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What to do if you need medical care while traveling

Traveling, for work or pleasure, is a common part of every-day life. Planning for medical issues that may arise when you're away from home is a smart step to incorporate into your travel preparations. Learn how to navigate medical care while traveling with these four suggestions.

Published on Jul 16, 2024

Article by MASA

Four ways to stay ahead of medical issues while traveling


Know your coverage:

Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage, including coverage for medical transport, urgent care, and emergency services while traveling. You can review your MASA medical transportation coverage on our app or in your member portal online to see what resources are available to you and where they extend.

If you’re going to be traveling outside of the U.S., contact MASA with your travel dates so you can activate any extended territory benefits offered in your plan. To notify us and learn more about available resources, sign into the member portal or email us at travel@masaglobal.com.

Carry essential documents:

Keep important medical documents, such as your insurance card, identification, and a list of allergies and current medications, easily accessible while traveling. Download the MASA mobile app (iOS and Android) so you can immediately access benefits, in case of emergency.

Research local healthcare facilities:

Prior to your trip, research nearby urgent care centers and emergency rooms at your travel destination, so you know where to seek medical care if needed.

Trust your instincts:

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or are unsure about the severity of your condition, don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical care.


We’ve got your back for medical emergencies while traveling


Your MASA coverage protects you from the unexpected costs of emergency medical transport, so you never have to worry about seeking emergency care. If you’re hospitalized more than 100 miles away from home, need continued care, and your care provider has approved moving you to a hospital nearer to your home, we’ll coordinate and cover the expense for medical transportation to a facility local to your home. If your hospitalized away from home and your doctor determines you need specialized emergency care that is not available locally, we’ll cover your out-of-pocket medical transport costs.

With some plans, we also offer coordination services and expense coverage for the return of your child, pet or vehicle safely home, should you be hospitalized due to a medical emergency away from home. Your MASA plan may even include coverage of the cost of transportation for a companion to join you for support in the hospital.