Things to consider while choosing health insurance for parents visiting USA ⋆ CampingHiking.net

Things to consider while choosing health insurance for parents visiting USA

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Thousands of people come to the US every year to work, study, do business, and even settle down. If you live in the US, you understand the cost of surgeries, treatment, diagnostic tests, and other medical procedures and that is why you must give the utmost priority to your parents’ health when they  visit the US.  Due to their age, they can face little to severe health issues during their trip. In addition, the sudden change in weather, new lifestyle, and long flights can make them fall sick.

Owing to the medical expenditure in the US, it can be difficult for your parents to bear the costs. Moreover, if they cannot pay, it becomes your responsibility to bear the expenses. Therefore, to keep you financially protected from these high costs you must buy health insurance plans for your  parents. You can buy separate policies for both parents or a single plan for them. However, before going ahead to buy a health insurance plan, there are a few things that you need to consider.

  • Parents’ health

If your parents are 60 and older, consider buying plans covering the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. No insurance plans will cover pre-existing conditions. Instead, they offer limited coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing. With age, people can have pre-existing illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, arthritis, and more. Henceforth, buying a plan with acute onset coverage is essential.

Acute onset of a pre-existing condition means a sudden onset of the illness, which needs immediate medical attention. If not treated within 24 hours, it can lead to a life-threatening situation. Plans with acute onset coverage cover medical treatment up to a certain policy maximum. For example, many plans cover only  acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions, while some can distinguish between cardiac and non-cardiac  conditions.

As each plan defines pre-existing conditions and acute onset of pre-existing conditions distinctly, reading the policy is recommended.

  • Parents’ age

Parents’ age must be considered while buying a health insurance plan. Typically, senior travelers find insurance plans that may not cover them for everything. If your parents are 60 and above, you will get plans that offer coverage for medical treatment and limited coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. The same goes for parents above 70. If your parents are 80 and above, things can be risky. Most plans offer almost no coverage for acute on set of pre-existing conditions and limited health coverage. But it is wise to carry a health insurance policy other than carrying no policy at all, especially in the US.

With age, the premium increases. Therefore, senior travelers pay more for a plan than younger travelers. The options of policy maximum, too, are limited. For example, some plans can offer $25,000 to $2 million policy maximum options. If you choose a higher policy maximum, you pay a higher premium. But if you choose a higher deductible, you pay a lower premium.

  • Duration of trip

The length of the trip also matters when you buy a health insurance policy. There are limited benefit and comprehensive  plans, so you can choose one, depending on the trip’s length and amount of premium you would like to pay. For instance, if your parents have come to visit you for a week, you can consider  a fixed benefit plan which is more economic,  but involves more risks as these plans have pre-defined limits on all the benefits you get through the policy. On the other hand, if your parents plan to stay six months, you must buy a robust, comprehensive health insurance policy. These plans are expensive but offer better protection. Though the trip duration may be a deciding factor on the type of plan and coverage you want to choose, buying a comprehensive plan for your parents is always recommended.

General tips:

  • Your parents’ standard health insurance plans (if any) from their home country might not support them in the US. These plans offer coverage in their country of residence and may offer limited or even zero coverage internationally.
  • You will pay a higher premium for parents visiting the US than a younger cousin visiting you.
  • Your parents will be considered a visitor to the US. Hence, they will not gain access to any government-sponsored insurance programs. You must buy health insurance from a private insurance company.

Conclusion

If you are buying travel medical insurance for the first time for your parents, you may find it overwhelming to choose the right policy. Choosing a US insurance provider is advised, so you do not face any trouble in the future. Contact a trustworthy insurance company and buy a suitable plan for your parents.