.jpg?width=872)
Traveling to the United States without adequate visitors health insurance can be risky. Sudden medical emergencies can be costly and emotionally trying, especially in the U.S. where medical costs are notoriously high. US visitors medical insurance can keep you protected and give you peace of mind.
It's especially important to have a good international medical insurance policy if you're traveling to a country like the U.S. where healthcare costs are extremely high and a simple doctor's visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Purchasing medical insurance for the U.S. will give you the peace of mind to truly enjoy your trip.
What Is Visitors Medical Insurance?
Visitors medical insurance is a short-term, temporary travel medical insurance policy that provides health, injury and travel emergency coverage to travelers during trips or stays abroad.
For example, if you are traveling to the United States from a home country abroad, you can secure medical insurance for visitors which will act a temporary health insurance plan to cover eligible treatment related to new and unforeseen injuries or illnesses that occur during your travels.
What Does Visitors Medical Insurance Cover?
Medical insurance for visitors to USA can offer coverage for the following medical services in the event of a new sickness or injury abroad:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Urgent care
- Medications
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Return of mortal remains in the event of death
What Isn’t Covered by Visitors Medical Insurance?
Since visitors medical insurance is designed to offer short-term protection, there are some exclusions and limitations to be aware of that.
These are typical medical events that visitors medical insurance would not cover:
- Pre-existing medical conditions and problems related to existing medical issues, known or unknown
- Preventative care such as routine medical checkups, physical exams, immunization shots, etc.
- Maternity, pregnancy and childbirth
- Major dental problems
- Vision checkups, eyeglasses and related treatments
Visitors Medical Insurance From the U.S.
If you're visiting the U.S. from abroad, it is important to consider buying travel insurance based in the United States rather than your home country. Why? There are several reasons.
Most importantly, a U.S.-based travel medical insurance will be recognized by more hospitals and doctors in the U.S. than internationally-based policies, which will provide you greater access to medical care and more opportunity to opt for direct billing rather than having to pay for your medical care upfront.
Benefits of buying policies from a U.S.-based insurance company include:
- Convenience of finding a doctor/hospital, since most will accept U.S. based insurance
- Likely will not need to pay for care upfront
- 24/7 customer support
- Hassle-free claims process
What Are Your Health Insurance Options as a U.S. Visitor?
Major U.S. based health insurance companies, including United Health Care, MetLife Insurance, Aetna Insurance, Kaiser Insurance, BlueCross Insurance, BlueShield Insurance and AAA Insurance, do not offer travel or visitors insurance for foreign visitors coming to America.
This is why purchasing a visitors medical insurance plan offered by a speciality insurance company is the best way to secure coverage during your travels to the U.S.
Visitors Insurance From Your Home Country
Alternative to U.S.-based visitor insurance, you may find that several non-U.S. companies also provide travel medical insurance or visitors insurance.
However, a non-U.S. visitors insurance policy may not provide the same level of coverage as a U.S.-based insurance company. Additionally, there are several differences in insurance purchased from a home country vs. a U.S.-based insurance provider.
If you choose a plan from a company not based in the United States, it may not be accepted by a lot hospitals and doctors in the U.S. Also, when you need to claim your expenses, you may face a lot of paperwork, correspondence, and frustrating follow-ups.
For these reasons, purchasing a visitors medical insurance plan from the U.S. rather than your home country is highly recommended.
How Does Visitors Medical Insurance Work?
If you purchase a visitors medical insurance plan, you will be covered under certain circumstances for specific injuries or illnesses that occur unexpectedly after the effective date of your policy.
If you end up needing medical care for a new injury or illness abroad, you will present your visitors medical insurance information at the doctor or hospital you visit. Depending on the provider, you may have to pay upfront for your care and request reimbursement later, or the provider may bill your insurance company directly.
Regardless of whether you pay upfront or the insurance company is billed, you will then file a claim with your travel insurance will all necessary documentation and paperwork to use your visitor medical insurance policy.
How Do I Make a Visitors Medical Insurance Claim?
Your insurance provider may require you to fill out claim forms and proofs of expenditure, which include copies of the hospital and doctors reports, and all original bills.
Why Buy Visitors Medical Insurance Policy Online?
There are several advantages to consider when it comes to purchasing a visitors medical insurance policy online:
- Easy and quick
- Hassle-free
- No paperwork, faxes or membership requirements
- No physical or medical exams required ID cards available instantly
- Coverage can start immediately or whenever requested
- Easy renewal process
Get Visitors Medical Insurance Through VisitorsCoverage
VisitorsCoverage is a unique one-stop-shop when it comes to travel insurance. You can view plans, compare quotes, get unbiased advice, and purchase travel insurance policies in one place.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Success Team.
