Are you planning to travel abroad to the United States? As you plan your next adventure abroad, whether for business or leisure, one crucial aspect to consider is your health insurance coverage.
When traveling abroad, you may wonder whether or not your health insurance in your home country will cover you abroad. In most cases, the answer is no. Due to this reason, many visitors to the United States will be unprotected during their visit, which is why visitors insurance, or travel medical insurance, is crucial for U.S. visitors.
What Is Domestic Health Insurance & What Does It Cover?
Domestic health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for U.S. citizens, residents, and legal workers, along with their immediate family members, within the confines of the United States.
These plans offer a range of benefits, including coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and more. However, it’s important to recognize that domestic health insurance is only available for U.S. citizens or residents, and is not available for short-term visitors to the U.S.
In lieu of domestic health insurance in the United States, a visitor can opt for visitors insurance, which is a travel medical insurance plan designed to cover individuals during their short stay in America.
What Is Visitors Insurance & What Does It Cover?
Visitors insurance, also referred to as international travel medical insurance, is specifically tailored to meet the needs of travelers visiting the United States from abroad
These specialized insurance plans offer coverage for medical emergencies, unexpected illnesses, accidents, and other unforeseen events while you're away from your home country.
Whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or education, visitors insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected throughout your journey.
What Are the Differences Between Domestic Health Insurance & Visitors Insurance?
When it comes to domestic health insurance and visitors insurance in the United States, there are a few key differences to take note of.
Eligibility Requirements Are Simpler for Visitors Insurance
Domestic health insurance plans typically require a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the U.S. government for enrollment. Since visitors to the U.S. do not possess these credentials, they are not eligible for domestic insurance policies and must purchase visitors insurance for coverage while in the United States.
Domestic Health Insurance Companies Don't Sell Travel Insurance Plans
Domestic health insurance companies do not offer travel insurance plans because it's not cost-effective for them to cater to a small segment of international visitors. Visitors insurance plans, on the other hand, are specifically designed to meet the needs of travelers and offer more affordable options for temporary coverage.
Visitors Health Insurance Is Temporary
Visitors insurance is temporary and can provide coverage for a minimum of five days up to a maximum of three years, depending on the chosen plan. Domestic health insurance policies, in contrast, offer coverage for long-term periods for those living in the U.S.
Costs Are Less and Benefits Fewer For Visitors Insurance Plans
Visitors insurance plans generally offer fewer benefits and a narrower range of coverage compared to domestic health insurance policies. However, they are more cost-effective for short-term travelers and provide essential coverage for medical emergencies abroad.
Coverage Starts Immediately After the Purchase of Visitors Insurance Plans
Visitors insurance plans can start as soon as immediately after your purchase if you so choose. You won’t run into an issue of having to wait for approval. However, with domestic insurance, there is a longer waiting period as your coverage start date hinges on getting approval.
Pre-existing Conditions Are Rarely Covered by Visitors Insurance
While most domestic health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, travel medical insurance usually excludes such conditions from coverage. Visitors insurance is more geared towards covering you in the face of an unforeseen emergency contracted during your coverage; therefore, you will not find that most visitors insurances cover a pre-existing condition as it was not contracted during your coverage period.
Rest assured, there are some specialized visitors insurance plans, like ChoiceAmerica, that may offer optional coverage for pre-existing conditions that can be added to their basic plans.
Less Provider Network Restrictions for Visitors Insurance
Many visitors insurance plans afford policyholders the freedom to seek medical treatment from any doctor or hospital, unrestricted by provider networks. This flexibility contrasts with domestic health insurance, which may impose limitations or reduce coverage for out-of-network care.
Billing Process May Vary for Visitors Insurance
While domestic insurance plans typically rely on a predetermined network of providers for billing and reimbursement, visitors insurance may involve a more varied billing process. Depending on the provider, medical facilities may bill the insurance company directly or require upfront payment from the insured individual.
Do You Need Visitors Insurance?
If you are planning a trip to the United States, visitors insurance is a smart investment to consider. Since most visitors to the United States will be uninsured during their stay, visitors insurance can act as a vital safeguard in the event that you are injured or become ill during your travels and need to seek out medical care.
Without insurance, medical care in the United States is notoriously high, and a visit to the hospital can quickly exceed thousands of dollars without protection. With visitors insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll be supported in the unlikely event of needing medical care during your travels.
VisitorsCoverage Is Here to Help
Since domestic health insurance doesn’t offer coverage for visitors to the United States, visitors insurance is essential for those traveling from abroad.
To find the best travel insurance plans, trust VisitorsCoverage to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect travel insurance plan for your journey.
Compare visitors insurance plans to find a policy that fits your needs or contact our award-winning Customer Success Team for assistance.
