Tips for Visitor Insurance

• Read all documents thoroughly before taking a well- informed decision, while choosing a policy. Acquiring services or benefits that are not stated in the coverage section would not only cost a lot of money,but also a great deal of anxiety.
• A renewal policy is always a convenient option, when the duration of your stay is not confirmed. Buy a renewable policy, so that you don’t have to run after insurance providers for either cancellations or refunds on the un-used part of your policy.
  For instance,when you plan for a 4-month trip and the trip is cut-short suddenly, policies with shorter periods of coverage with a renewal option already included, may work well in your favor.
• A "schedule of benefit" only provides the benefits listed in your coverage. If you can afford an expensive plan, spending a little more for a wider coverage, is always a sensible thing to do. Other plans, like a policy with co-pay are worth buying for unpredictable medical emergencies.
• Be sure to renew the policy on time if your stay is extended.
• Make a few copies of the insurance ID card; and carry it along everywhere you travel, especially if you intend to tour different places.
• Save all the receipts, reports and other relevant insurance documents by order of date to claim; and file them for easy referrals while dealing with insurance providers.
• The start date on your plan should be the day you leave your home country, and the end date should be the day you return to your home country. Coverage can start as early as the next day or any future date depending on your specification.
• Carry general medication, and prescriptions for medicines from your home country.
• Always buy insurance from a reputed and reliable agency or Web site who provide varied information about policies. Never make a decision under the influence of emotions while choosing a plan or a company. Just becuse a company name start with your country name or has America in it, doesn't mean that it will offer you the best deal. Be rational while selecting a policy that is popular because of its range of acceptance.
• Never travel without medical insurance to a country like United States where medical care is extremely expensive.

Prevention is better than cure.

Prediction is impossible, be it the weather or health especially in a foreign land. One must act with caution until he or she gets familiarized and is well acquainted with the surroundings. Buying insurance might help save the day, but one needs to be cautious in order and sometimes to have a pleasant stay. Taking necessary precautions is better than having to spend your vacation time in the doctors’ chamber, and thereby not ony ruining your own time, but also causing inconvenience to your loved ones.

Based on a recent study and reports from many of our users, below is a compiled list of the most common problems, elderly people visiting the US from countries like India, Pakistan China, face in particular.

1. Slipping in the restroom: There is a vast difference in life styles and housing between South Asian countries and the US. All rest rooms in the US are finished with vinyl or tile flooring, which makes them slippery when wet. What makes it even more dangerous is that puddles of water are not clearly visible on such floors. Take precaution and cover the area in and around tubs, sinks and commodes with rugs or carpets. Instruct your parents about their safety in advance.
2. Slipping on restroom rugs: Falling while getting in and out of bathtubs is not uncommon. But, such an accident may be potentially hazardous to elderly people. Make sure you lay a non-skid, latex-coated bath mat in the tub or rubber silicone appliqués/suction mats. This ensures firm footing even when the tub is soapy.
3. Road accidents: Make sure you get familiar with the road traffic and respect and follow rules for pedestrians. Do not chat constantly while driving. If you are a passenger, don’t distract the driver's attention. Avoid racing or any such dangerous driving activity.
   Orient your parents/visitors about the importance of traffic rules and general pedestrian safety. Parents must not be offended to take instructions from your children or the younger generation as it is for their own well-being and safety.
4. Sickness due to weather change: Be prepared for different weather conditions, and frequently changing weather. Get appropriate clothes and protection. While touring, get the weather report beforehand and carry clothing accordingly.
5. Neglecting to stock enough medicines: Bring your general medicines. People who are on prescribed medication should bring enough stock assuming a longer stay. While travelling within USA, carry all your general and prescribed medication as well as insurance documents and IDs.

Good Luck !