Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA in 2024 

Traveling to the US to visit your family is a heartwarming and exciting experience. However, alongside the joy of reuniting, it is essential to consider the practicalities, including health and safety. In 2024, securing suitable travel insurance for your parents becomes even more crucial. In this blog, you will discover how insurance safeguards your parents’ health and finances, making their visit worry-free. 

Importance of travel insurance for parents in 2024

Travel insurance holds significant importance for parents coming to the US. Here are a few reasons why it is a vital investment: 

• Medical Emergencies: The US has high healthcare costs. Travel insurance covers unexpected medical expenses, ensuring your parents receive quality care without financial stress. 
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Many parents have pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance plans tailored for seniors can provide coverage for exacerbations (acute onset), offering peace of mind. 
• Emergency Evacuation: In critical situations, insurance covers the costs of medically necessary evacuations to the nearest suitable facility. 
• Financial Protection: Travel insurance mitigates financial risks, ensuring your parents’ savings are not depleted due to unexpected events. 
• Stress-free vacation: Knowing that they are protected against unforeseen events during their stay can enhance your parents’ overall travel experience. 

Types of travel insurance for parents visiting the U.S. 

When it comes to travel insurance for parents visiting the US, two primary options are comprehensive and fixed plans, each with distinct features to consider. 

Comprehensive plans: 

These provide extensive coverage, making them an excellent choice for senior travelers 

• Extensive coverage: These plans typically cover a wide range of unforeseen events, including medical emergencies,  trip interruptions, baggage loss, and more. 
• Emergency medical coverage: Comprehensive plans often offer robust medical coverage, including coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. This is crucial for senior travelers who may have underlying health issues. 
• Additional benefits: Comprehensive plans may include benefits like emergency evacuation, travel delay coverage, and 24/7 assistance services. 
• Customization: You can often tailor these plans to your specific needs by selecting coverage limits and add-ons. The extra premium must be paid if you add optional benefits. 

3 Comprehensive plans for senior travelers: 

1. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive 

• Insurance for medical accidents and sickness ranges from $50,000 up to $1,000,000 depending on the age. 
• Covers emergency medical and political evacuation, repatriation of remains, trip interruption, baggage, and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment). 
• COVID-19 is covered and treated as any other sickness. 
• $125 Doctor Wellness Visit Benefit when plan is purchased for at least 30 days.   
• Covers one episode for an Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Medical Condition per the schedule of benefits. 
• 24-hour travel assistance services are provided by On Call International. 

2. Patriot America 

• Coverage for Hospitalization, ER (Emergency Room), Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs for individuals, groups, and their dependents 
• $25 co-pay for Urgent Care and $15 for walk-in clinic and no deductible. 
• Covers up to $50,000 when treatment is obtained within 24 hours for acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions under 70 years. 
• Offers optional adventure sports benefits. 
• Prescription and drug medications up to the maximum limit. 

3. Atlas America 

• Covers hospitalization, urgent care, emergency medical evacuation, outpatient physical therapy, trip interruption, travel delay, and more. 
• Covers up to policy maximum when treatment is obtained within 24 hours for acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions for under 80 years. 
• Offers Optional Accidental Death & Dismemberment Rider (only available to members aged 18 to 69). 
• All other eligible medical expenses are up to the maximum limit. 
• Offers worldwide travel assistance. 

Fixed Plans (Limited Coverage): 

Fixed plans are a budget-friendly option but come with pre-defined coverage. 

• Cost-efficiency: Fixed plans are more affordable than comprehensive ones, making them suitable for parents on a tight budget. 
• Basic coverage: They offer basic coverage for essential aspects like medical emergencies and travel inconveniences but with lower benefit limits. 
• Pre-existing conditions: Fixed plans may have restricted coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Some plans may exclude the coverage. 

3 Fixed-benefit Plans for senior travelers: 

1. Visitors Care 

• Offers a choice of coverage limit up to $25,000 (lite), $50,000 (plus), and $100,000 (platinum) per injury/illness. 
• Covers emergency medical evacuation up to $25,000 max per period of coverage. 
• Offers coverage for non-chronic acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 (lite), $50,000 (plus), and $100,000 (platinum) per coverage period, subject to sub-limits. 
• Covers COVID-19 the same as any other illnesses/injuries. 
• The policy can be extended for 24 continuous months. 

2. Safe Travels Elite 

• Covers necessary medical treatment for COVID-19. 
• Offers a minimum of 5 days up to a maximum of 364 days (about 12 months). 
• Offers coverage for an acute onset of pre-existing conditions per policy period; subject to sub-limits. 
• $125 well doctor visit if plan is bought for at least 30 days. 
• Offers additional benefits and services. 

3. Visit USA Budget 

• Offers different categories of plans with options of $50,000 to $150,000 policy maximum. 
• Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for ages under 65 years up to $20,000 and $2,500 for ages above 65 years. 
• Includes coverage for COVID-19 
• Coverage for incidental recreational sports activities is included unless excluded. 
• Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage included  

Travel insurance for parents visiting the US includes 

1. Emergency medical expenses 

These plans cover the costs of medical treatment due to illness or injury during the visit, including doctor’s fees, hospitalization, prescription medications, and medical tests. This coverage not only secures them financially but also offers them mental peace, knowing that they can access quality healthcare abroad without worrying about exorbitant medical bills. It is a vital component of any travel insurance plan for parents, especially if there is a new injury or illness, or for those with pre-existing medical conditions or seniors who may need medical attention while away from home for a sudden acute onset of a pre-existing condition. 

2. Emergency medical evacuation 

This coverage in insurance plans for parents provides a lifeline during critical health emergencies while abroad. If your parents experience a severe illness or injury that requires specialized medical care unavailable at their current location, this coverage ensures they receive swift and safe transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or back to their home country (depending on the plan). It covers the expenses related to medical evacuations, including air ambulance services, hospital transfers, and other transportation costs. 

3. Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions 

Pre-existing conditions are any ongoing health conditions your parents may have before starting their journey. Many plans include coverage for a sudden acute exacerbation or complications related to their pre-existing conditions while abroad. Their medical expenses for an acute onset of pre-existing conditions can be covered up to the policy limits mentioned in the plan. It offers financial protection against unexpected health issues, allowing your parents to travel with confidence. 

4. Dental emergencies 

Comprehensive insurance plans for parents often include some coverage for dental emergencies. This coverage helps in situations where your parents experience sudden and severe dental issues during their trip, such as toothaches, broken teeth, or other dental injuries to a naturally sound tooth. It typically covers expenses for treatments like extractions, fillings, or temporary repairs to alleviate pain and discomfort if it is a sound natural tooth. Having this coverage ensures that your parents can access timely dental care, allowing them to continue their journey with minimal disruptions and discomfort. 

5. Accidental death and dismemberment 

This coverage provides financial protection in the unfortunate event of an accident resulting in death or severe injury, such as loss of limbs or sight. It offers a lump-sum payment or benefit to your beneficiaries if your parents suffer an accidental death. In case of dismemberment, it compensates for the loss of specific body parts. This coverage helps ease the financial burden during a challenging time, offering support to your family when they need it the most and ensuring that your parents are covered against unexpected accidents while abroad. 

6. COVID-19 

COVID-19 coverage ensures that your parents are protected in case they contract the virus during their stay. It typically includes coverage for testing if it is part of a medical evaluation, treatment, and related medical expenses, offering peace of mind during these uncertain times. This coverage is essential as it helps mitigate the monetary impact of unexpected medical bills associated with coronavirus, allowing your parents to focus on their recovery without worrying about excessive healthcare costs. 

7. Hospitalization 

It provides financial protection up to the chosen policy maximum in case your parents need to be hospitalized due to an illness or injury during their stay. This coverage typically includes expenses related to room and board, nursing care, and various medical procedures during their hospital stay. It ensures that your parents receive the necessary medical attention without the burden of exorbitant hospital bills. Having robust hospitalization coverage is essential, as medical expenses in the US can be quite high, and this coverage helps ease the financial strain during a challenging time. 

8. Prescription medicines 

Prescription medicine coverage for a new illness or injury is a crucial aspect as it ensures that your parents have access to necessary prescription medications during their stay in the event they seek medical assistance. This coverage typically helps offset the costs of prescription drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider for a new illness or injury, ensuring that your parents can manage their medical conditions effectively. It offers peace of mind, knowing that essential medications will not cause a financial burden. Given the high costs of prescription drugs here, having prescription medicine coverage is essential for your parents’ well-being and ensuring they can maintain their health throughout their visit. 

9. Optional upgrades 

Optional upgrades in insurance plans offer flexibility and customization to meet individual needs. These additions allow policyholders to enhance their coverage to suit specific requirements. Common upgrades include adventure sports coverage or baggage protection, AD&D rider, evacuation rider, chaperone, faculty leader, and more. By tailoring their insurance plans with optional upgrades, travelers can ensure comprehensive protection that aligns perfectly with their trip, whether it involves adventurous activities, extended stays, or other specific considerations. 

How much does travel insurance for parents visiting the US cost in 2024? 

The cost of travel insurance for parents visiting the US this year can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the age of the parents, the duration of the trip, the coverage limits, and any additional riders or options chosen. 

• Age of parents: One of the most significant factors affecting travel insurance costs is their age. Older individuals are considered at higher risk for medical issues, so their premiums tend to be higher. For parents in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, the cost can be notably higher than for younger travelers. 
• Trip duration: The length of the stay in the US is another critical factor. A shorter visit will result in lower insurance costs compared to an extended stay. Insurance providers often charge daily premiums, so a longer trip naturally incurs higher costs. 
• Coverage limits: The coverage limits you choose for various aspects of the insurance, such as medical coverage, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and others, will impact the cost. Higher coverage limits come with higher premiums but also provide more extensive protection. 
• Deductibles: The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before the insurance coverage kicks in. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium costs, but it means you will have more out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim. 

Other features that can affect your pricing are: 

• Optional riders: Travel insurance policies often offer optional riders or add-ons. These can include coverage for adventurous activities, additional AD&D, mobile device protection, and more. Adding these riders will increase the overall cost of the insurance. 
• Insurance providers: Different insurance companies have varying pricing structures and underwriting criteria. Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the best value for your needs. 
• Plan type: The type of travel insurance plan you choose matters. Comprehensive plans that offer broader coverage will be more expensive than basic plans with limited coverage. 

For a standard travel insurance plan for parents visiting the US, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per person for a trip of a few weeks. However, the actual cost can deviate significantly based on the factors mentioned above. 

To get an accurate quote for your specific situation, it is advisable to contact several insurance providers or use online comparison tools. This way, you can tailor the coverage to your parents’ needs while staying within your budget. 

FAQs 

1. Is visitor insurance mandatory for parents visiting the US? 

While visitor insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Medical expenses in the US can be extremely costly, and having insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind to elderly travelers. 

2. Can my parents purchase visitor insurance after arriving in the US? 

Yes, it is possible to purchase visitor insurance after arriving in the US, but it is advised to obtain coverage before traveling to ensure protection from the start of the trip. 

3. Are pre-existing conditions covered by visitor insurance? 

Some visitor insurance plans offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. However, it is essential to review the policy details carefully, as coverage can vary. 

4. How do I file a claim for visitor insurance if my parents need medical care during their stay? 

To file a claim, you typically need to contact the insurance provider, submit the required documents, and provide details of the medical treatment received. It is essential to follow the insurer’s claims process. 

5. Can visitor insurance plans be extended if my parents decide to stay longer in the US? 

Yes, many visitor insurance plans offer the option to extend coverage if your parents decide to stay longer in the US. However, the ability to extend coverage and the specific terms and conditions for doing so can vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy you have purchased. 

6. How can I extend visitor insurance coverage if my parents stay longer than planned? 

If your parents need to extend their visitor insurance coverage due to a longer stay than initially planned, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They can guide you through the extension process, provide details on associated costs, and ensure continuous coverage for your parents’ extended stay. 

7. What happens if my parents need medical assistance in the US? 

If your parents require medical assistance during their visit to the US, they should contact the insurance company’s 24/7 assistance hotline immediately. The insurance provider can guide them on what steps they need to take while adhering to the terms of their insurance policy. In case of emergency, getting medical assistance is the priority.  

8. Can visitor insurance cover non-medical issues like trip cancellation? 

Typically, visitor insurance plans do not cover trip-related benefits, but some plans may offer limited trip interruption and travel delay coverage. It reimburses a one-way ticket back home if your trip is interrupted due to a covered event.  Be sure to check the policy details for the specific coverage and conditions. 

9. Do visitor insurance plans cover dental emergencies? 

Some visitor insurance plans may include coverage for dental emergencies. This coverage typically helps with expenses related to sudden dental issues, such as toothaches or dental injuries to a naturally sound tooth. However, the extent of coverage and specific dental services covered can vary among insurance plans, so it is recommended to review the policy. 

10. What is “acute onset of pre-existing conditions” coverage in visitor insurance? 

“Acute onset of pre-existing conditions” coverage in visitor insurance refers to a provision that offers temporary coverage for sudden and unexpected exacerbations of pre-existing medical conditions. It provides financial protection if a pre-existing condition flares up during your visit and requires immediate medical attention. This coverage is subject to specific terms and limits outlined in the insurance policy. 

11. Are routine check-ups and vaccinations covered by visitor insurance? 

No, routine check-ups and vaccinations are typically not covered by visitor insurance. Visitor insurance is designed to provide coverage for unexpected and emergency medical expenses, not for preventive or routine healthcare services. 

12. Are there any discounts available for long-term visitor insurance plans? 

No, there are no discounts available for long-term visitor insurance plans. Group plans purchased for families can be cheaper. 

General tips for elderly visitors coming to the US: 

• Begin the insurance search well in advance of the trip. This allows for a thorough comparison of plans and coverage options. 
• Assess your specific needs and requirements. Consider factors like age, health, duration of stay, and planned activities. 
• Look for reputable insurance providers with a strong track record in offering coverage for international travelers. 
• Do not settle for the first plan you come across. Compare multiple insurance plans to find one that best suits your needs and budget. 
• Carefully read the policy documents and understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the insurance plan. Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and any restrictions. 
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions, ensure that the insurance plan covers these conditions adequately. Some plans offer acute onset coverage, which can be beneficial. 
• If you have preferred healthcare providers in the US, check if they are in-network with the insurance plan to potentially lower out-of-pocket costs. 
• Understand the process for filing claims, including required documentation and the timeline for claims submission. 
• Ensure that the insurance plan provides 24/7 emergency assistance services. This can be crucial in case of medical emergencies or travel-related issues. 
• If there is a possibility of trip cancellation or interruption, consider insurance that includes this coverage to protect your investment. 
• Explore optional add-ons and upgrades that can enhance coverage based on your specific needs. 
• Read reviews and testimonials from other travelers who have used the same insurance plans to get insights into the provider’s customer service and claims process. 
• Stay informed about any changes in travel restrictions, visa requirements, and health guidelines for the US to ensure your insurance plan aligns with current conditions. 
• If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the insurance provider’s customer support. They can provide clarification and assistance. 

Conclusion 

Securing the right insurance coverage for parents visiting the US is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and worry-free journey. By starting early, understanding their specific needs, and conducting thorough research, senior travelers can select an insurance plan that aligns with their health, travel, and financial requirements. 

To know more about these policies, feel free to contact Visitor Guard®.