and funds transport to an appropriate hospital when local care isn’t sufficient, ensuring that distance from shore doesn’t become distance from proper treatment.

Telemedicine

Not every medical issue requires a hospital visit. Telemedicine services allow you to consult with licensed physicians remotely while underway or anchored in less developed areas. Whether it’s evaluating symptoms, receiving treatment guidance, or obtaining prescriptions when appropriate, virtual access to care provides an added layer of support when you’re far from traditional medical infrastructure.