How to avoid big medical bills while traveling [Video]

Many Americans enjoy traveling abroad, but an unexpected health issue can quickly turn a dream vacation into a costly nightmare. Consumer Reports explains how to avoid big medical bills while traveling internationally.

It can be difficult to get quick help from your health insurance back home, and your policy might not even cover you abroad.

Most U.S. insurance providers, including Medicare, offer little to no medical coverage outside the country, which can lead to hefty medical bills if you need care.

To protect yourself, consider a travel medical insurance policy. These plans can cost less than $100 per trip, depending on the provider and what’s covered.

Be sure to shop around. Websites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth make it easy to compare different policies. Pick a provider with strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau and …