Four in 10 Americans say they travel internationally once every five years, and 25% of high-income Americans do so yearly, according to a recent survey. Here are some things to keep in mind if your travel plans include an international destination.

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Travel Documents

Some international destinations require visas. The United Kingdom, for example, instituted a requirement last January that all American citizens traveling to or transiting through the country obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to travel. The European Union is set to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in the last quarter of 2026. You can find visa requirements for other countries on the State Department’s Learn About Your Destination page.

You’ll also want to make sure your passport has sufficient validity. Many countries require three months’ validity past travel dates, while some require six months.

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Travel Insurance

When it comes to medical care, all TRICARE beneficiaries are covered while traveling overseas, although you should always get all routine care and fill prescriptions before you leave. If you do seek medical care, you may have to pay up front and then file with the appropriate TRICARE Overseas contractor to be reimbursed (minus your cost share or deductible).

TRICARE is a health care program, not travel insurance. There are a number of valid reasons why you might want to purchase either a standalone travel insurance plan or an annual plan (if you have several trips planned).

What if you get sick and need to extend your stay? You might run up a large hotel bill and have to pay to change your return flight. What if the airline loses your bags and you have to purchase a new wardrobe? Or what if your plane is delayed by weather and you have nonrefundable reservations for hotels and excursions that you miss? Travel insurance benefits like trip delay, lost/damaged baggage, and trip interruption can mitigate these losses.

Or what if you are on a cruise ship or hiking in a remote area and need to be evacuated due to a serious illness or injury? TRICARE covers air evacuation to the “nearest, safest location that can provide the required care,” but that location may not be your hometown, or even within the U.S.   

Trip insurance with medical evacuation and repatriation benefits can help you get back to your point of origin or home and may even pay for a medical escort to accompany you. If you’re alone and hospitalized, these type of benefits might pay for a loved one to come and visit your bedside.

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If you think that there is a chance you might need to cancel a trip completely, you’ll want to opt for trip cancellation coverage.

Always read the fine print on the plan documents to make sure of the type and amount of coverage you are receiving. Pay attention to exclusions, which typically include things like pre-existing conditions, extreme adventure activities, and acts of war.

Some credit cards carry travel insurance protections if you use that card to pay for your trip. You’ll want to check your card’s guide to benefits to see if you have coverage.

Vaccination Requirements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a Travelers’ Health webpage featuring travel health notices and vaccination requirements.

It’s also a good idea to check travel requirements on an official website of the country you are planning on visiting, as regulations change frequently.

A Good First STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free State Department service allowing you to enroll your overseas trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This lets you receive information from the embassy about safety conditions in your destination country. You’ll also help the embassy (and your family and friends) be able to contact you in an emergency.

Consular officers at embassies and consulates can assist U.S. citizens who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties overseas.

This article was first published in July 2025 and has been updated. Last update: March 27, 2026.