Whether you are a parent planning your visit to the United States or an individual helping your parents prepare for their trip to the USA, you may be contemplating whether travel medical insurance, or visitors insurance, is necessary to ensure safe and protected travel.
While visitors insurance does come with an added cost, it can be a vital safeguard for parents visiting the USA, as it offers coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, such as illness or injury that occur during a parent’s stay.
With so many visitor health insurance options, it might be difficult to determine exactly what to look for when selecting the best travel insurance for parents visiting the USA. However, there are specific travel insurance benefits to look for when purchasing insurance for visitors to the US.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- Why visitors insurance is essential for parents visiting the USA and how to compare plans easily
- Key benefits to look for in travel medical insurance for elderly visitors
- How to find pre-existing condition coverage for your parents and the different kinds of coverage available
Is Visitor Health Insurance Worth It?
US visitor health insurance is often considered necessary for parents visiting the USA considering the extremely high costs of medical care in the United States. Most insurance plans from one’s home country won’t offer coverage abroad, so temporary health insurance is crucial.
Visitor insurance for parents in the USA can ensure that if an emergency medical issue were to happen, parents would have the essential coverage they need to avoid the heavy financial burden of US healthcare costs.
Best Affordable Visitors Insurance Plan with Great Coverage: CoverAmerica-Gold
Best Travel Medical Insurance for Parents with High Medical Coverage: Atlas America Premium
Best Travel Medical Insurance for Elderly Visitors to the US with Pre-Existing Conditions: INF Elite X
What are Some Benefits of Travel Insurance I Should Consider for My Parents Visiting USA?
When selecting a plan for either yourself or your parents, here are some key factors and benefits of travel insurance to look for that will provide the best protection possible for visitors to the US.
What's the Difference Between Comprehensive and Limited Insurance Plans?
A comprehensive visitors insurance plan is best suited for parents visiting the United States as it offers extensive medical coverage as opposed to a limited or fixed benefit visitors insurance plan.
Comprehensive visitors insurance plans can often cover up to 100% of eligible medical expenses up to the policy maximum when visiting an in-network provider, often giving complete protection for eligible treatments.
Meanwhile limited visitors insurance can be enticing due to its lower premium, however, it only covers up to a fixed amount per treatment or service, which can greatly increase out-of-pocket costs.
Should I Get a Travel Medical Insurance Plan with a PPO Network?
Visitors insurance plans that offer access to a PPO network are a key benefit to look for when selecting US travel insurance for parents.
Access to a PPO network can:
- Make it easier to find the nearest care in the event of needing medical attention
- Give a preferred rate on medical services
- Provide the best coverage percentage for eligible expenses
Comprehensive visitor insurance plans will provide coverage for providers within their PPO network.
What is a Policy Maximum, and Which One Should I Choose for Parents Visiting the USA?
A policy maximum is the highest amount that the insurance company will pay for eligible expenses. For example, let's say that you purchased a visitor insurance plan with a $100,000 policy maximum, and had a medical emergency where you needed to go to the hospital. Your travel insurance will pay a maximum of $100,000 of your eligible medical expenses after the deductible is met.
Selecting a plan with a higher policy maximum will give parents the best safeguard in the event of an emergency medical event. With a higher policy maximum, a parent visiting the US will have more cushion when it comes to covered medical expenses.
While a higher policy maximum may increase the policy's cost, it will give higher protection and prevent more out-of-pocket costs for expensive medical treatment such as hospitalization or surgery.
Is Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance Worth It for My Parents?
Emergency medical evacuation is a crucial benefit of travel insurance that will offer coverage in the event that your parents have an emergency medical event and need to be airlifted or transported to the nearest hospital that can properly handle their treatment.
Emergency airlifts can cost tens of thousands of dollars in the US without insurance, and while no one wants to think that they will need emergency transport during their stay in the US, this benefit can prove to be crucial financial protection.
What Does Repatriation of Remains Coverage Provide for My Elderly Parents Visiting the US?
Repatriation of remains is another benefit that is often included in visitors insurance plans, which is important for elderly visitors to the US.
This benefit ensures that if a parent were to suddenly pass away during their visit, family members would receive coverage and assistance with local authorities when it comes to returning their remains back to their home country.
Why Consider Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage for Visitors to the US?
The accidental death and dismemberment benefit can help provide financial assistance to family members if a parent were to pass away or become seriously dismembered during their travels.
AD&D coverage pays out a lump sum to a specified beneficiary in the event of death or dismemberment, which can greatly assist with burial and associated costs.
Are There Travel Insurance Plans for My Parents With Pre-Existing Conditions?
When it comes to older travelers, pre-existing conditions may be a concern. Traveling with a pre-existing condition can be scary, especially if a symptom of a condition were to flare up unexpectedly while away from home.
Select visitors insurance plans offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage is more common, and can provide medical coverage in the event that a dormant condition suddenly flares up without warning during a parent’s stay in the US.
| Coverage Benefits | CoverAmerica-Gold | Atlas America Premium | INF Elite X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive or Limited Plan | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| PPO Network | Included | Included | Included |
| Policy Maximum | Up to $500,000 | Up to $2,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| Repatriation of Remains | Up to $25,000 | Dependent on Your Policy Maximum | Up to $10,000 |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment | Up to $25,000 | Up to $100,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage or Acute Onset | Only the Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions | Only the Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions | Only Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage |
Where Can I Compare the Best US Travel Insurance for My Parents?
Temporary health insurance coverage for parents visiting the United States can be purchased online through a travel insurance comparison website like VisitorsCoverage in just a matter of minutes.
Parents visiting the US can purchase coverage for themselves, or their children in the US can even purchase coverage for their parents who are visiting.
- US healthcare costs are extremely high, making visitors insurance crucial for parents traveling to the USA
- Comprehensive plans offer better protection than limited plans, covering up to 100% of eligible expenses
- Look for plans with good PPO networks and higher policy maximums for better access to care and protection against expensive medical treatments
- While many plans only cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, visitors insurance plans like INF Elite X cover pre-existing conditions overall
To find the best visitors insurance for your parents, start your insurance travel comparison using our quote tool today, or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA
What are the steps to ensure my elderly parents receive good medical care while visiting?
To ensure your elderly parents receive quality medical care during their US visit, start with comprehensive insurance that includes a strong PPO network. Before their trip, create a medical information document including their conditions, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. Research healthcare facilities near where they'll be staying, identifying hospitals and urgent care centers that accept their insurance. Make sure your parents carry their insurance cards and medical information at all times. For parents with limited English proficiency, identify medical translation services, which your travel insurance can provide through the 24/7 travel assistance line, or bilingual providers in advance. Finally, establish clear communication plans so they can easily reach you or another local contact in case of medical concerns.
Can my parents get travel insurance if they don't have health insurance in their home country?
Yes, your parents can purchase visitors insurance for their US trip even if they don't have health insurance in their home country. Visitors insurance operates independently of home country coverage and is designed specifically for the duration of international travel. The application process typically doesn't require proof of existing health insurance. Some visitors insurance providers might ask about existing health coverage during the application process, but this information is generally used for coordination of benefits rather than eligibility determination.
What if my parents have a medical condition that requires regular medication?
Visitors insurance typically doesn't cover maintenance medications for pre-existing conditions. Your parents should bring an adequate supply of all regular medications from home, along with copies of prescriptions and a doctor's letter explaining their medical needs. For extended stays, consider having medications shipped from home or investigate international pharmacy options. If your parents unexpectedly run out of medication in the US, a US doctor can write a new prescription, though the cost of both the doctor's visit and the medication would likely be out-of-pocket expenses. Visitors plans can cover medications prescribed for new illnesses or injuries that occur during the covered period, but policies vary significantly regarding medication coverage.
What are the most common coverage exclusions for elderly travelers to the USA?
Visitors insurance typically exclude routine preventive care, regular check-ups, or maintenance of chronic conditions. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded unless specifically covered through specialized plans. Dental and vision care are typically not covered unless related to an accident. Cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, and non-medically necessary services are excluded. Coverage for hazardous activities or extreme sports usually requires additional riders. It's crucial to read the policy's exclusions section carefully before purchase to understand these limitations, especially for elderly visitors who may have more complex healthcare needs.
Can my parents use Medicare or their home country insurance in the USA?
No, Medicare doesn't provide coverage outside the United States for non-residents. Similarly, most domestic health insurance from other countries offers limited or no coverage in the USA. This coverage gap makes visitors insurance essential for international travelers to the United States.
How far in advance should I purchase visitors insurance for my elderly parents?
It's best to purchase visitors insurance soon after finalizing travel plans, ideally at least 2-4 weeks before departure. This ensures adequate time to review policy documents and understand coverage details.
Can visitors insurance be purchased after my parents arrive in the USA?
Yes, but this isn't recommended. Any illness or injury that occurs before the effective date of the policy would be excluded from coverage. Additionally, some insurers impose waiting periods on policies purchased after arrival. For comprehensive protection, purchase insurance before your parents leave their home country.
Do my parents need to undergo a medical examination to get visitors insurance?
No, visitors insurance doesn't require any medical examinations or proof of medical history when you’re purchasing. The application process generally only asks for basic information like age, nationality, travel dates, and desired coverage amounts.
Can my parents extend their insurance plan if they stay longer in the USA?
Many visitors insurance policies allow for extensions, provided the request is made before the original coverage period expires and no claims have been filed. The process typically involves contacting the insurance provider, paying for additional coverage days, and receiving updated policy documents. Extensions aren't guaranteed, however, so it's wise to initially purchase coverage for slightly longer than the planned stay.
Can I cancel my parents’ visitors insurance if their travel plans change?
Yes, most visitors insurance plans can be canceled if plans change before the coverage period begins. Many providers offer a "free look" period (typically 10-14 days) during which you can review the policy and request a full refund if not satisfied. After this period, or once the coverage has begun, refund policies varysome companies offer prorated refunds for unused days minus any administrative fees (if applicable), while others may not provide refunds once coverage has started.
