One of the first questions that comes to mind when purchasing visitors health insurance is: Which doctor or hospital facilities can I use under my policy? The answer to this question depends on two main factors:
- The type of plan you have, whether it’s a comprehensive Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or a limited coverage one
- The area of coverage, whether inside the U.S. or abroad
With a comprehensive travel insurance coverage plan, you can visit the doctors or facilities listed in your PPO network and have the advantage of direct billing to the insurance company. You can also take advantage of a preferred negotiated rate that’s contracted upon by the healthcare provider and the insurance company. However, that doesn't mean that you can’t go to a doctor of your choice if they're not listed in the PPO network. You may visit any doctor of your choice, but the percentage paid by the insurance company might be lower for some plans if you choose a provider outside your policy’s network.
With a limited coverage plan, you can choose to visit any doctor. However, it's at the discretion of the healthcare provider to opt for billing the insurance company directly or asking you to pay upfront. In the latter case, you'll be reimbursed by the insurance company.
Area of Coverage & Medical Provider
Since the insurance companies providing these plans are based in the U.S., the list of healthcare providers participating in PPO networks is much more exhaustive compared to other countries where you may be eligible for coverage. A few plans do have partnerships with doctors in some countries outside the United States. However, it's highly possible that if you're receiving medical care outside the U.S., you’d need to pay upfront to the provider and then get reimbursement from the insurance company in the U.S.
Searching for Providers in the PPO Networks
If you're looking for visitors insurance in the U.S., follow these easy steps to get your best option once you’ve decided which plan you want to purchase:
- Search travel insurance providers online
- Click on the Find Providers link
- Select the plan that applies to you
- Click the Providers Directory on the plan page (This link will take you to the PPO network home page, where you can browse through participating providers by facility type or provider name by using your address or your zip code).
If you need visitors insurance outside the U.S., you can obtain a list of doctors near you by calling the toll-free travel assistance numbers provided on your ID card.
VisitorsCoverage is Here to Help
Finding the right provider for your needs may be a challenge. VisitorsCoverage is here to help if you have any questions or need any assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our award-winning Customer Success Team.
