If you have parents coming to the United States from abroad, you are likely busy preparing for their visit, whether you’re nailing down your itinerary or arranging for trips and things to do 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 one vital essential for a parent’s travels to the USA as it offers the protection and peace they need for a successful international journey.
What Does Travel Insurance for Parents Cover?
Travel medical insurance for parents visiting the U.S. can offer 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 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 hightened 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.
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. that 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.
Secure Coverage for Your Visiting 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 will also give them peace of mind during their travels.
Compare travel medical insurance plans to find a policy that best fits the needs for your parents or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.