Parents visiting the U.S.? Here's everything you need to know about getting the right health insurance for your parents before they get here.
What You'll Learn in This Guide:
- Why health insurance is necessary for visiting parents
- Types of insurance coverage available
- How to choose the right policy for your parents
- The best travel insurance policies for parents visiting the US
- Special considerations for seniors and pre-existing conditions
- Step-by-step guide to purchasing visitor insurance
- Common questions about parental visitor insurance
Why is Health Insurance Necessary for Parents Visiting the USA?
Bringing your parents to visit the United States is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together, create lasting memories, and show them the country you call home.
However, unlike many countries where healthcare is more affordable or even government-funded, medical care in the U.S. is, unfortunately, incredibly expensive. Something as routine as a doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars, while an unexpected hospitalization could easily lead to tens of thousands in medical bills. And we don’t want our parents to stress about that, nor do we ourselves want to worry about that.
Many visitors assume that their parents’ existing health insurance from their home country will cover them in the U.S., but in most cases, it doesn’t. Without the proper U.S. health insurance, your parents could be left paying out-of-pocket for any healthcare services they need during their visit. That’s why securing the right travel health insurance is essential. It provides peace of mind and financial protection, allowing them to enjoy their trip freely and without the stress of unexpected medical expenses.
What Type of Health Insurance Do Parents Need When Visiting the USA?
Travel medical insurance, also referred to as visitors insurance, provides coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred during an extended stay or while traveling temporarily in the United States.
Visitors insurance is particularly important for elderly parents visiting USA, who statistically face higher health risks. Quality travel insurance plans typically cover:
- Emergency hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Urgent care consultations
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions (in some plans)
These policies are specifically tailored to address the unique healthcare needs of international visitors so your parents receive the best care in case anything goes wrong and you don’t have to break the bank against the high costs of American medical care.
What Are the Best Health Insurance Plans for Parents Visiting the USA?
Pick from a range of travel medical insurance plans designed specifically for elderly travelers:
How Should You Choose Health Insurance for Your Visiting Parents?
When choosing visitors insurance for parents visiting the USA, it is important to consider various factors, including age, medical history, length of stay, overall health risks, and more. Here are the key factors to evaluate when selecting a travel insurance policy for the U.S.:
What Medical Expenses Should Be Covered?
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. It would be best to go higher if your parents are older or have health concerns.
What is Emergency Medical Coverage in Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance policies are created to cover emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor's visits, and urgent care, but their coverage details may vary from plan to plan. Be sure to read the plan terms to understand what the details and extent of coverage each plan offers.
What's the Difference Between Comprehensive and Limited Coverage Plans?
When selecting a travel insurance plan, it's important to understand the difference between comprehensive and limited coverage plans.
Comprehensive Coverage Plans
Comprehensive plans, as the name suggests, are designed to give more extensive coverage, typically covering a high percentage (sometimes 100%) of eligible medical expenses after the deductible.
They often include hospital visits, emergency medical evacuation, and coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. While they tend to be more expensive, they provide the most financial security in case of an emergency.
Limited Coverage Plans
While a limited plan might be tempting due to its lower cost, these plans tend to have fixed benefit limits, meaning they only reimburse up to a set amount for each type of medical service. This can leave significant gaps in coverage, making them less ideal for elderly travelers who may require more medical attention.
Given the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., a comprehensive plan is generally the better option, especially for senior travelers who might be more susceptible to health issues.
How Important is Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage?
If your parents require transportation to a different medical facility or even back home for specialized care, this benefit is crucial. The recommended coverage amount for emergency medical evacuation is at least $100,000.
What if My Parents Have a Pre-Existing Condition?s
Many elderly travelers have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. If your parents have a pre-existing condition or you are worried about the flare up of an old condition, such as an old injury or previous medical condition, you should opt for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions or acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Here are a few policies that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions for seniors.
How Do Deductibles and Copayments Work?
The deductible is the amount your parents must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance starts covering expenses.
Your deductible is completely customizable. When selecting your policy in the quote tool, carefully balance the deductible amount against the premium cost based on your parents' financial situation and risk tolerance.
Higher deductibles may lower the cost of your policy, but can also increase out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a medical emergency. A lower deductible means less out-of-pocket expense when seeking medical treatment, but it may come with a slightly higher policy cost. Make sure to evaluate which option you are more comfortable with.
What Policy Maximum Should You Choose?
Also referred to as the "coverage limit", a policy maximum is the maximum amount the insurance policy will pay for covered medical expenses. Since this maximum is of your choosing, ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage for medical expenses in case of an emergency, whatever that means for you.
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.
Why is a Provider Network Important?
Some insurance plans partner with a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), which is a network of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare facilities that have agreed to provide services at negotiated rates that you might otherwise get if you don’t have an insurance policy. It is recommended to opt for a plan with a PPO network when purchasing a policy for senior parents visiting the U.S. That way, If your parents uses an in-network provider, they may pay lower out-of-pocket costs.
What is Repatriation of Remains Coverage?
In the unfortunate event of a traveler’s passing, this benefit covers the cost of transporting their remains back to their home country. The recommended coverage amount for return of remains is at least $25,000.
Why Can’t I Just Get Travel Insurance From Their Home Country?
While travel insurance from your parents' home country (like India or China) might appear more affordable initially, purchasing coverage from a US-based provider is the best choice for your parents because [of a wide list of reasons], the most important being:
- Better Provider Recognition: US healthcare facilities are more likely to recognize and accept US-based insurance plans, potentially resulting in smoother claims processes.
- Time Zone Convenience: When emergencies happen, you'll need customer service during US business hoursnot in the middle of the night due to international time differences.
- Direct Billing Options: Many US plans offer direct billing arrangements with hospitals, meaning your parents won't need to pay thousands upfront and then wait for reimbursement.
- More Suitable Coverage: US-based plans are specifically designed to address the unique costs and requirements of the American healthcare system.
How Can I Quickly Purchase the Best Health Insurance for My Parents Visiting the USA?
Health insurance for visiting parents can be purchased online through a travel insurance marketplace such as VisitorsCoverage. You can also purchase a plan for your parents using their information and following the tips above.
The process is very straightforward. All you will need is your parent's basic information such as:
- Full name
- Home country
- Citizenship
- Destination country
- Travel dates
- Date of birth
- Home address
What Insurance Options Exist for Elderly Parents Over 65 Visiting the USA?
If you are looking for health insurance for an immigrant parent over 65, you still have options. Most travel medical insurance plans offer coverage for individuals up to the ages of 74 to 99, however, coverage may be more limited.
It is also expected that the premium for the plan will be higher than it would for someone younger, and some benefits may be capped for certain age groups.
However, visitors insurance for parents over 65 is still crucial to have some protection if they are sick or injured during their visit.
- Medical coverage is crucial for parents that are visiting the U.S. for short visits or extended periods of time due to the high cost of medical care in the U.S.
- You should consider things like policy maximum, deductibles, pre-existing conditions, medical expense coverage, and provider networks when choosing a plan.
- Plans are available for elderly travelers up to 99 years of age, but plans and coverage may be limited for certain ages.
- Travel medical insurance for parents visiting the USA can be purchased through VisitorsCoverage.
Get Covered With VisitorsCoverage
Ready to find a visitors insurance plan for a visiting parents? Compare our available visitors insurance plans to find a policy that best fits your budget and your parent's needs.
This process can be a little overwhelming, we totally understand. That is why we have our team of licensed insurance agents equipped to answer any of your questions. Our Customer Success Team is here to walk you from start to finish in finding the right policy for your parents.
FAQs: Finding Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA
Should each parent have their own travel insurance plan?
Yes, it's recommended that each parent has an individual policy. This ensures that each person receives full benefit limits tailored to their specific health needs. While family plans exist, they often share certain benefit limits, which could leave coverage gaps if both parents needed significant medical care simultaneously.
What's the best travel insurance health plan for parents?
CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance is highly recommended for visiting parents because it offers comprehensive coverage with thoughtfully designed benefits for international visitors, including:
- 100% coverage after meeting the deductible when using in-network providers
- Affordable urgent care consultations ($20-$25 depending on policy maximum)
- Emergency dental treatment and eye exam coverage
- Benefits for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Access to the extensive UnitedHealthcare PPO network, one of the most widely-accepted networks in America
CoverAmerica-Gold is one of the most popular plans for parents visiting the U.S. because of its comprehensive coverage and affordability.
Can I purchase insurance for my visiting parents?
Absolutely. You can complete the application process on their behalf and pay using your credit card. You'll only need basic information like their full names, birth dates, passport details, travel dates, and home address. The policy documents are typically delivered via email immediately after purchase.
My parents don't have insurance, will I be liable for my parents' medical bills?
Your liability depends on whether you've signed any financial responsibility documents. If you've completed sponsorship forms or signed as a guarantor for their visit, you may be legally responsible for their medical expenses. Even without such documentation, hospitals may attempt to collect from family members residing in the US. Consult an expert legal advisor to get more help.
What if my parents are already here and have pre-existing conditions?
You still have options. Plans like INF Elite X and INF Premiere X specifically cover pre-existing conditions and can be purchased after your parents have already arrived. INF Elite X offers comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions and other benefits, while INF Premiere X provides limited coverage at a lower price point.
Keep in mind that purchasing insurance after arrival may result in more thorough claims investigations to verify that conditions didn't arise immediately before policy purchase.
My parents will be traveling, what kind of insurance should I choose?
For parents planning extensive travel or activities during their US visit, choose a comprehensive coverage medical policy with a higher policy maximum ($250,000+). Ensure the plan has a strong nationwide provider network, as regional networks may limit access to in-network care when traveling between states.
If your parents have pre-existing conditions, specialized plans like INF Elite X are particularly important for travelers who will be visiting multiple locations.
Can I add my visiting parents to my health insurance?
Unfortunately, this isn't possible in most cases. Unless your parents are legally considered your dependents and permanent residents of the United States, they cannot be added to your personal health insurance plan. Domestic health insurance plans are designed for residents, not visitors, making specialized travel medical insurance the appropriate solution.
Their best choice would be to get an affordable travel medical insurance policy, specifically made to give visitors to the US strong protection during their visit.
Can I get more help choosing the best policy for my parents?
Absolutely! Finding the right insurance plan can feel overwhelming, but expert guidance is available. VisitorsCoverage can provide personalized recommendations based on your parents' specific needs, age, health conditions, and travel plans.
You can start by using VisitorsCoverage’s online comparison tool to quickly compare the best available options. But, if you’d rather speak to someone, our team of licensed insurance agents can address specific questions or concerns. These experts can explain policy details, clarify coverage limitations, and help identify the most suitable plan for your situation.
Which insurance is best for parents visiting USA?
For parents visiting, comprehensive travel insurance plans such as CoverAmerica-Gold are particularly well-suited. These plans address the dramatic difference in healthcare costs between the home country and the USA while providing benefits tailored to international visitors.
If your parents have pre-existing conditions (common for senior travelers), INF Elite X offers superior coverage specifically designed for these situations. This plan combines strong pre-existing condition benefits with comprehensive coverage for all other medical needs, making it ideal for visitors concerned about existing health issues.
How far in advance should I purchase insurance for my visiting parents?
While you can purchase visitors insurance even after your parents arrive in the United States, buying coverage before their trip begins is highly recommended. 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.
