Explaining Complex Travel Insurance Terms for Indian Parents

As the date of your parents’ visit to the US approaches, there’s a hint of nervous excitement. For parents visiting for the first time, it’s natural for them to feel nervous. But to calm them down, you have to be calm as well. Having your parents come to your second home involves some complexities. Until you start reading about travel insurance, these complexities turn into a nightmare. In this blog post, we will cover:

1. Simplifying those scarily complex insurance terms

2. Pre-existing conditions and Acute Onset - The fine line between the two!

3. 3-4 Options for pre-existing conditions 

4. How can you use your travel Insurance like a pro

5. Followed by some really handy tips on using your travel insurance effectively
   

1. Breaking the barriers of complex travel insurance terms

Imagine this: You are browsing through the policy documents amidst your busy routine, and all of a sudden, you come across terms like coinsurance and deductible. Puzzling, right? But It’s Ok yaar.

First things first, let's get hold of the main concept of a deductible. A deductible is just the basic amount you will be responsible for paying out of your pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Coming to co-insurance - It's the exact percentage of the covered expenses you will share with the insurance company right after you meet the deductible. This counts under the responsibility of the insured. Travel insurance policies that come with Co-Insurance typically cover 80% of the first $5,000 of health care expenses, and then 100% of the remaining expenses up to the policy's medical limit.

To practically break it down: Suppose that your health insurance plan comes with a 20% co-insurance requirement. If your deductible has already been met and your medical bill reaches up to $1,000, you will often be responsible for $200, or 20% of the amount. The remaining 80%, or $800, shall be covered by the insurance agency. Hence, in this case, $200 would be your co-insurance payment. 

A co-insurance is slightly different from copay. A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a covered service. Yes, we know it’s confusing. 

Now let’s get slightly deeper into your mind as these terminologies are the threads to the rest of the topics you are going to learn about in this blog post! Out of a pool of concepts, here are the vital ones you must know about.

What exactly does policy exclusions mean?

Exclusions from a policy are the treatment or services that the insurance provider or plan will not cover. These often include costs related to the use of illegal drugs, pre-existing ailments that were already present at the time the insurance was purchased, participation in risky activities, etc.

 Extra Tip! Review your policy details carefully to identify any of these exclusions in your scheme.

What does insurance for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) indicate?

When an accident results in death, AD&D insurance protects your beneficiaries financially. Benefits for unintentional loss of limbs, eyesight, speech, or hearing are also covered by AD&D.

2.  Crystal clear info on pre-existing conditions and acute onset

Now, one question we get from all of you is, what is the difference between pre-existing conditions and acute onset of pre-existing conditions? A pre-existing condition is any health issue your parents had before purchasing insurance. On the other hand, acute onset refers to a sudden and unexpected recurrence of pre-existing conditions, often requiring immediate medical attention. Understanding the difference is key to selecting the right coverage. Pre-existing Conditions – What do you need to know?

Imagine this situation: Your mom & dad are visiting from India, and all of a sudden, amidst all the fun, a health concern pops up. Just being a realist here. Because we all have that concern at the back of our minds when dealing with our aged parents.

This is where the concept of pre-existing conditions steps in. Well, imagine them as medical ailments that your parents already had before having their travel insurance issued. Health problems don’t always have to be severe. They can sometimes also vary from minor chronic illnesses to existing injuries. Hypertension, asthma, and diabetes are some of the common health scenarios you can consider for Pre-existing Conditions. 

So basically, it can be anything that was already there before you invested in your insurance policy. – Simple as that!

Now, let's understand acute onset

Acute onset is like the uninvited guests blowing out the party! Acute onset refers to the unforeseen and abrupt flare-up of a precedent health condition during your parents' visit. An acute onset is a medical condition someone previously had, and it is no longer present or a person is not taking any medication or treatment for it. While on their trip, if this condition reoccurs and requires the person to seek immediate medical attention, this may be considered an acute onset of a pre-existing condition. 

Clarifying the key differences between these terms is important for ensuring that your family has all the care they deserve. So, boot up as we together delve a little deeper into the several choices of pre-existing conditions and acute onset!

3. The various options for pre-existing conditions – A must-know point

So, coming straight to the point. What are your right choices when it comes to pre-existing conditions? Hear out the 3 options you have:

•  Look for insurance schemes that offer all-inclusive coverage for pre-existing conditions.

•  Consider choosing a policy with a pre-existing condition waiver, which releases some conditions from limitations on coverage.

•  Look into the option of investing in additional coverage designed to address pre-existing conditions. This is to ensure that your parents they can receive the care they need without having to break the bank.

  Sounds slightly complex? No problem. The visitors' coverage website makes the process multiple times easier. It will help you to unlock the variety of options available for pre-existing conditions. You can easily spot insurance plans with comprehensive coverage, policies with pre-existing condition waivers, and supplemental plans catered to serve specific needs with ease. It also allows you to compare multiple options, make your choice, and buy on the same site. 
  

4. How do you make the right use of your travel insurance like a pro?

Now that you are armed with the insights and information of complex terms and coverage choices, let's discuss how to use your travel insurance. 

Remember to keep your policy documents handy, know the procedures for filing claims, and always contact your insurer in case of emergencies. It's all about being proactive and prepared!

Also, wondering what you need to do if parents require urgent medical attention during their visit. Note these down:

 Reach out for Medical Care: If the option is available, guide your parents toward a network provider listed on your insurance carrier’s website. We’ve explained the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers.

Notify the Insurance Provider: It is crucial to inform your insurance provider of the medical condition without any delay. They are the ones who can provide you with detailed & practical advice on how you can file the claim. Be it sending in bills or medical records, they can guide you right. Understanding the claim procedure ahead of time will help you avoid delays in reimbursement. That’s another advantage of buying from VisitorsCoverage. They’re extremely quick in guiding and responding.

Maintain records: Make sure that you have all the documentation of every medical invoice and receipt related to the covered costs. These records are important to file a refund claim. You will attain the benefits that you are entitled to and the claim process will be streamlined with a well-organised paperwork process.

FAQs 

To wrap it up, let's address some frequently asked questions sourced from our wonderful community:

1. If my parents decide to stay longer than expected, can I get their travel insurance extended? Yes, if your parents' stay becomes more extended than intended, most insurers have choices for extending coverage. To prevent any coverage lapses, just be sure to get in touch with your insurer before the policy's expiration date.

2. My parents don't have insurance, will I be liable for my parents' medical bills? If you've signed any sponsorship document or signed as their guarantor, you may be liable for their medical bills. Consult an expert legal advisor to get more help.

3. What if my parents are already here and have pre-existing conditions?You may consider the Visitors Protect a comprehensive coverage plan providing temporary medical coverage for emergency services and limited pre-existing conditions for international visitors travelling to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The coverage duration available is from 90 days to 365 days.

4. Should each parent have their travel insurance plan? If both parents want the same coverage and are looking to cover the same concerns, they can both be on the same policy. The policy maximums on a policy will be applied to both insureds. EX: If a policy max is for $100K, both parents would get $100K in coverage each. Situations where they should be separate: Different needs and concerns. Perhaps one wants pre-ex coverage and the other does not need it. If they are in different age groups. EX: One is 70+ and one below, the policy max offered will be based on the oldest persons age so it may limit the younger spouse.
   

We hope this video was helpful and gave you a good understanding of complex insurance terminologies and the difference between pre-existing conditions vs acute onset. 

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