Always use the medical services available where you are. So, if you need immediate care, make sure to go to the nearest medical facility. You don’t need to get Kaiser Permanente approval before receiving urgent or emergency care.
Providers in many countries require payment before giving care. So, be prepared to pay upfront for your care and prescriptions and submit a claim for reimbursement later.4,5
For help coordinating your care or payment, you can call our travel line at 951-268-3900.3
Once your condition is stable, you or the doctor treating you should call the number on the back of your ID card to let us know you’ve received urgent or emergency care and discuss next steps.
You may need to get Kaiser Permanente approval before receiving:
- Care after your condition is stable, or post-stabilization care
- Transportation after your visit
- Outpatient follow-up care, like removing stitches or a cast
Be sure to confirm with the doctor treating you that Kaiser Permanente has approved your care. Depending on your coverage, we may choose a different provider to handle the services you need.
When you return home, contact your personal doctor to discuss the care you received on your trip and how to manage your condition.
Note for people with Medi-Cal: Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal members are only covered for emergency care in Canada and Mexico that requires hospitalization. If you have a Medi-Cal plan and are planning to travel internationally, you may want to consider travel insurance for extra health coverage.
Note for people with Medicaid: Kaiser Permanente Medicaid members and patients aren’t covered for care outside the U.S. If you have a Medicaid plan and are planning to travel internationally, you may want to consider travel insurance for extra health coverage.