Having a USA visitor insurance plan is of the utmost importance for anyone visiting the USA. While the USA boasts the best medical care in the world, the healthcare expenses are also the highest in the world. Without suitable visitors coverage, most people simply can't afford to pay for this expensive medical treatment out of their pocket.
To help you make sure that you purchase the best visitor insurance USA policy for your needs, we recommend gaining a basic understanding of what health insurance for foreign visitors in the USA generally covers first. The following details will give you a better idea of treatments and other coverages that are commonly available in USA visitor insurance plans. These details can also assist you if you're seeking the best visitor insurance for parents visiting the USA, either for your own parents, or your in-laws.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment is the most important portion of USA visitor insurance. It will generally cover outpatient as well as inpatient treatment. Coverage is provided for doctor visit(s), urgent care facilities, prescription drugs, labs, X-rays, CT-scans or MRIs, hospital room and board, ICU, surgery, ambulance, and other medically necessary items.
The exact amount of coverage will vary based on the specific plan you purchase. Your out-of-pocket costs will also vary based on the specific USA visitor insurance plan you purchase.
Trip Interruption
While you are on the trip, you may need to go home early for specific reasons, such as your home is flooded or damaged in fire, or a close relative has passed away. Making changes to your prior travel arrangements will cost you money. Trip interruption coverage can help you pay for the expenses made for your early return home.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
If you are seriously sick or injured in a remote or rural area where adequate treatment is not available, you may need to be evacuated by helicopter or air ambulance to an appropriate facility.
Even though excellent medical care is available in many parts of the US and you can call 911 in case of an emergency, not all facilities across the US are capable of high levels of care.
Repatriation of Remains
It is unfortunate and unexpected, but always a possibility. If you were to pass away while on your trip in the USA, visitor insurance would provide coverage for sending your remains back to your home country, or alternatively for local burial or cremation, in some plans.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
If you were to die in an accident, the insurance company would pay the principal sum to your beneficiary. Alternatively, if you were to lose one or two limbs, the insurance company would make the payment to you.
Some insurance plans provide higher coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while riding in a common carrier, such as bus, train, or plane.
Terrorism
Many USA visitor insurance plans provide coverage if you were hurt in a terrorist incident.
Travel Assistance
Most USA visitor insurance plans provide 24/7 assistance for any travel-related emergencies while on your trip.
Baggage Loss
Most of the plans provide coverage for loss of checked luggage up to a certain amount. This coverage will be secondary to any benefits you get from an airline.
Again, it is important to understand that visitors insurance plans don't all provide the same coverage or the same level of coverage. We recommend reading the certificate wording for complete details of the specific plan you're interested in before you buy. If you have any questions, you can always call us for assistance.
In addition to understanding what is covered by visitors insurance, it is also important to understand what the common exclusions are in USA visitor insurance.