When you travel abroad (Europe, S America), do you use your US health insurance if you need medical care?

I am planning two trips for later this year and I am wondering how health care works when in a European countyry or S. America. Does my US health insurance mean anything there or work there? Do I buy temporary insurance in the country where I am?
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Health care throughout the world varies tremendously as do individual insurance plans. Traditional Medicare, for example, doesn't do diddly for you outside the States BUT if you had an HMO, PPO, or PFFS Medicare Advantage plan you MIGHT be covered, so you MUST contact your insurer and see what, if anything, including emergency care, is covered. Here is one of MANY sites that can give you other good ideas: http://www.independenttraveler.com/resou… I assume you already have your passport--if not, do it now. You should make sure your vaccinations are in order. Look at the consular advisory sheets and if anything is required, get it done; recommended ask your doctor. Make sure to type up a good summary of your medical history: date of birth meds you're on allergies known conditions prior surgeries/hospitalizations all your doctor's contact info for primary care and any important specialists pharmacy contact info could be useful as well Make sure you have enough meds of any sort you need to take and take them in their original bottles as you never know what Customs anywhere will be like. Be smart to have another prescription written--probably won't honor it in another country BUT I think it would cut some ice with a local doctor. IF you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, I'd recommend wearing something like a MedicAlert bracelet/necklace--again even if not "recognized" fully it should attract attention and speed things up for you. Good luck.
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