Getting visitors insurance for parents from will help with any unforeseen incident that may occur during their visit.

What Are the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Parents Visiting the USA?

Here are the top 5 health insurance plans for parents visiting the USA:

• Beacon America.
• Patriot America Plus Insurance.
• Patriot Platinum Insurance.
• Safe Travels USA – Cost Saver Insurance.
• Visitors Care Insurance.

Beacon America

Specifications of Beacon America plan:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Available for people up to 79 years of age
• After the deductible, it covers 100% up to the policy maximum
• Includes coverage for an acute onset of pre-existing conditions for people up to 79 years of age.
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes AD&D coverage

Patriot America Plus Insurance

The Patriot America Plus offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Within PPO Network: The plan covers 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Outside PPO Network: The plan covers 80% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes coverage for an acute onset of pre-existing conditions for people up to 69 years of age.

Patriot Platinum Insurance

Here’s the list of the benefits included in the Patriot Platinum plan:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Within PPO Network: The plan covers 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Outside PPO Network: The plan covers 90% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum
• Includes coverage for acute onset of a pre-existing condition for people under the age of 70
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes AD&D coverage
• Includes terrorism coverage

Safe Travels USA – Cost Saver Insurance

The Safe Travels Cost Saver offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Within PPO Network: The plan covers 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Outside PPO Network: The plan covers 80% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum
• Includes coverage for people up to 89 years old
• Includes coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition (up to $1,000 of eligible medical expenses)
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes AD&D coverage

Visitors Care Insurance

• Limited coverage
• Coverage for people aged up to 79 years of age
• Varying amounts of coverage depending on the policy maximum and medical procedure.
• Policy maximums of  $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000.
• Coverage for people 80-99: Policy maximum of $10,000
• Offers coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition (depending on the policy maximum)
• Does not offer dental coverage
• Does not offer AD&D coverage

How to Buy US Travel Insurance for My Parents?

You have to buy health insurance from a private company in the United States. There are countless plans, with different types and amounts of coverage, so you have to really do your research before you choose one. You can compare and buy health insurance plans for your parents through comparison marketplaces such as Insubuy.

Should I Get Visitors Insurance for My Parents Visiting Me in the USA?

Although it is not obligatory by law, due to the high cost of healthcare, it is strongly advisable to get health insurance for parents visiting you in the United States. This is especially important for elderly parents, who are more prone to sickness.

If your parents were to fall ill during their visit, and they are uninsured, the medical bills will quickly add up to tens or maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of medical care they need.

If your parents are joining you in America permanently, then you have to get them health insurance for Green Card holders.

What Are the Types of Health Insurance for Visiting Parents?

There are two main types of health insurance that your parents can look for:

• Fixed-coverage health insurance. This will only cover a fixed amount of your medical bills, and you will have to cover the rest of it. If this “fixed amount” is low while the medical bill is high, then you will have to pay a pretty substantial amount from your own pocket.
• Comprehensive-coverage health insurance. This type of health insurance plan will pay a percentage of your medical bill up to a certain amount, then it will cover 100% up until the policy maximum. For example, it will pay 80% of the bill for the first $2,000 then 100% until the policy maximum ($50,000; $70,000; $100,000 etc. depending on what policy maximum you purchased.)

What is Included in the Visitor Health Insurance Plan for my Parents?

There is a set of medical procedures that all insurance companies will cover, although at varying degrees depending on the plan. When choosing a visitors health insurance plan for your parents, make sure to compare different plans to see which one will suit the needs of your parents the best. Usually, all health insurance plans cover the following medical procedures:

• Consultation with a doctor
• The cost of the hospital room
• The cost of prescription drugs and medicine
• Surgical procedures
• Emergency services, such as the ambulance and ER
• The cost of lab tests and X-rays
• Physical therapy

Some, but not all, also cover the following:

• Dental
• Maternity/pregnancy
• Pre-existing conditions
• AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)

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Whether you require expat health insurance largely depends on which country you’ve moved to. Still, almost all expats agree that having expat insurance provides an extra layer of security, and everyone should purchase a policy that suits their situation.

Who Needs Expat Health Insurance?

You need health insurance if you’re planning on moving to a new country and living there for more than three or six months. Some countries have made health insurance obligatory for every resident, so you must check out your host country’s laws regarding health insurance.

What Does Expat Health Insurance Cover?

Expat health insurance covers a wide range of areas which differ on what type of plan you have and from which insurance company you purchase your policy— a basic plan will usually cover the following:

• Hospital visitations (in-patient and out-patient care).
• Doctor consultations.
• Cancer screenings.
• Medical equipment and tools.
• Child and adolescent well-being.

For more extensive coverage, including dental, vision, and maternity care, you may be required to purchase a more expensive insurance plan.

Are Pre-Existing Conditions Included?

With a basic plan, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by expat health insurance. However, one benefit of global coverage is that you can tailor your plan according to your needs, and you may purchase additional coverage that includes pre-existing conditions.

Some companies will also offer coverage for acute pre-existing conditions, i.e., medical problems that appeared suddenly due to pre-existing medical issues.

Expat Health Insurance: Is It Worth It?

Expat health insurance can be costly and you may not even need it during your stay abroad, so many people question whether it’s actually worth it or not. However, the benefits outweigh the cons, so, expat health insurance in long-term aspects is worth it because:

• It offers a sense of security. Even if you may not use your health insurance while living as an expat in another country, having it will offer you a peace of mind just in case. This way you know that no matter what may happen with your health you have solid coverage.
• It allows you to receive healthcare in English. One of the biggest challenges of living as an expatriate is receiving healthcare in English, or in another language you understand, which makes it difficult to communicate with your primary care provider. With expat health insurance you can get access to doctors who can speak more than one language.
• It’s flexible. You can usually tailor your policy according to your needs, you can choose to include more coverage, or opt out of coverage for things you may not need such as maternity. This way you can save money and purchase an affordable plan which you need.

Expat Health Insurance Cost

Expat health insurance does not have a fixed cost; you can find expat health insurance starting from $200 a month to over $2,000. The price will change based on several important factors: your age, length of stay in another country, your previous medical issues, which insurance company you purchase your plan from, and how much coverage you want with your policy.

Another important factor that affects the price of your expat health insurance is your location. For example, in some countries, healthcare tends to be more expensive; as a result, your insurance will also be more expensive if you’re moving there. But, you can tailor your policy for worldwide coverage or exclude those countries with expensive healthcare if you’re not planning on visiting them.

How to Purchase Expat Health Insurance?

You can purchase expat health insurance online before you travel:

1. You simply have to enter your personal information (age, family members, where you wish to be covered).
2. You will see a list of plans which you can browse through. Always make sure to read the policies carefully to learn what they include.
3. Select the plans you think are most befitting to your needs.
4. Click on the “Compare” button. You can see the plans featured side-by-side, and you can read through them on a more detailed manner.
5. You can select which way you want to pay and whether you wish to pay on a yearly, monthly, quarterly, or six-month basis.

Purchasing a health insurance plan locally

You can also wait to get to your destination country and purchase a plan with a local company. In that case, you have to approach a company directly and go through the options. Make sure to read the policy before purchasing.

However, before you buy an expat health insurance plan, double-check these:

• Do you have national health insurance? If you are eligible for national health insurance mandated by the government, you will likely want private health insurance which fills in any gaps that national insurance leaves, such as treatment in private hospitals.
• Does your employer offer health insurance? If your employer offers a health insurance plan, be well acquainted with the policy before signing up for it. As an expat, you will want a health insurance plan which covers you abroad as well. A pre-selected plan could have less coverage than you want or need (or more). If the plan your employer offers does not suit your needs, learn if you can opt-out and choose your own insurers.

Types of Expat Health Insurance

Here are some of the most common types of expat health insurance you can choose from:

• Individual plan. This type of insurance policy is designed to cover you only as a solo traveler.
• Group/family plan. You can opt for group coverage if you’re moving with your family members; this can be cheaper long-term.
• Short-term plan. A short-term policy is for you if you don’t plan on living abroad long-term.
• Long-term plan. You will need this policy if you plan on making your move longer than six months or permanent.
• Worldwide coverage. This type of policy will come in handy if you’re planning on traveling, or living in multiple countries.

For How Long Is Expat Health Insurance Valid?

You can purchase expat health insurance for as long as needed, but it’s usually required for long-term purposes. If you stay in a country for less than three to six months, you may consider purchasing either short-term health insurance or travel insurance with extensive medical coverage.

How to Pick the Best Expat Health Insurance Plan?

The best expat health insurance plan for you depends on what your budget is, what your situation is, and where you plan on moving to, but below are a few tips to keep in mind when you shop for an expat insurance plan:

• Compare plans. There are hundreds of insurance policies for expats out there and picking one can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, find a comparative insurance website and compare several plans side-by-side to see which one actually meets your criteria. You can even ask your insurance broker to help you select the best plan for you.
• Find valid insurance companies. Find an insurance company that deals with expats and has plans specific for them. When you select your insurance company you need to check out their claim records, how many insurance claims were filed and how many were approved. This way you can get an idea of whether your insurance claim can be rejected and the reasons for the rejection.
• Set a deductible that fits your budget. In simple words, a deductible is an amount pay out of pocket before you can claim reimbursement from your insurance. The higher you set your deductible the lower your premium price. This does not mean you have to set the highest possible deductible just to lower your insurance cost. Consult with your budget plan and set an amount that works for you.
• Find a customizable plan. Look for an insurance plan you can customize to your needs. For example, you can opt out of unnecesseray coverage and choose to include coverage for pre-existing conditions if you have any. Having the option to fix your plan according to your needs will make it easier for you to choose the best expat health insurance plan.

Do US Expats Need Health Insurance?

Yes, US expats also need health insurance when moving to a new country. Insurance from the US won’t cover you outside of the country; even if it does, your company may offer a plan only for emergencies.

Best Health Insurance Companies for Expats

Some of the best companies that offer international health insurance for expats include the following:

• Allianz.
• AXA.
• Cigna Global.
• William Russell.
• Aetna.

Expat Health Insurance by Country

If you’re planning on making a new country your home, read on how to get health insurance for expats by country:

• Expat health insurance in Costa Rica.
• Expat health insurance in Spain. 
• Expat health insurance in Mexico. 
• Expat health insurance in Thailand. 

Can Expats Qualify for Universal Healthcare?

Some countries offer universal healthcare for their citizens and residents, and expats may also benefit from their universal healthcare coverage— provided they meet some eligibility requirements such as the residency requirement. But, even if you are covered by universal healthcare in your host country, not every medical procedure is included so you may still purchase an expat health insurance plan for additional coverage.

If you are planning a move abroad, one of the most important things you have to think about is your expat health insurance. As the name suggests, expat health insurance is designed to cover your medical expenses as you are living or travelling abroad.

In essence, health insurance for expatriates works in the same way as health insurance in your country: you purchase a plan, decide on the coverage, and pay monthly or yearly premiums. Then, in case you get sick or into an accident, your health insurance company will cover the cost of your medical treatment, hospitalization and medication to the amount you have agreed on.

Health Insurance Options for Expats

Depending on where you are moving, you will have the following options for obtaining health insurance:

• Pay into a national (public) health insurance scheme. If you are employed abroad, then you pay into a government health insurance scheme, and then you benefit from free or relatively inexpensive public healthcare. This type of healthcare scheme is not available in all countries.
• Purchase private health insurance from a local company. Once you arrive in your destination country, you can purchase a health insurance policy from a local company. Coverage is usually limited within the borders of that country.
• Purchase international health insurance. This type of health insurance offers coverage across several destinations (or worldwide). It is the most common type of expat health insurance, especially for people who travel or move around a lot. They offer a comprehensive range of plans for expats that suit the needs of both families and individuals.

National Health Insurance for Expats

If the country you are moving to has a public insurance scheme, then as a working resident, you will likely be able to use it.  National health insurance only pays for treatment in public hospitals, so if you want to get treated elsewhere, you have to pay from your pocket or purchase a private health insurance scheme.

Example: Expats who are employed in Thailand automatically pay into a public health insurance scheme through social security contributions (taxes). This allows them to go to certain public hospitals and clinics in Thailand and receive free treatment and care. But if they want treatment in one of the higher-quality private hospitals, they either have to pay out-of-pocket or invest in a private or international expat health insurance scheme.

Remember: Not all countries offer public healthcare, so before you move, you should do your research and learn what to expect.

Private Health Insurance for Expats

Expats can purchase a health insurance plan from a local company anytime after they move. Private health insurance plans cover treatment in private and public hospitals, medication, hospitalization, surgeries, etc.

However, they are limited in the fact that they do not cover emergency evacuation or repatriation to your home country, or medical treatment abroad.

International Health Insurance for Expats

International health insurance is the same as any other type of medical insurance, with one addition: you are covered for medical treatment in a wider geographical area, even worldwide. This is why it is a popular option for expats who travel around a lot, or who move back and forth between countries.

Additionally, suppose you are working abroad in a country with a less-sophisticated medical infrastructure than the US. In that case, in a severe emergency, you may want to be flown back home for treatment. For this, you would need evacuation coverage, which most local insurance companies do not offer. That’s why US citizens moving abroad must obtain health insurance. Canadian citizens need to purchase additional health insurance coverage abroad as well, since the existing Canadian insurance won’t offer coverage when immigrating to another country, with the expetions of emergencies.

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What is International Health Insurance?

International health insurance— as the name suggests— is designed to cover your medical needs while you are in a foreign country. So, this type of insurance is the same as traditional health insurance, except it covers your medical cost when you are living abroad.

What Does International Health Insurance Cover?

Most international health insurance plans offer coverage for the following, but you can choose what you wish to cover and to what extent:

• In-patient medical treatment: hospitalization, surgery, intensive care unit, anaesthesia, lab tests and X-rays.*
• Out-patient medical treatment: physician visit, specialist visit, psychiatrist visit, urgent care, emergency room, etc.*
• Emergency services*
• Prescription medication*
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Maternity.
• Mental health care.
• Physiotherapy.
• Rehabilitation.
• Pre-existing health conditions.
• Evacuation or repatriation.
• Travel health insurance.

*These items are usually included on the “basic coverage” plans. This means most insurance companies will cover them, whereas the rest of the items may or may not be included on an insurance policy, but you may be able to purchase them as add-ons.

Is International Health Insurance Mandatory?

International health insurance is not mandatory, but most expats prefer global insurance because it offers peace of mind. So, if you have international health insurance, you won’t have to worry about medical issues while in a foreign country.

International Health Insurance vs Travel Health Insurance

When going on a trip abroad, you have likely bought travel health insurance. You know it covers medical emergencies abroad – same as international health insurance. However, if you want to move overseas long-term, travel insurance is not a viable option.

For one, travel insurance is short-term and only covers medical emergencies. Pre-existing conditions, maternity, dental, etc. are rarely included in travel insurance. Travel insurance is meant to protect you against any unexpected losses during a holiday or business trip, not for settled health coverage. But, if you are already an expat and want to travel abroad for a short time, then return to your country of residence, you may want to check out travel insurance options for expats.

• US Health Insurance
• Germany health insurance
• Mexico health insurance
• Thailand health insurance
• Costa Rica Health Insurance
• Spain Health Insurance
  • Health insurance in Spain for American expats
• Health Insurance for Digital Nomads
• Expat health insurance with worldwide coverage.

Pros of Having International Health Insurance

One of the most significant advantages of having international health insurance is that it covers you globally, i.e., wherever you are. In addition, international health insurance allows you access to English-speaking doctors in countries where English is not spoken, private healthcare— including private health facilities—and immediate care without waiting times. Plus, with international health insurance, you lower the costs of any medical expenses you would otherwise be required to pay out of pocket.

How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost?

International health insurance can cost you anywhere from $200 to $900 per month— with an average of $500.However, your international health insurance can vary depending on the following factors:

• International or local. International plans cost more simply because they have a wider range of coverage – both in terms of geographical scope as well as covered items – than local plans.
• Your age. Most companies have different prices for different age ranges. The prices increase along with the client’s age, and many companies stop offering coverage after a certain point (usually 75-85 years).
• The amount of coverage. If you purchase a plan with a $500,000 maximum, it will cost less than a plan with a $2,000,000 maximum. This is the amount you will be covered for on a yearly basis or per claim, depending on the policy.
• Covered items. If you subscribe to a basic plan, with just medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency services, etc. it will be less expensive than adding coverage for the “optional” items, such as maternity, dental, or mental health.
• The people included in the plan. Naturally, you would pay less for an individual medical insurance plan than for a plan which also covers your family members.

Remember: Do not choose the cheapest plan available. These types of plans are usually extremely limited, and will not give you the coverage you need. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, especially when it comes to health insurance.

How to Purchase International Health Insurance?

Here is a brief summary of how you can purchase international health insurance:

1. Find an international insurance provider. You can look for such a provider in your home country or refer to online companies that offer insurance policies specifically for global coverage.
2. Check the insurance policies. Most providers will provide a basic insurance policy and a more comprehensive policy. The basic plan usually covers only emergency cases, while the comprehensive policy covers anything, from emergencies to dental and eyewear expenses.
3. Buy your insurance plan. There are a few different ways how you can buy international insurance— the most common being:
   • Directly— you can buy the insurance plan directly via the insurance company.
   • Via an insurance agent— licensed insurance agent may be working for a specific company or several insurance companies and offer you the plans their clients have available.
   • Via an insurance broker— the insurance broker will cater to your needs as a client and provide you with several options for your international health insurance policy.
4. Retrieve your ID card.  After you buy your international health insurance, your provider will equip you with an ID card containing your information and insurance details. You will need to present this card while visiting a healthcare center in a foreign country.

How Does International Health Insurance Work?

Here is an overview of how international health insurance works:

1. You move abroad. 
2. You purchase international health insurance.
3. You require medical attention while abroad. 
4. You collect the required documents.
5. You pay for the medical costs in a foreign country.  

You Plan to Move Abroad

Before buying your international insurance policy, make sure that you actually need one. For example, if you stay in a foreign country only temporarily, i.e., less than a month, you might consider buying only travel insurance that will cover any medical emergencies during your stay. On the other hand, if you plan to live in a foreign country long-term, i.e., for work or family purposes, you should buy international health insurance.

So, usually, the following categories require international health insurance:

• Expats. 
• Retired expats.
• Digital nomads. 
• Foreign employees. 

You Purchase International Health Insurance

Even though you are not legally obligated to buy international health insurance, you are highly advised to do this before moving abroad. This way, you will know that whatever injuries, illnesses, or emergency interventions you have are covered by your provider, no matter where you are.

You Require Medical Attention While Abroad

Let’s say, while you are abroad, you suffer an injury, get sick, or need a medical procedure. Whatever the reason, you can seek medical attention at your local health center. However, at these public health centers, you may experience longer waiting times and difficulty accessing an English-speaking doctor. With your international health insurance, on the other hand, you can access private healthcare facilities thus eliminating waiting times.

In cases where your condition may not be treatable abroad, you will be evacuated to your home country. Either way, your international health insurance will cover these expenses if you purchase a reparation and evacuation coverage plan.

You Collect the Required Documents

After you get treated at the medical center abroad, you must collect a set of documents so you can make an insurance claim. This includes the bills and receipts from the hospital, prescription notes (including your info, your doctor’s name, the pharmacy details, etc.), the medical procedures you undertook, and any other information required by your insurance provider.

Please save a copy of every document if you need to re-send them to your insurance provider. If you’re not sure what documents your insurance company needs, contact your provider since they offer a 24/7 help hotline and will be able to assist you.

You Use Your International Health Insurance to Cover Medical Costs

There are two ways in which your international insurance provider will pay for your medical costs while abroad:

• Directly. Your insurance provider will pay the bill directly to the hospital if you are in the same provider network. You still need to fill out the insurance claim form. The hospital or medical center where you received treatment can bill the insurance company directly based on your insurance ID.
• Via an insurance claim. If your bill is not paid directly, you must pay the expenses yourself and file an insurance claim. You need every detailed invoice and receipt issued by the hospital, your doctor, and your pharmacy to make an insurance claim. You will need to attach these documents to your insurance claim form and send them to your provider. Most providers will reimburse 80% of expenses, depending on your insurance plan.

Note: When filing an insurance claim, you need to fill out an insurance claim form for every medical condition treated.

How to Choose the Best International Health Insurance Plan?

The best health insurance plan is different for everyone, depending on specific needs. So, when choosing an expat health insurance plan, pay attention to the following:

• Is the coverage fixed or comprehensive? Fixed coverage plans are less expensive, but only pay a fixed amount per claim (which in some cases can be too low). Comprehensive coverage plans are more expensive, but the insurance company pays based on a percentage, which can be up to 100%.
• Does the insurance plan cover everything you need? Does it cover you at least for all basic medical emergencies and treatment?
• Will it cover you if you are abroad? If you intend to travel back to the US or to another country, do you have health insurance there? Does the plan have evacuation or repatriation coverage?
• What are the “optional” coverage options? Does it have dental coverage, or do you need to get that elsewhere? What about maternity?
• How much is the policy maximum? Is it on a yearly basis, lifetime, per claim, or unlimited?
• Is it renewable?
• How much is the deductible? How much do you have to pay yourself before the insurance company steps in and covers the rest?
• Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions? If yes, to what extent?
• Does the expat insurance company have a direct-claim procedure? Some insurance companies have agreements with certain hospitals, where the hospital can send the bill directly to the insurers, and you do not need to pay anything yourself. These are usually called “in-network” hospitals.

When Should You Get Health Insurance?

Some insurance plans have a waiting period during which they may not offer the full scope of coverage. So, the sooner you purchase, the more you can rest assured that you will be well taken care of in the event of an emergency.

Naturally, if you intend to subscribe to a local insurance plan, you will have to wait until you settle in.

In contrast, rules for national (public) insurance plans change depending on the country. But, you can purchase international health insurance at any point.

How to Make a Claim With International Health Insurance?

All health insurance companies have an emergency hotline, which you can call to ask for assistance. They also have their own determined procedures for processing a claim, which you will learn before you purchase the policy.

Some international insurance companies have a network of hospitals where you can receive treatment and the hospital sends the bill directly to the company – you don’t need to pay anything.

In other cases, you have to pay the bill and then make a claim to be reimbursed.

Does International Health Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Whether a health insurance company covers claims related to coronavirus will depend on the specific company, but it will likely be specified on the policy description. If not, check for a clause which relates to pandemics, viral outbreaks, or the exclusions section.

Some insurance companies have already re-adjusted their policies to exclude the novel coronavirus, as of March 13, 2020.

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