Insurance for parents visiting the USA: What you need to know

You might be looking forward to having your parents visit you in the United States. However, while planning an itinerary can be fun and exciting, considering potential health care needs during their stay is also crucial.

The cost of medical care in the United States is often much higher than in other countries. Visitors insurance can help decrease your parents’ financial burden if an unexpected accident or health emergency occurs during their trip and isn’t covered under their domestic health insurance plan.

Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice

Emergency medical coverage

$500,000 (Primary)

Trip interruption coverage

150% of costs

On TravelInsurance.com’s Website

Emergency medical coverage

Depends on policy

Trip interruption coverage

150% of costs

On TravelInsurance.com’s Website

Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector

Emergency medical coverage

$100,000 (Primary)

Trip interruption coverage

150% of costs

On TravelInsurance.com’s Website

Visitor insurance for parents visiting the USA

Visitor insurance — also known as travel medical insurance — offers temporary medical coverage to non-US residents while visiting the United States.

Although some visitor insurance plans can cover other issues like lost bags or trip delays, they primarily cover emergency medical expenses your parents may need in the USA. Visitors insurance works like regular US health insurance and may include deductibles, copays and provider networks.

“I always recommend travel health insurance for visitors, especially parents coming to see their children and grandchildren,” said Alex Adekola, a New-York-licensed independent adjuster. “Travel insurance provides invaluable financial protection and peace of mind.”

How does visitor health insurance for parents work?

With visitor health insurance, your parents can visit any doctor or hospital for emergency medical care. For nonemergency situations, using in-network providers may help reduce out-of-pocket costs. However, visitor insurance must be obtained before any medical emergencies arise: You can’t buy this coverage after one occurs.

Visitors health insurance is especially helpful for older visitors who might be at a higher risk of facing medical emergencies.

While visitor insurance isn’t generally a requirement to come to the US (this may depend on if your parents are required to have a visa and what type they’re required to carry), an unexpected medical event such as an accident or emergency could be costly.

People visiting the US “often assume their domestic insurance will cover them, but that’s rarely the case,” said Adekola. “Without proper coverage, a single trip to the [emergency room] can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.”

Eligibility requirements for visitor health insurance

In general, anyone who is a non-US citizen traveling to the US from another country can purchase visitor health insurance.

“A possible exception would be someone whose doctor has advised them not to travel,” said Jiten Puri, CEO of Canadian insurance marketplace PolicyAdvisor.

In addition, some plans may limit coverage for travelers over a certain age. If your parents are in their 70s, 80s or 90s, they may have more difficulty finding coverage for preexisting conditions — and they may have to pay higher premiums.

While there aren’t many restrictions for obtaining visitor insurance, most plans exclude coverage for preexisting conditions. However, if your parents have preexisting conditions they want covered while traveling, options are available.

Some policies might provide coverage for the treatment of a sudden non-chronic problem related to a preexisting condition that has an unexpected, life-threatening outbreak and requires hospitalization (called “acute onset”).

For example, say your parent has struggled with kidney stones in the past but hasn’t had any recent episodes. While on their trip, a kidney stone forms and requires immediate hospitalization. This may be considered an acute onset of a preexisting condition. However, the specific eligibility criteria will depend on the individual insurance provider.

Other policies offer “full” preexisting coverage (although any routine medication or care would still be excluded — only medical emergencies would be covered, and a higher deductible may apply compared to a new medical condition). Some insurers also offer a waiver to help remove preexisting condition exclusions in specific situations.

What does travel insurance for parents visiting the USA cover?

Visitors health insurance is coverage that usually pays for any new medical issues, accidents or injuries that may occur while your parents are visiting the US, either temporarily or for an extended period. The services covered can vary by policy, but you may find coverage for:

• Covid 19 (available with some plans)
• Doctor’s visits for sudden unanticipated medical illness
• Emergency dental care
• Emergency medical care for accidental injuries
• Emergency services, such as ambulance and emergency room visit
• Emergency surgery
• Hospital room
• Lab tests and X-rays
• Medical evacuation
• Pharmacy drugs prescribed for a new condition
• Physical therapy
• Preexisting conditions (available with some plans, coverage may be limited)
• Repatriation (transporting the patient back home for medical purposes or transporting their mortal remains)
• Travel expenses related to cancellations, interruptions, delays or baggage losses (available with some plans)

What doesn’t travel insurance for parents visiting the USA cover?

Since visitor insurance is meant to help with health emergencies, it generally doesn’t cover:

• Chronic or congenital conditions
• Dental care unrelated to an emergency
• Illnesses or injuries related to alcohol or drug use or extreme sports
• Mental health conditions
• Preexisting conditions (available with some plans, coverage may be limited)
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Preventative care, such as vaccinations, medications or routine exams
• Vision care

Types of travel health insurance for visitors to the USA

Choosing a travel health insurance plan that provides the right coverage to fit a visitor’s specific needs is crucial. Here are the primary plan options ideal for parents traveling to the USA:

Comprehensive coverage plans

• Covers a percentage of costs: Depending on the specific policy, it may pay a percentage of medical costs — typically from 75% to 100% — up to the policy maximum, after any deductible is met. Or, it might cover a lower percentage of costs up to a specific limit first and then cover 100% of expenses up to the policy maximum. For example, it might cover 80% of costs up to $5,000, then all additional costs up to the total policy limit of $25,000 may be covered at 100%. This can offer a higher limit on the total amount of coverage you’ll receive for medical services. However, if you visit an out-of-network provider, you may be covered at a lower percentage.
• One deductible: A single deductible generally applies, regardless of how often your parents seek medical care.
• May provide travel-related coverage: Many comprehensive plans offer coverage you can find under a standard travel insurance policy, such as for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, trip delays and baggage losses.
• Costs more: With more extensive coverage, these plans are pricier than fixed or limited coverage options.
• May include coverage for preexisting conditions: Some comprehensive plans cover a sudden acute onset of a preexisting condition (i.e., a non-chronic preexisting issue suddenly and unexpectedly recurs and requires immediate hospitalization) or may include a preexisting condition waiver. If your parents’ policy has this coverage, a waiting period may apply, so if they have to receive medical care for a preexisting condition during this time frame, their bills won’t be covered. Coverage depends on factors like the age and specific health concerns of the person being insured.

Who it’s good for: Parents who want more extensive coverage — and are willing to pay more for it

Fixed or limited coverage plans

• Set amounts for services: These plans pay a specific amount for medical services, regardless of the actual cost. If the plan only covers $5,000 for surgery but the procedure costs $10,000, for example, your parents are responsible for the $5,000 difference, plus any deductible. This means that the total payout your parents can receive under the plan is generally lower.
• Deductibles for each issue: Your parents may have to pay a deductible for every new medical issue that requires treatment (versus paying one deductible per policy), depending on their specific plan.
• Limited or no travel-related coverage: Your parents likely won’t have any coverage for lost or damaged baggage or trip cancellations, interruptions or delays, although some fixed plans may provide a small amount of coverage for these types of losses.
• More affordable: These plans are less expensive than comprehensive plans, making them a suitable option for saving on premiums.
• Preexisting condition limitations: Often, these plans have limited or no coverage for preexisting conditions, which could affect reimbursements for related medical care.

Who it’s good for: Budget-conscious parents who need basic coverage, have no preexisting conditions and are willing to accept lower coverage limits to save on premiums

Acute onset of preexisting condition coverage

• Essential coverage for unforeseen medical recurrences or outbreaks: Even if preexisting conditions are excluded, choosing a visitors travel insurance plan with acute onset coverage is vital for parents with preexisting health conditions that could unexpectedly and suddenly arise during their visit to the US and require immediate hospitalization (usually within 24 hours of the symptoms starting). Without this coverage, they would have to pay fully out of pocket for the care they receive, which could include emergency room visit expenses, surgery, transportation to the hospital and medications.
• No initial health check but a look-back period may apply: Insurance companies don’t typically check for preexisting conditions at purchase, but they’ll likely review your parents’ medical history if a claim is made. The look-back period (or how far back into their medical history an insurer will review) will vary between insurers, but it can range from two months to two years. This can impact which conditions are considered preexisting and which may qualify for acute onset coverage.
• Congenital and chronic conditions may not qualify for acute onset coverage: There likely won’t be any coverage for conditions considered congenital or chronic, even if they gradually worsen or manifest into an emergency while your parents are traveling.

Who it’s good for: Parents with preexisting medical conditions that aren’t chronic or congenital and could unexpectedly lead to hospitalization during their visit to the US

When does visitors insurance coverage begin?

In general, fixed visitors insurance coverage begins when your parents reach the US, while comprehensive visitors insurance coverage starts on the day they leave their home country.

If the insurance is purchased after your parents arrive in the US, coverage can begin the following day after purchase. However, a waiting period may apply before any claims can be filed and covered.

While most visitors health plans typically last up to 364 or 365 days, some are renewable for up to two years, as long as your parents maintain continuous coverage.

How much does travel medical insurance cost for parents visiting the USA?

The price your parents will pay for travel medical insurance to cover their trip to the US is influenced by several factors, including:

• Coverage type: Comprehensive plans are pricier than basic fixed coverage plans since they typically offer more extensive coverage and require less out-of-pocket expenses. And, buying a plan that covers preexisting conditions will usually be more expensive because they’ll likely need a comprehensive plan.
• Coverage amounts and deductibles: The higher the policy’s maximum coverage amount, the more your parents will pay for that coverage. For instance, a policy that covers medical claims up to $200,000 will cost more than one that covers $100,000. Additionally, opting for a lower deductible will increase their premiums.
• Duration of coverage: Premiums vary with the length of coverage needed. Insurance for a week costs less than coverage for a month.
• Your parents’ ages: Insurance costs increase based on the insured person’s age. Seniors typically pay more for the same coverage compared to younger individuals.

For example, we got a quote for the Patriot America Plus plan from IMG for a 40-year-old couple and a 70-year-old couple traveling to the US from South Korea for seven days with a $5,000 trip cost. We selected a coverage limit of $50,000 and no deductible.

The premium for the 40-year-old couple was $44.46, while the premium for the 70-year-old couple was $145.60. While the 40-year-old couple would have coverage for acute onset of preexisting conditions, the 70-year-old couple would not as the plan limits this coverage to those under age 70.

The best way to see how much travel medical insurance costs for your parents visiting the USA is to gather and compare several quotes from different carriers.

Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice

Emergency medical coverage

$500,000 (Primary)

Trip interruption coverage

150% of costs

On TravelInsurance.com’s Website

How to find the best visitors insurance for parents visiting the USA

When looking for the best visitors insurance for your parents visiting the USA, it’s important to consider what they can afford beyond the deductible if an unexpected medical emergency occurs. Buying the lowest-cost plan available means your parents will have less coverage during a medical emergency and may pay much more out of pocket later.

“Choosing the right policy amount and deductible is key — a $100,000 policy with a $250 deductible is a good benchmark,” said Adekola.

Here are some essential features to consider:

• Wide range of coverage: Make sure the plan you’re considering offers the coverage you’re looking for — from basic emergency services to hospitalization and repatriation.
• Clear terms: Policies should be straightforward and transparent. If you have any questions about the coverage or features, be sure to ask.
• Customer support: Does the company offer 24/7 assistance? Or are you limited in when you can contact it?
• Claims processing: How long does it typically take for the company to pay out on claims?
• Preexisting condition coverage: If your parents have preexisting conditions they’ll want covered, look for options that cater to sudden flare-ups or offer waivers.
• Refund policy: Check if plans are refundable if your parents decide to cancel their trip or leave the US early.
• Renewability: Ensure plans can be renewed if your parents extend their stay.
• Deductibles and copayments: Balance deductibles and copayments with potential savings on policy premiums. How much can your parents afford to pay out of pocket if a medical emergency arises?
• Policy limits: Determine an appropriate coverage limit for your parents to avoid being underinsured or overinsured.
• Provider network: Find out if the plan you’re considering has a provider network or if your parents can visit any health care facility. Staying in-network, if applicable, can lead to cost savings.
• Emergency evacuation: Opt for plans with at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
• Trip cost coverage: If your parents want coverage for their prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs, pick a visitors insurance plan that covers things like trip cancellations, interruptions and delays — confirm which reasons are covered and if any waiting periods apply. Some plans can also provide coverage for lost, damaged or stolen baggage.

You can get visitor medical insurance online from travel or comparison websites. The purchase process is relatively quick — just make sure you have any needed information to fill out the application, such as your parents’ birth dates, passport numbers and travel dates.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)