Visitor Insurance for Parents from India to the US 

The excitement of reuniting with your parents from India who are coming to visit the US is unmatched. However, amidst the planning and preparations, a crucial aspect often gets overlooked: visitor insurance. The American healthcare system is vastly different from the healthcare system of India. Medical bills in the US can be astronomical, turning a dream visit into a financial nightmare. This is where visitor insurance steps in, providing a safety net for your parents’ health and your peace of mind. 

Table of Contents: 

• What Does Visitor Insurance for Indian Parents Cover?
• Top 5 Visitor Insurance for Parents from India 
• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 
• Conclusion 

What Does Visitor Insurance for Indian Parents Cover? 

The plans typically offer coverage for: 

• Hospitalization Costs: In case of hospitalization due to illness or injury, visitor insurance can cover room charges, doctor fees, surgery costs, and other hospital expenses. 
• Doctor Visits: Coverage for consultations with physicians, including emergency room visits and urgent care services, can help manage unexpected medical situations. 
• Ambulance Services: Emergency ambulance transportation in case of a medical crisis can be covered, depending on the specific plan. 
• Diagnostic Tests: Costs associated with X-rays, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures ordered by a doctor are often covered under visitor insurance. 
• Acute onset of pre–existing conditions: Plans offer coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions so that they receive immediate treatment within 24 hours right after the first symptom. 

Top 5 Visitor Insurance for Parents from India 

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive:

This is an affordable comprehensive visitor insurance plan, an ideal policy for Indian senior citizens visiting the US. . The plan covers medical and accident expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation, COVID-19, doctor wellness visit, trip interruption, baggage loss, and more. Underwritten by Crum & Froster with an A (Excellent) AM Best Rating, the plan is available until the age of 89 years. 

Patriot America Plus:

This Comprehensive plan is ideal for parents, family, or friends visiting the US from their home country. It offers benefits such as hospitalization, prescription drugs, and urgent care visits. Additional benefits include acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions as well as AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment), Trip Interruption, Repatriation, Evacuation, and more. Underwritten by SiriusPoint Ltd with A- ratings, it is available for individuals 14 days (about 2 weeks) to 99 years. 

Visit USA:

Another comprehensive visitor insurance plan that offers 3 categories of policies to the senior Indian travelers- Budget Plan, Standard Plan, and Superior Plan. It offers coverage for accident and sickness medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, urgent care (except the Budget Plan), accidental death and dismemberment, repatriation of remains, COVID-19, emergency reunion, emergency travel assistance, and more. 

Visitors Care:

It is a fixed benefit plan offering coverage for medical expenses for injuries and illnesses including hospitalization, surgery, physician visits, and prescriptions with pre-defined limits. Evacuation as well as Repatriation coverage is included. It offers 3 categories of policies- Lite, Plus, and Platinum. It offers coverage for travelers up to 99 years old. 

Safe Travels Elite:

This is yet another fixed benefit plan available for Indian Senior citizens up to 89 years. It offers coverage for in-patient and out-patient coverage for medical illnesses and accidents with pre-defined sub-limits. Acute on-set of pre-existing conditions, well doctor visit, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death and dismemberment, and more are also  included. 

FAQs 

1. Why is visitor insurance important for my parents visiting the US from India? 

• US medical costs are high, and visitor insurance helps offset unexpected expenses. 
• Most Indian health insurance plans typically do not cover medical bills incurred abroad. 

2. What are the benefits of visitor insurance for my parents? 

• Covers hospitalization, doctor visits, ambulance services, and more. 
• Covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. 
• Provides peace of mind for both you and your parents. 

3. What if my parents have a pre-existing medical condition? 

Visitors Protect is the only plan that offers limited coverage for pre-existing conditions. Please note that visitor insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, rather most of them cover one episode of acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions. 

4. What if my parents need to be medically evacuated back to India? 

Visitor insurance plans offer medical evacuation coverage, but details and limits vary. Carefully review the plan before purchase. 

5. Does visitor insurance cover dental or vision care? 

No, visitor insurance typically focuses on medical emergencies and excludes routine dental or vision care. Some plans have coverage for a dental injury due to an accident and some coverage for sudden pain due to a sound natural tooth.  

6. Should my parents purchase visitor insurance before they travel or after they arrive in the US? 

For optimal coverage, it is highly recommended to purchase visitor insurance before your parents travel to the US. This ensures coverage starts immediately upon arrival and avoids any gaps. 

7. Will my parents be reimbursed directly by the insurance company for medical expenses? 

Most visitor insurance plans offer direct billing, where the insurance company settles the bill directly with the healthcare provider. However, for out-of-pocket expenses or non-direct billing situations, your parents will need to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement through the claim process. 

8. Can my parents upgrade their visitor insurance plan if they need more coverage during their visit? 

Unfortunately, upgrading visitor insurance mid-trip is usually not possible. Once you sign up for the policy, the policy maximum and deductible cannot be changed. Depending on the plan that you sign up for, you can change the end date – either cancel (for a fee if there are no claims) or renew the policy for a longer duration.   For higher coverage needs, consider purchasing a plan with sufficient limits before the trip. 

9. What happens if my parents overstay their visa while in the US? Does visitor insurance still cover them? 

Visitor insurance coverage typically becomes invalid if your parents overstay their visa. This can lead to denied claims and potential financial burdens. Ensure they understand visa regulations and adhere to the designated stay period. 

10. Can my parents use their Indian health insurance while visiting the US? 

In most cases, Indian health insurance plans offer minimal or no coverage for medical expenses incurred outside India. Visitor insurance specifically designed for US travel is crucial for comprehensive coverage. 

Conclusion 

Welcoming your parents from India is a joyous occasion. Do not let medical concerns cloud the experience. Visitor insurance acts as a safety net, covering doctor visits, hospitalization, and unexpected medical expenses. By planning, choosing the right plan, and keeping important documents organized, you can ensure your parents’ health and well-being. 

For more information, call the Visitor Guard®.