Travel medical insurance fills gaps left by U.S. health plans for travelers. Patriot-style plans traditionally include short-term (Patriot International), resident-focused (Patriot America), and intermediate-term (Expatriot Plus) options, covering emergency medical care and evacuation. Verify current underwriter, plan names, and financial ratings before purchase.

Why international travel medical insurance matters

U.S.-based health plans and Medicare typically offer limited or no coverage outside the United States. Unexpected illness, an emergency evacuation, or a hospital bill abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars and derail a trip. Travel medical insurance provides short- and intermediate-term medical protection so travelers and their families avoid large out-of-pocket costs and administrative hassles.

The Patriot product line - a quick overview

Patriot-branded travel medical plans have long positioned themselves for travelers who need temporary international coverage. Historically the line included three primary variants: Patriot International (short-term coverage for U.S. citizens traveling abroad), Patriot America (coverage for U.S. residents who are not citizens), and Expatriot Plus (longer or intermediate-term coverage for expatriates and long-stay travelers).

These plans emphasize emergency medical care, hospital room and board, and emergency evacuation benefits - core protections travelers most often need. They are aimed at people on vacation, business trips, temporary assignments, or extended stays outside their home country.

Underwriter, affiliation and financial strength

Older descriptions of the Patriot plans list Sirius International Insurance Corporation and links to ABB Financial Services, with an A+ rating cited. The current underwriting company, corporate affiliations, and ratings can change over time; verify the plan's current underwriter and the insurer's financial rating before you buy. 1

How Patriot-style travel medical coverage works

  • You choose a plan duration and maximum medical limit (for example, $50,000-$500,000).
  • The policy covers emergency medical care for covered illnesses and injuries that begin while the policy is active.
  • Most plans include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, which are often the most expensive services without insurance.
  • Pre-existing condition rules, deductibles, and treatment exclusions vary by plan - read the policy wording before purchase.

Practical buying tips

  • Confirm whether the policy covers COVID-19-related medical care and evacuation, and any pandemic-era exclusions. 2
  • Check the exact start and end dates of coverage and whether the policy allows renewals or extensions while abroad.
  • Compare benefit limits, deductibles, and provider networks. Some policies pay providers directly; others reimburse you after you pay.
  • Keep emergency contact and claims information with you while traveling.

Bottom line

Short- and intermediate-term travel medical insurance remains a sensible protection for international travelers. If you are considering a Patriot-branded plan, confirm current plan names, who underwrites the coverage, and the insurer's financial strength before purchasing. 3

  1. Confirm current plan names and availability for the Patriot product line (Patriot International, Patriot America, Expatriot Plus) with the plan issuer.
  2. Verify the current underwriter of Patriot travel medical plans and any corporate affiliations (historically listed as Sirius International Insurance Corporation and ABB Financial Services).
  3. Check the insurer's current financial strength rating(s) (for example, A.M. Best, S&P) and update the article if different.
  4. Confirm whether the current Patriot-style plans explicitly cover COVID-19-related medical care and evacuation, and note any pandemic-era exclusions.

FAQs about Patriot Travel Medical Insurance

Do U.S. health insurance plans cover medical care abroad?
Most U.S. health plans and Medicare provide limited or no coverage outside the United States. Travel medical insurance fills that gap for emergencies, evacuations, and hospital stays while abroad.
What does a Patriot-style travel medical policy typically cover?
These policies generally cover emergency medical treatment, hospital room and board, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Specific limits, deductibles, and exclusions vary by plan.
How long can I buy Patriot travel medical coverage for?
Patriot-style plans offer short-term and intermediate-term durations. Exact maximum terms and renewal rules vary by plan and insurer, so check the policy details before buying.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the plan. Some policies exclude recent or unstable pre-existing conditions unless a waiver applies. Read the policy's pre-existing condition clause carefully.
How do I verify the insurer’s reliability?
Check the plan's current underwriter and its financial strength ratings from agencies such as A.M. Best, S&P, or Moody's. Confirm contact information and claims procedures before purchasing.