When shopping for visitors insurance, also known as health insurance for foreign visitors to the USA, it is extremely important to understand the plan you are purchasing, is it a fixed coverage plan or a comprehensive coverage plan? Fixed coverage plans are also called Scheduled Benefit plans or Limited coverage plans. While a fixed coverage plan costs less, a comprehensive coverage plan provides much better coverage and is highly recommended. Using the information below, you can decide what is the best visitor insurance in the USA for your needs.
Side by side comparison of Fixed vs Comprehensive visitor insuranceFixed Coverage Plans
Fixed coverage plans provide limited coverage and lack certain benefits, as described below:
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Benefits: After the deductible, it pays a fixed amount for eligible expenses and you pay the difference.
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Cost: The cost is low; coverage offered is limited and insufficient.
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Deductible: Deductible is typically either once per incident or per period of coverage.
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Out of Pocket Maximum: There is no out of pocket maximum, leaving you at risk.
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Policy Maximum: An aggregate maximum limit on benefits that are subject to the sub-limits set in the schedule of benefits.
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PPO Network: Most plans do NOT participate in a PPO network. Direct billing depends upon the provider.
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Contracted Rates: Plans that do not participate in a PPO network will not have contracted rates.
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Providers: Freedom to visit any provider. Benefits are the same no matter which provider you visit.
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Travel Coverage: None.
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Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions: Provided in many plans. However, benefits are still paid according to the plans schedule of benefits.
Due to above reasons, we always recommend comprehensive coverage plans.
