Protect your trip abroad with reliable visitors insurance designed to cover medical emergencies, accidents, and unexpected health issues while traveling.
Exploring a new country offers countless opportunities to experience vibrant cities, rich culture, world-class dining, outdoor adventures, and peaceful rural escapes. Whether you are sightseeing, visiting family, or enjoying a relaxing holiday, traveling abroad should be enjoyable and worry-free.
As you plan your trip, it is essential to secure visitor insurance. Visitor health insurance, also known as visitors’ medical insurance, is a short-term travel medical policy that provides coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries during your stay abroad. While not always required for entry, it is strongly recommended, especially if you are familiar with the high cost of medical care in places like the USA.
For the best protection, purchase a visitor’s insurance policy as soon as you finalize your travel plans. Policies can be bought online from anywhere in the world, and your coverage should begin the day you depart and continue until you return home.
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The Best Insurance Plans for Visitors and Travelers Abroad
Visitors’ insurance plans can be broadly categorized into two main types: limited or scheduled benefit plans and comprehensive coverage plans.
Emergency Travel Medical and Visitors Insurance Coverage
Limited or scheduled health insurance for foreign visitors, often referred to as basic visitors’ insurance or travel medical insurance, typically offers lower-cost coverage with fixed benefit amounts. These plans pay up to a predetermined schedule of benefits, which you can review in detail before purchasing your policy.
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
Comprehensive Coverage for Long-Term International Visitors
Comprehensive coverage plans differ significantly from limited plans. Instead of fixed benefits, they pay a percentage of each eligible expense, often covering 70 to 90 percent up to the first $5,000 and 100 percent thereafter. These plans typically include broader benefits and may cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. International health insurance plans in this category usually offer annual contracts that can be renewed for life or for a specified period, up to a certain age.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Choosing the right visitors’ insurance can feel overwhelming, but a few key considerations can help you make the best decision for your trip.
Start by reviewing your needs and any existing coverage.
Consider selecting a U.S.-based plan if you are visiting the United States, since these plans typically offer stronger provider networks, established relationships with local hospitals, and payment in U.S. dollars.
As you compare options, be sure to ask important questions such as:
If you extend your trip, can you renew the plan?
Does the insurer offer a 24/7 emergency medical assistance line?
No matter which plan you choose, it is your responsibility to understand its terms and limitations. Read the policy carefully, ask questions, and learn how to use your visitors’ insurance before you travel so you are prepared in case of an emergency.
How Visitors’ Insurance Works During Medical Emergencies
If possible, contact your insurer before seeking treatment. The emergency assistance number on your insurance ID card can help guide you to approved providers and coordinate your care. In the event of an illness or injury, here is how to use your visitors’ insurance at different types of medical facilities.
At the Hospital
Show your insurance ID card to the reception staff.
Provide any required information for benefit verification. The hospital may contact your insurer directly to confirm coverage.
Be prepared to make a payment if necessary. Some hospitals bill the insurer directly; however, you may still need to pay your deductible or co-pay upfront.
Request a detailed medical report and itemized invoice before you leave the facility.
Keep all original receipts for your claim submission.
Make copies of every document for your personal records.
Visitors’ insurance and travel medical plans have specific exclusions you should review before purchasing a policy. Most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or any illness you already have at the time of enrollment. Additional exclusions often include maternity care, childbirth, routine or preventative services such as check-ups and immunizations, vision exams for glasses, cosmetic procedures, and dental care unrelated to an accident or emergency.
Since pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, treatment related to those conditions, including prescription medications, is typically not covered.
While traveling, keep your policy details easily accessible and ensure your travel companions, travel agent, or a trusted person back home also have a copy in case an emergency arises.
As you compare plans, consider whether you need a different type of visitor travel insurance, such as trip cancellation coverage.
Visitors’ insurance can be complex, but understanding what each policy covers and what it does not will help you make a confident decision.
Insurance Options for Parents Visiting from Abroad
If your parents are visiting from another country, it is essential to choose coverage that is both comprehensive and cost-effective. Older parents often have unique health considerations, and insurance can be more expensive, so selecting a plan that provides substantial benefits at a reasonable price is essential. It is also wise to choose a provider with a broad network of participating doctors and hospitals in the country they will be visiting.
Insurance for Parents Over 60 Traveling Abroad
Parents over 60 often have different medical needs while traveling, making it especially important to choose a plan with strong benefits and reliable emergency support. Coverage limits, premiums, and eligibility can vary significantly for older travelers, so selecting a policy that offers adequate protection for age-related risks is essential.
Travel Insurance for US Senior Visitors with Pre-Existing Conditions
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
Budget-Friendly Travel Insurance for US Senior Visitors
IMG GlobeHopper Senior
Travel medical insurance for a single trip lasting up to 12 months
For U.S. citizens and residents aged 65 or above who meet Medicare eligibility and are actively enrolled in Parts A and B and a Medicare Supplement plan
Offers immediate access to care and reimbursement for eligible medical expenses
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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