There are so many amazing countries to visit; there are almost limitless things for international visitors to see, experience, and enjoy. Whether you are looking for cities, shopping, culture, dining, outdoor hiking, skiing, adventure, or just enjoying a slow-paced, rural experience, there are many possibilities available. Visiting family members abroad should be a fun and relaxing time.
As you plan your vacation abroad, it is important to make sure you purchase visitor insurance. Visitor health insurance, also called visitors medical insurance, is a short-term travel medical insurance policy that visitors to any country can purchase so they have coverage for accidental injury or illness during their stay in the host country. Visitors’ insurance is not always a requirement to enter a foreign country, but it is recommended. Those familiar with international medical systems will understand the need for health insurance coverage, especially if you know how much medical care costs in the USA, which will guide you on how much health insurance you need in the USA.
Ideally, you should purchase a visitors insurance policy once you decide on traveling. Policies can be purchased online, no matter where you are located. Coverage should start from your date of departure and continue until your return home.
What is the Best Health Insurance for Visitors or International Travelers
Visitors’ insurance plans essentially have two broad categories: limited or scheduled benefit plans and comprehensive coverage plans.
Emergency Medical and Visitors Insurance Coverage
Health insurance for foreign visitors, which is limited or scheduled, is also known as basic visitors insurance or travel medical insurance plans. They tend to be lower-cost, covering expenses up to a pre-determined or scheduled benefit table. The allowances in the plan can be reviewed prior to the purchase of the policy.
Visitors Health Insurance for Long Term Visits to Another Country
Plans that offer comprehensive coverage are quite different than limited plans. Comprehensive plans pay a percentage amount for each eligible expense, typically 70 – 90% up to the first $5,000 on the policy and 100% after that. Comprehensive coverage plans offer more than limited plans and may offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. These International Health Insurance plans are typically annual contracts and are renewable for life or to a certain age.
Choosing the right visitors insurance for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
Carefully research your needs and review any existing insurance you might have.
Purchase a US-based plan that will have a strong network of US doctors, a relationship with the hospitals you receive care from, and pay the doctors in US dollars.
Ask lots of questions, for example:
If you decide to stay longer, is the plan renewable?
Does the company have an in-house emergency medical assistance number you can call anytime?
If needed, are there translation services available?
Are you required to pay up-front for bills?
What are the deductible options?
Does the plan provide for a medical evacuation?
Is repatriation covered?
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to be aware of and understand the terms of your insurance policy. Carefully read the fine print and ask questions to make sure you fully understand the policy. It is also important to know how to use your visitors’ insurance in case you need it.
Visitor Insurance for Illnesses or Medical Emergencies
When possible, obtain approval from your insurer before seeking medical treatment. There will be a number on your insurance card that you can call for medical assistance. Here is how you can use the insurance in the event of a medical emergency such as a sickness or injury.
At the Hospital
Show your insurance information or insurance ID card
Provide all the information required by the medical reception staff. Note: A hospital receptionist may contact the insurance company to verify your benefits
Be prepared to make a payment if asked. While many providers will directly bill the insurance company, it is possible you will be asked to make a payment to cover your deductible or insurance co-pay
Obtain a detailed report and invoice from the hospital before leaving the country
Keep all your original receipts for submission to your insurer
Keep a copy of all documents for your personal records
At a Doctor’s Office
Show your insurance information or insurance ID card
Ask the doctor relevant questions and honestly answer his questions
Only receive appropriate medical treatment
You may be asked to pay a bill upfront – be sure to keep all of your receipts
Get a detailed invoice before leaving
Submit the original receipts to your insurer
Make a copy of all documents for your own files
When Buying Medicine at the Pharmacy
Take your prescription from the doctor.
Make an upfront payment for your medication.
Obtain your receipts.
Keep a copy of the receipts for your own files.
Submit the original receipt to your insurance company.
Common Exclusions / Pre-Existing Conditions in Visitors Insurance
Common exclusions for visitors or travel medical insurance plans include pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, cancer, or any other illness that you may have at the time you purchase the insurance. Other exclusions typically include maternity care, childbirth, preventative care such as check-ups and immunizations, eye exams for prescriptions and glasses, cosmetic procedures, and dental work not related to an accident or emergency.
Keep in mind that since pre-existing medical conditions are not typically covered by insurance for foreign visitors, treatment for existing conditions, including prescriptions, will not be covered.
When you are traveling, keep the details of your insurance policy with you and make sure your travel agent, another member of your traveling party, and someone back home (a friend or relative) have a copy of the information and are able to get in touch with your insurer.
When purchasing your visitors’ insurance, remember to take a look at other kinds of visitor travel insurance too, such as trip cancellation insurance for international citizens. You can often arrange a variety of insurance coverage through one insurer.
Purchasing visitors insurance can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you take the time to research your options, you can have peace of mind while you travel. Hopefully, you won’t need to use the insurance, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it.
If you have parents visiting from another country, you want to make sure that the coverage you purchase is comprehensive and affordable. Parents visiting from abroad often have unique considerations that need to be taken into account when purchasing coverage. For older parents, insurance is often more expensive, so you want a plan that offers enough coverage at an affordable price. It is also a good idea to purchase coverage from a provider that has a large list of participating doctors and hospitals in the country they are visiting you in.
We recommend the Atlas Travel Medical Plan (Atlas Plan – Learn More | Free Quote / Apply ) as it offers excellent service to seniors with maximum benefit amounts of:
$1,000,000 up to age 70
$50,000 or $100,000 up to age 80
$10,000 if you are 80 or older.
Many plans limit the maximum benefit amount to $10,000 or $50,000 after age 70. The Atlas plan provides a higher amount of coverage for travelers up to age 80.
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