Why college students need emergency medical coverage during spring break travel
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Thousands of college students are beginning to make spring break plans for Mexico and the Caribbean. Most book trips on a budget, but a single medical emergency could set them back tens of thousands of dollars, or leave their parents footing the bill.
For anyone heading outside the U.S., travel insurance starting at just $29 could save you from financial disaster.
Atlanta News First Investigates spoke with a group of University of Georgia students who recently planned a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They saved hundreds of dollars by booking directly with the hotel and using Google Flights to find cheaper fares. But those savings could disappear in minutes if they are hospitalized without insurance.
Many hospitals in the Caribbean and Mexico require payment in advance, and full payment of the remaining balance before a patient leaves. Many health insurance providers do not offer coverage outside the United States.
In September 2025, Atlanta News First Investigates aired a story about a woman hospitalized in the Dominican Republic. The hospital required $5,000 in advance, and a $2,000 balance before she left.
Separately, the private medevac flight to Atlanta was $36,000.
This is why the U.S. State Department recommends travel insurance with emergency medical coverage. Fortunately, the woman’s travel insurance covered the bill.
Medical coverage is not on a college student’s radar, but if you’re the parent, it should be, and basic coverage is not expensive.
Travel insurance options
Here are three travel insurance quotes for a 21-year-old’s $1,200 trip to Punta Cana:
Allianz Prime Plan – $78. Recommended.
- Medical expenses: $50,000
- Emergency transportation: Up to $500,000
- Why we like it: Best balance of coverage and cost
Travelers Trip Insurance – $63
- Medical coverage: $250,000
- Medical evacuation: $500,000
- Why to consider it: Higher medical coverage for less
Berkshire Hathaway Budget Plan – $29
- Medical coverage: $15,000
- Medical flight home: $150,000
- Why to consider it: Most affordable option for basic protection
These plans also cover trip cancellation and interruption, but for a spring break trip, the medical coverage is what every college student needs.
Takeaways
- Caribbean hospitals require upfront payment. Most U.S. health insurance won’t cover international medical expenses.
- Medical evacuations are expensive. Flights from the Caribbean to the U.S. can cost $20,000-$90,000.
- Travel insurance is affordable. Plans start at just $29 for basic coverage
- The U.S. State Department recommends it. Emergency medical coverage is essential for international travel.
If there’s something you would like Atlanta News First Investigates to dig into, fill out this submission form.
Atlanta News First podcasts are available now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube
Download our Atlanta News First app for your latest news and information.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
link
