If you have parents coming to the United States, you are likely busy preparing for their visit, whether you’re nailing down your itinerary or arranging activities during your time together.
While you are doing your prep, it is important not to overlook one key aspect of their trip: travel medical insurance.
Travel medical insurance is a vital essential for a parent’s travels to the USA, as it offers the protection and peace of mind they need for a successful international journey.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- The importance of health insurance for international parents visiting the United States
- How the high cost of U.S. healthcare can impact uninsured visitors
- What medical services are typically covered by travel medical insurance policies
- How to access medical care with insurance while traveling in the U.S.
What Does Travel Insurance for Parents Cover?
Travel medical insurance for parents visiting the U.S. can provide coverage for emergency medical expenses during their travels if they unexpectedly fall ill or are injured.
Travel medical insurance coverage can include:
- Hospitalization
- Urgent care
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
Plan benefits will vary depending on the policy. There are multiple plan options available for parents visiting the U.S. that offer additional benefits and coverage, including travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Why Do Parents Visiting the U.S. Need Health Insurance?
There are several reasons why parents who are visiting the United States from abroad should have temporary health coverage during their stay.
Expensive Healthcare in United States
Medical treatment in the United States is notoriously expensive, especially when it comes to hospitalization. A hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars, and even more for a stay in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).
If an accident or illness were to occur and medical attention is needed, getting treatment or visiting the hospital without insurance can be financially devastating for families.
Coverage for Medical Emergencies
Travel medical insurance can provide coverage for emergency medical treatment such as hospitalization, surgery, prescription medication, and more for new and unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur in the United States during their stay.
This can be a vital safeguard for visiting parents and for their hosts as it can help support any necessary unforeseen medical care rather than having to pay out-of-pocket.
Risk of Injury or Illness Is Higher
With older age comes the increased risk of injury or illness, especially when traveling for an extended period of time.
Since the chances of getting ill or injured are heightened for parents visiting the U.S., it is even more imperative that they have medical protection.
As a Sponsor, You May Be Responsible
If you are sponsoring your parents to come to the United States on a visa, it is important to keep in mind that you can be held liable for any unpaid medical bills if your parent needs medical attention during their trip and cannot pay.
As a sponsor, creditors can come after you for payment of unpaid medical bills and this medical debt can be attached to your name, affecting things like your credit score.
Cost vs Value
The cost of travel medical insurance compared to its value should be considered when deciding on whether or not to get coverage for your visiting parents.
For just a one-time upfront premium payment, you can save thousands of dollars in medical bills if an emergency were to occur. The premium can prove to be just a fraction of the money you save by getting coverage.
For example, getting the cheapest travel insurance for your parents may not be enough, especially if your parents end up in a medical incident while in the United States. With the notorious cost of healthcare in the United States, a one-time upfront premium payment can save you thousands of dollars in medical bills if an emergency were to occur. The premium can prove to be just a fraction of the money you save by getting coverage.
Treatment May Require Upfront Payment
Without insurance, if your parents need medical care, they may be required to pay for their medical bills upfront and out-of-pocket.
This can put a heavy financial burden on you and your family. With insurance, especially those with access to PPO networks, you can take advantage of direct billing, meaning that the healthcare provider bills your insurance directly.
Concerns About Pre-existing Conditions
If you have a parent visiting the U.S. who is concerned about pre-existing conditions, you do have some options when it comes to travel medical insurance.
There are a few plans that offer pre-existing condition coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which can offer vital protection for parents who have active or dormant pre-existing conditions.
How Can I Get Travel Insurance for My Parents?
Getting health insurance coverage for your parents during their stay in the United States will not only provide your family with ultimate protection against the unforeseen, but it will also give them peace of mind during their travels.
Compare travel medical insurance plans on VisitorsCoverage to find a policy that best fits the needs of your parents, or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.
- Medical treatment in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world, making travel medical insurance crucial
- Travel medical insurance provides coverage for emergency care, hospitalization, and medications
- As a visa sponsor, you may be legally responsible for your parents’ unpaid medical bills
- Some insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions or their acute onset
- Insurance plans with PPO networks allow for direct billing, eliminating upfront payment requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the US
What is the best travel insurance for parents visiting the USA?
The best travel insurance for your parents visiting the US will depend on the coverage needs of your parents. That said, based on general coverage and customer preference, we typically suggest the following:
Best Overall Pre-Existing Coverage Travel Insurance Plan: INF Elite X
Best Affordable Travel Insurance with Strong Coverage: CoverAmerica-Gold
Best for High Coverage Limits for Visitors to the US: Atlas America Premium
Can my parents use their home country’s health insurance for medical care in the USA?
Most international health insurance plans provide limited to no coverage at all when you’re in the United States. Additionally, U.S. medical facilities generally don’t accept foreign insurance directly, meaning you would need to pay out-of-pocket which can be costly with the U.S. healthcare system being quite expensive.
Purchasing travel insurance specifically designed for U.S. visitors is strongly recommended to ensure strong coverage, even if you have existing coverage in your home country. It is also important to make sure to contact your medical insurance provider and see if you are covered in the U.S.
Can I buy travel insurance for my 70-year-old parent visiting the US?
Yes. Travel insurance can absolutely be purchased for a 70-year-old parent visiting the US, and it is strongly recommended. Generally, there are plans that cap at age 99, but the higher it goes in age, the more premium may increase. If your parents are seniors over 65, you should look into specialized travel insurance plans that are for their needs.
Do parents need travel insurance to enter the US?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for US visitors or for obtaining a US visitor visa, but it is highly recommended.
Regardless of legal requirements, travel insurance still offers significant benefits:
- Financial Protection: The US healthcare costs are very high, and visitors do not have access to a public healthcare system. Even a simple ER visit can cost over $2,000. Meanwhile, a strong insurance plan is a small expense that can offer major financial protection.
- Encourages Parents to Seek Care: Having insurance allows visitors to seek necessary medical attention without being held back by financial concerns.
- Additional Travel Insurance Coverage: Many travel medical plans also include trip interruption coverage, safeguarding your financial investment in case of a mishap.
When should I buy travel insurance for parents visiting the US?
It is highly recommended to purchase travel medical insurance before your parents come to the United States. Purchasing in advance ensures they’re protected from the moment they arrive and may provide additional benefits like trip interruption coverage.
Early purchase also allows time to thoroughly review policy documents and address any questions before travel begins. Most plans allow purchase up to 12 months in advance of the trip start date, with coverage becoming active on the specified start date.
Does visitor insurance cover prescription medications?
Yes, travel insurance can provide coverage for new prescription medications if your parents get unexpectedly sick or have an injury during their trip. Oftentimes, they may have to pay for the medication up front and then seek reimbursement through their travel insurance provider. However, some insurance policies have negotiated rates with certain hospitals to potentially give you a better deal for medication than someone who travels without insurance.
If you need help understanding coverage for travel medical insurance, feel free to contact our licensed insurance experts, who can help find the best insurance for your parents.
Is $100,000 enough medical coverage for parents visiting America?
For the U.S., get at least $100,000 in coverage, however, $250,000-$500,000 is smarter, especially for parents or elderly visitors to the USA. Medical bills in the U.S. can escalate incredibly fast. A medical emergency or hospitalization without insurance can generate $100,000+ in medical bills within a few days. The cost of your insurance plans doesn’t change much between getting $100,000 and $250,000 coverage, so it’s worth getting more protection.
Can I purchase travel insurance for my parents if they have pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance for your parents with pre-existing medical conditions. Many standard travel insurance plans don’t inherently cover pre-existing conditions, but there are two important options to consider:
Acute onset coverage: Most quality medical travel insurance for seniors plans cover the “acute onset” of pre-existing conditions. This isn’t traditional pre-existing condition coverage, but it protects if an otherwise stable condition unexpectedly flares up during your trip.
Specialized pre-existing condition plans: Several insurance providers offer specialized travel health insurance plans specifically designed for seniors with ongoing medical conditions. These plans typically cost more but provide more comprehensive coverage for existing health concerns.
