How To Buy Travel Insurance for Indian Parents Visiting the US

It’s that time of the year when Indian parents start visiting the US to meet their kids. And while it’s exciting to finally show your parents around in the US,  it’s important to consider potential medical emergencies too. 

Therefore, in today’s blog post, we will:

1. Tell You Why Travel Insurance is Important for our parents

2. We’ll decode some insurance jargon

3. Share Factors to Consider before Selecting the Insurance

4. Bust Some Travel Insurance Myths

5. Some Popular Travel Insurance Options . 

Why Travel Insurance is Important for our Visiting Parents

I am sure everyone’s mom or grandma must have said this at some point of time - “Musibat kabhi bataa ke nahi aati”. This means that problems won’t inform you before it comes knocking. 

The US healthcare system is notoriously expensive, and a simple trip to the emergency room can leave you with huge bills. This is where travel insurance for your visiting parents becomes a lifesaver.  It acts as a financial safety net, covering a wide range of medical expenses incurred during our parents' visit. This can include hospitalization costs, doctor visits, ambulance services and a lot more. But all that depends on what insurance you’ve bought. 

Before we start discussing factors you need to keep in mind and bust some myths it is important for us to understand the complex terminologies used in insurance plans. 

Decoding Insurance Jargon 

Navigating insurance terminology can be confusing.  Here's a quick and easy glossary to help you understand key terms associated with travel insurance for your parents:

1. Policy Maximum: This refers to the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for covered medical expenses during the entire duration of the policy. A higher policy maximum provides greater financial protection for unforeseen circumstances.

2. Deductible: This is the amount you, the policyholder, are responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance company starts reimbursing expenses. Choosing a higher deductible reduces the premium cost, but be sure to select a deductible amount you're comfortable paying in case of a medical situation.

3. Copayment: This is a fixed amount you might have to pay for certain covered services, such as doctor visits. Some plans have copays, while others don't. Understanding copay structures can help you compare plans and choose the most cost-effective option.

4. Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition: This refers to a sudden worsening of a pre-existing medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Travel insurance plans that cover "acute onsets" can provide financial support for unexpected flare-ups, but they don't cover pre-planned treatments for existing conditions.

5. Network Provider: Many travel insurance plans offer coverage through a network of hospitals and clinics that have contracted rates with the insurance company. Using network providers for medical care can result in significant cost savings compared to going out-of-network.
   

Factors to Keep in Mind While Selecting the Right Insurance

With a plethora of travel insurance options available, choosing the right one for your parents can feel overwhelming.  Here are the factors that you need to keep in mind while selecting the insurance:

1. Trip Duration: Typically, summer visits fall under the category of short-term travel. Focus on plans offering coverage durations between 1 and 3 months. If your parents plan a longer stay, some plans provide extended coverage options, but be prepared for higher premiums.

2. Medical Coverage: This is the heart of the travel insurance plan. Select a policy with a high maximum limit (ideally $1 million or more) to provide adequate coverage for potential hospitalizations or surgeries. Remember, US healthcare costs can be exorbitant, and a high maximum limit ensures peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances.

3. Pre-existing Conditions: Be Upfront and Informed If your parents have pre-existing health issues,  transparency is key. Look for plans that cover "acute onsets" of these conditions. This means the insurance covers sudden flare-ups requiring immediate medical attention, not pre-planned treatments for existing conditions. For example, if your dad has a history of heart disease and experiences chest pain during his visit, the insurance might cover his emergency room visit and related tests. However, it wouldn't cover a pre-scheduled consultation with a cardiologist. Being upfront about pre-existing conditions ensures you get the right coverage and avoids claim denials later.

4. Deductibles: A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts reimbursing expenses. Plans with higher deductibles generally have lower premiums. However, striking the right balance is crucial. Consider your risk tolerance and potential expenses. If your parents are generally healthy, a higher deductible with a lower premium might be suitable. However, if they have pre-existing conditions or are of advanced age, opting for a lower deductible might be a wiser choice for peace of mind, even though it will come with a higher premium.

5. Beyond Medical Coverage: While medical coverage is the core, some plans offer valuable add-on benefits for a more comprehensive safety net. Trip cancellation/interruption coverage can be helpful if unforeseen circumstances force your parents to cancel or cut their trip short. Baggage loss/delay coverage offers financial compensation for lost or delayed luggage, a common travel hiccup. Some plans even include emergency medical evacuation benefits, which can be crucial in case of a serious medical emergency that requires transport to a specialized hospital. While these add-on benefits provide additional security, be mindful that they will increase the overall premium cost.

6. Coverage and type of plan: Before going ahead with a U.S. travel insurance plan, read the fine print. It's important to know whether it's a fixed coverage plan or a comprehensive travel insurance coverage plan, and which will serve your needs better. A comprehensive plan provides better coverage and flexible options

7. Provider Network: Most travel insurance plans for the U.S. have a list of medical service providers online. Provider networks (or PPO networks) list doctors, hospitals and healthcare providers associated with your U.S. travel insurance company. Search and try to find out if there are any hospitals/services listed close to your home. More popular plans will often have a better coverage network of providers.

8. Visit comparison websites such as VisitorsCoverage: The benefit of going through a comparison site is that you can do your research, compare a variety of travel insurance plans that fit within your budget and needs, get impartial advice and buy your travel insurance. All on the same site.

Travel Insurance Myths Debunked: 

There are several misconceptions surrounding travel insurance, which can deter immigrants from getting the necessary coverage for their visiting parents. Let's dispel some of these common myths:

• Myth 1: My US Health Insurance Will Cover My Parents:  This is a common misconception.  Most employer-sponsored health insurance plans in the US exclude coverage for non-residents, including visiting parents.  Even if your plan offers some limited coverage for out-of-network care, the costs associated with US healthcare can quickly surpass these limits, leaving you with a hefty bill.  Travel insurance specifically caters to the needs of temporary visitors and provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses incurred during their stay.

• Myth 2: Travel Insurance is Expensive:  While costs do vary depending on the chosen plan and factors like your parents' age and health conditions, travel insurance can be surprisingly affordable, especially considering the potential financial burden of uncovered medical bills.  Think of it as an investment in peace of mind.  Compare plans from different providers on VisitorsCoverage and select one that offers the necessary coverage within your budget.

• Myth 3: Travel Insurance is Only for Emergencies:   While emergency medical coverage is the core benefit, some travel insurance plans go beyond that.  Certain plans might cover routine check-ups or prescriptions, offering financial assistance for minor medical concerns that could arise during your parents' visit. 
  

Popular Travel Insurance Options for Your Parents: A Comparative Overview

Now that you're armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions, let's explore some popular travel insurance options for your visiting parents:

1. CoverAmerica – Gold: It offers excellent coverage and includes outstanding features such as-

   - Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

   - Emergency Medical Evacuation

   - Urgent Care Visits

   - Emergency Room Services

   - Emergency Eye Exam Coverage

   - Emergency Dental Coverage

   - Prescriptions/Medication

   - Loss of a passport 

   - International missed flight connections, 

   - Border entry protection if the policyholder is denied entry into the United States. 

   
   

CoverAmerica – Gold also has the added advantage of having coverage up to the policy maximum should there be an acute onset of pre-existing conditions for those under the age of 70.

2. Choice America: Choice America is a budget option for visitors' insurance as it is low-cost and offers basic travel medical coverage. It pays a fixed amount per incident up to the policy maximum, and is considered a limited plan. The good thing about this plan is that it also offers optional pre-existing condition coverage, which is ideal for elderly parents. While it is low-cost, it offers less coverage and fewer benefits than the Cover America Gold.

3. Patriot America Plus: Patriot America Plus is also a great travel medical insurance plan for the US, as it offers comprehensive coverage and covers 100% of eligible medical conditions within the PPO network. Similar to CoverAmerica – Gold, this plan also covers the acute onset of existing conditions.

4. Atlas America Travel Insurance: Atlas America is a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan that gives the insured more flexibility in care as it covers 100% of conditions treated both in and out of the PPO network, meaning you can visit any doctor or hospital of your choice.
   

There are a lot more options that you can check out on VisitorsCoverage.com. It’s a great website where you get detailed information about different insurance plans, you can compare all of them and even buy from their website.

Another great feature on this website is that you can use these filters of pre-existing conditions or acute onset of pre-existing conditions on coverage, and you’ll see all these great options. 

You can try it out yourself. Full disclosure, Visitors Coverage is the sponsor of this blog post. We’ve partnered with them because it is one of the most renowned Insurtech companies in the US to compare and buy insurance from. 

We hope this blog post was helpful and it gave you all the information you needed to make an informed decision. And remember, if things aren’t going your way, they eventually will - It’s Ok Yaar.