The U.S. Department of State's web site on travel-related topics has the following advice for U.S. citizens traveling outside the United States:
"Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
"If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations."
Travel protection plans also provide coverage for:
Trip cancellation -- protects your pre-paid trip costs in the event you have to cancel due to a covered reason
Trip interruption -- provides you with a reimbursement for the unused portions of your trip, plus the additiional costs to return home, if your trip is interrupted for a covered reason
Trip delay -- assists with additional expenses if you are delayed due to a covered reason
Emergency Medical Benefits -- provides coverage if you become ill or are injured while traveling and need medical treatment
Baggage and personal effects -- may include reimbursements for damaged, lost or stolen baggage or personal belongings during your trip
Baggage delay -- covers reimbursements up to a set amount per day if your checked baggage is delayed for a defined number of hours for the purchase of necessary personal items
Travelers have the option of purchasing a travel protection plan from the cruise line or tour operator or from an independent travel insurance company. Additional information and advice is available.
