Whether you’ve been in the U.S. for twenty years or twenty days, having your parents visit your adopted country is always exciting. However, with the high healthcare costs in the U.S., some parents may be concerned about having a medical emergency during their visit. Don’t let this fear overshadow the excitement of the trip. The best way to avoid incurring an expensive healthcare bill is to ensure they have good visitor insurance for parents traveling to the U.S.
Insurance is not required to visit or even immigrate to the U.S., but it is definitely something you want to have. When faced with an unexpected situation or emergency, the last thing anybody wants to worry about is how they’ll pay for it. With various types of travel insurance available, it’s easy to find a suitable plan that meets your parents’ needs and budget.
Types of Travel Insurance Coverage
There are several insurance plans for parents and seniors visiting loved ones in America. When determining the best plan for your family, there are several key factors to consider:
- What places will your parents visit?
- What types of activities do they want to do?
Below are the different types of coverage you can get for them:
Travel Medical
Also referred to as travel health insurance plans, these policies typically cover most medical expenses for injuries and illnesses that may occur during travel.
Some plans also cover pre-existing conditions, emergency evacuations, and repatriation of remains.
Extreme Sports: If your parents are active, double-check to see if your basic travel insurance covers the activities you plan to participate in.
You might be surprised at what is considered an “extreme sport” by insurance companies. You will need this extra medical coverage for any adventure sports. It includes skiing, rock climbing, parasailing, and treetop canopy walks.
Trip Cancellation
Trip cancellation plans offer monetary protection for specific cancellation reasons and travel delays. Missed flights or cruises due to these covered delays are often covered.
This is in addition to the medical benefits of travel health insurance. They cover things like trip interruptions or lost baggage, and many offer emergency evacuations for natural disasters or political unrest.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)
CFAR plans offer even more protection than trip cancellation policies. With this type of plan, you will be covered if you decide to cancel your trip for any reason.
This type of insurance is ideal for trips planned well in advance, especially if they’re costly. Check your policy to see how soon before your departure you can cancel and still receive the benefit.
The Best Travel Plans for Parents Traveling to the US
Each family will have different needs and concerns about their insurance plans. The following plans all offer comprehensive medical and travel insurance for visitors to the U.S.
They are customizable, allowing you to choose the maximum plan limit and your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in).
Given the high cost of healthcare in the United States, it is a good idea for your parents to purchase a travel insurance plan before visiting.
Worldtrips Atlas America
With Atlas America, you’ll have one of the most customizable travel insurance plans available. The plan also offers protections for trip interruptions, adventure sports, and medical evacuations.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits
- Choose between basic or more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
Trawick Safe Travels USA
Trawick’s Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Medical plan covers medical care, the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and more, providing coverage of up to $1,000,000 in accident and sickness medical expenses. They also cover sports activities and ‘Return to Home Country‘ options.
Safe Travels USA
- Designed for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. and other countries
- Includes comprehensive medical, evacuation, & repatriation coverage
- Coverage from 5 days to 364 days – extensions are available
IMG Patriot America Platinum
This plan offers the most comprehensive coverage, with a policy limit of up to $8 million. Some benefits include emergency evacuation, reunion, trip protection for covered emergencies, emergency dental care, and more. You can also add optional benefits, including device protection and adventure sports coverage.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
All of the above plans offer some of the best medical insurance for visitors to the USA. Ensure you read the fine print to know your parents are getting the best plan for their needs.
Does US Health Insurance Cover Parents?
If you have a U.S. insurance plan, it will likely not cover your visit to your parents. Under specific situations, your plan may extend coverage to parents. However, they must reside in the United States and be claimed as dependents on your taxes. For those visiting for a vacation, you may want to consider purchasing short-term medical insurance for your parents.
Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
Many insurance plans limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. If your parent has a health condition, they must opt for an insurance plan that comprehensively covers them. Pre-existing conditions refer to any health issues that were diagnosed before the insurance policy took effect. Insurance companies will not research if you have any health issues when you’re buying a plan.
However, if you file a claim, they will review your medical history for the past 2-6 months. This means you might not be reimbursed without a proper travel insurance plan. Some plans offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, depending on the patient’s age and specific health issue. Others provide a pre-existing condition waiver. This waiver is typically a clause in the policy that includes coverage for pre-existing health conditions under particular circumstances.
Before purchasing a plan, you can discuss your needs with one of our brokers to determine precisely what is covered.
If Your Parents Get Sick
Your parents must decide whether to visit an urgent care facility or an emergency room in the event of an unexpected medical emergency. In some countries, it’s common to visit the hospital to obtain medication for something as simple as a common cold.
However, in the U.S., that’s the last thing your parents should do! Some insurance plans will not reimburse your parents if they go to the ER when an urgent care center would have been sufficient.
Difference Between Urgent Care Clinics and Emergency Rooms
It’s a good idea to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the different types of healthcare facilities available in the United States.
The key difference between these two types of facilities is the critical situation. For any life-threatening injury, your parents should seek treatment at an emergency room.
For less critical illnesses or injuries, urgent care should cover your needs. Generally speaking, your parents will likely see a doctor more quickly if they head to an urgent care center.
Costs of Healthcare in the USA
Keep in mind that healthcare costs in the United States are significantly higher than in other developed countries. A visit to the ER without insurance costs, on average, USD $2,200 to $2,600.
Even those with decent insurance plans still spend an average of $646 on an emergency room visit. These costs vary depending on the level of care needed.
Urgent care clinics are significantly cheaper than a visit to an emergency room. Without insurance, people spend around $185.
With the right policy, you can expect to pay even less. Your parents may only be charged a small copay for their visit.
Coverage for a Carefree Visit to the States
Whether you’re a student at a university, a temporary worker, or an immigrant calling the U.S. home for decades, you want your parents to feel safe and protected when they visit.
Healthcare fees in the United States are high and can vary significantly between cities and states. That’s why travel insurance for parents visiting the USA is not something you should overlook. Insurance offers an irreplaceable peace of mind.
Everyone can enjoy building new memories together without worrying about incurring large medical debts.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
View
Full Bio
