Can I Buy Visitor Insurance for My Parents While They Are Already in the US? 

When your parents visit the United States, their health and well-being become your top priority. If  you did not purchase visitor insurance before their trip, or their stay has been extended unexpectedly, you might be wondering:  “Can I buy visitor insurance for my parents after they arrive in the US?” 

 Yes — in most cases you can purchase visitor health insurance even after your parents have arrived in the United States. However, there are essential rules, coverage limitations, and key factors to consider ensuring maximum protection before buying.  This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know. 

Table of Contents: 

• Can I Buy Visitor Insurance After Arrival in the USA? 
• Why Should You Still Buy Visitor Insurance After Arrival? 
• Key Considerations Before Buying Visitor Insurance After Arrival 
• How to Buy Visitor Insurance After Arrival 
• Best Visitor Insurance Plans for Parents in the US 
• FAQs 
• Conclusion 

Can I Buy Visitor Insurance After Arrival in the USA? 

Yes, you can buy visitor insurance even after your parents arrive in the United States. These policies are short-term health insurance plans specifically designed for non-US citizens visiting the country. Many reputable insurers allow you to purchase health coverage for non-US citizens who are already in the country. Many plans typically have no restrictions on when you can purchase; coverage can start as soon as the day after you buy the policy 

However, there is one key rule:  No plan will cover illnesses or injuries that began before the policy effective date. Any pre-existing condition (a medical event or diagnosis or existed with certain medical certainty before purchasing the insurance) is not covered. This means if your parents are already sick or injured when you purchase the policy, those expenses will not be covered. 

Why Should You Still Buy Visitor Insurance After Arrival? 

Even if your parents are already in the US, getting visitor insurance is essential. 

• US healthcare is extremely expensive: A single emergency room visit can cost $1,000–$3,000 or more. 
• Protection for new illnesses & injuries: Insurance covers medical emergencies, accidents, and newly diagnosed illnesses after the policy begins. 
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your parents are financially protected reduces your stress during their visit. 
• Extended visits: If their stay is longer than expected, most visitor insurance can be renewed ensuring coverage for the remaining time. 

Key Considerations Before Buying Visitor Insurance After Arrival 

1. Coverage Start Dates & Waiting Periods 

• Immediate coverage: Most plans begin coverage the day after purchase. 
• Waiting period for sickness: Some plans have a 2–5 day waiting period for illness coverage (to prevent buying insurance after falling sick). However, coverage for accidents and injuries usually begins immediately. 

2. Pre-Existing Conditions & Acute Onset Coverage 

• Most visitor insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. 
• Some plans cover the sudden, unexpected recurrence (acute onset) of a pre-existing condition, up to specific limits, and only if the condition was stable before the policy began. 

3. Policy Maximums 

• Choose a plan with adequate coverage. Options typically range from $25,000 to $1 million. Select a maximum available higher limit plan for elderly parents due to greater health risks and the high cost of care in the US 

4. Comprehensive vs. Fixed-Benefit Plans 

• Comprehensive plans: Cover 80–100% of medical costs after the deductible. Best for older travelers and those seeking broader protection. 
• Fixed-benefit plans: More affordable but with limited coverage. They pay a pre-set amount per service (e.g., $2,000 for hospitalization).  

Comprehensive vs. Fixed-Benefit Plans 

Plan Type	What It Covers	Who Should Consider
Comprehensive	80–100% of medical costs after the deductible	Elderly travelers, those seeking full protection
Fixed benefit	Pre-set amounts per service or procedure	Short-term visitors, those seeking budget options

5. Age Restrictions 

• Plans for travelers 70+ or 80+ often come with lower maximum coverage and higher premiums. Choose plans geared specifically for for senior travelers. 

How to Buy Visitor Insurance After Arrival 

• Compare multiple plans: Use trusted platforms like VisitorGuard.com to evaluate multiple plans by price, benefits, and provider networks. 
• Choose the right start date: Begin coverage as soon as possible, to avoid uncovered periods. 
• Look for acute onset coverage: If your parents have conditions like diabetes or heart disease,  prioritize plans that include acute onset of pre-existing condition benefits t. 
• Consult an expert:  Consult with licensed insurance professionals to ensure proper selection and compliance with all policy requirements . 

Here are popular, high-rated plans for elderly parents visiting the US: 

Best Visitor Insurance Plans for Parents in the US 

Plan Name	Coverage Type	Max Limit	Special Features
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive	Comprehensive	Up to $1M	Acute onset coverage for pre-existing conditions
Visitors Protect	Comprehensive	Up to $250K	Suitable for ages 70+ and limited pre-existing condition coverage
Patriot America Plus	Comprehensive	Up to $1M	Extensive PPO network, strong US coverage
Safe Travels Elite	Fixed-Benefit	Up to $50K	Budget-friendly option, suitable for short visits
Atlas America	Comprehensive	Up to $2M	Non-Chronic Acute onset coverage till 80 years/projected as best for parents

Pricing varies with age, coverage, and deductible selected. For age 70+, premiums are higher, and policy maximums may be lower 

FAQs 

1. Can I get coverage for illnesses my parents already have? 

No. Visitor insurance excludes pre-existing conditions but may cover the acute onset for certain recurrences of these conditions. 

2. How quickly does coverage start? 

 Many plans start the day after purchase, with possible short waiting periods for illness (2–5 days). 

3. Can I extend coverage if they stay longer? 

 Yes, most plans allow extensions if the policy is still active and purchased before expiration 

4. Are there specific plans for elderly travelers? 

Yes. Plans like Visitors Protect and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive cater to elderly travelers and include some acute onset coverage benefits. Premiums could be higher depending on age. 

Conclusion 

Yes, you can buy visitor insurance for your parents even after they have arrived in the USA. While such policies will not cover existing illnesses or injuries that started before the purchase, they remain vital in safeguarding your parents against new and unexpected medical emergencies. With US healthcare costs among the highest in the world, securing visitor insurance ensures peace of mind and strong financial protection. 

If you are looking for top-rated visitor insurance tailored for your parents, compare plans from reliable sources and select the coverage that best meets your family’s needs 

Looking for the best visitor insurance for your parents? 

Explore top-rated plans today at VisitorGuard.com and protect your loved ones now.