Looking for travel insurance for parents visiting the USA? As a responsible child or family member, you may be looking to bring your parents or other elderly relatives to the United States for a visit. It’s definitely important to consider their healthcare needs while they are here, especially if they do not have health insurance coverage in the US as medical costs here can be very costly. This is where travel medical Insurance comes in handy.
Travel medical insurance provides coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred during an extended stay or while traveling temporarily in the United States. This type of insurance can be particularly beneficial for elderly visitors who may be more susceptible to medical emergencies.
How To Choose the Right Travel Medical Insurance Plan
When choosing travel medical insurance, or as it’s often called visitor insurance, for parents in the USA, it is important to consider the following:
Medical expenses
Coverage amounts for medical expenses can vary widely depending on the policy. A good starting point is to look for policies with coverage amounts of at least $50,000, but it is important to consider the specific healthcare needs of your parents or relatives when selecting coverage amounts.
Emergency medical expenses
Make sure the insurance policy covers emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor's visits, emergency medical evacuation.
Emergency medical evacuation
In the event that your parent or relative needs to be transported to a different medical facility, coverage amounts for emergency medical evacuation should be considered. A good coverage amount for emergency medical evacuation is at least $100,000.
Pre-existing conditions
If your parents or relatives have pre-existing medical conditions, you may want to choose a policy that may offer coverage for their needs from one of these plans.
Deductibles and copayments
Consider the deductibles and copayments associated with the policy, as well as any limitations on coverage. Higher deductibles may lower the policy premium, but can also increase out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a medical emergency.
Policy limits
Ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage for medical expenses in case of an emergency. In general, the higher the policy maximum, the better it is. This does depend on their length of stay, age, and the activities in which they plan to participate. Usually, a $100,000 policy maximum is ideal. As people age, their health insurance options become more restrictive.
Provider network
Check whether the insurance provider has a preferred provider organization, or PPO, that your parents or relatives can use to save on out-of-pocket costs.
Repatriation
This coverage provides for the return of remains to your home country in the event they want to return to their home country for medical care or in case of death. A good coverage amount for repatriation is at least $25,000.
*Please note that these coverage amounts are general guidelines and may not be appropriate for every situation. It is important to carefully review policy details and consider the specific healthcare needs of your parents or relatives when selecting coverage amounts.*
FAQs for Finding Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA
Q: Should each parent have their own travel insurance plan?
When it comes to travel medical insurance for parents visiting the U.S., it is recommended that each parent has their own individual policy. This is because each policy will have its own limits and restrictions, and having separate policies ensures that each parent is adequately covered for their specific healthcare needs. There should be no difference in the overall cost of the plans. Travel medical insurance is not only useful for covering medical expenses for elderly visitors, but it also provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. In the event of a medical emergency, you can rest assured that your parents or relatives will be taken care of without having to worry about the financial burden of high medical expenses.
Q: What's the best travel insurance health plan for parents?
CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance is a comprehensive coverage travel medical insurance policy, which provides hand-picked benefits such as 100% coverage after the deductible, $20-$25 urgent care consultations (depending on the policy maximum), coverage for emergency dental treatment and eye exams. It also covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which makes the plan ideal for elderly travelers, particularly travelers coming from India and Asia. The plan has been very popular for parents visiting the U.S. This plan is 100% within the United Healthcare PPO network, one of the most widely-known networks in America.
Q: Can I purchase insurance for my visiting parents?
Yes, you can complete the application on behalf of your parents and make the payment using your credit card.
Q: My parents don't have insurance, will I be liable for my parents' medical bills?
If you've signed any sponsorship document or signed as their guarantor, you may be liable for their medical bills. Consult an expert legal advisor to get more help.
Q: My parents are already here, visiting the U.S., can I get coverage for them?
Yes, most travel medical insurance plans are available to purchase even after a traveler has arrived at their destination country. Coverage can begin as soon as the following day of your purchase. Eligible benefits and coverage will begin after the policy's effective start date.
Q: What if my parents are already here and have pre-existing conditions?
You may consider the ChoiceAmerica limited coverage plan which offers an optional pre-existing condition rider benefit that can be added during your purchase. The ChoiceAmerica plan is available to purchase even after arriving at your destination country. To qualify for the optional pre-existing condition rider, 30 days of coverage must be purchased.
Q: My parents will be traveling, what kind of insurance should I choose?
We recommend that you buy a comprehensive coverage policy with a higher policy maximum if your parents plan on a lot of travel or activities during their stay.
Q: Can I add my visiting parents to my health insurance?
Unless your parents are considered your dependents and live in the United States, they can't be covered by your health insurance.
Q: Can I get more help choosing the best policy for my parents?
Finding a suitable plan for your parents is essential when traveling abroad. Travel medical insurance can provide coverage for unexpected and new illnesses, injuries, or accidents that occur during their visit abroad. Along with financial protection for eligible medical expenses, you also get a peace of mind. This will allow you and your family to enjoy their stay without worrying about the potential what ifs. To find a suitable plan option and receive a quote, please enter your travel details in our quoting tool. If you'd rather talk to someone, our licensed insurance experts on our Customer Success Team can answer all your questions.
