Best international travel insurance, Best overseas travel insurance

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International travel health insurance, overseas travel medical insurance

Why Coinsurance and dedcutible

American Visitor Insurance is the ideal place to find best international travel insurance from top rated insurance providers. International travelers and visitors to foreign nations need to buy international travel insurance as their domestic health insurance will not cover them outside their home country.

The health care in the US and in European countries is very sophisticated and perhaps the best in the world, however as a result the cost of treatment is also very high. Therefore it is important to buy a best international travel medical insurance. The visitors health insurance plans we cater here are underwritten exclusively by reputed companies with sound financial rating and having an excellent reputation for their claims settlements.

We have international travel insurance for all travelers ranging from young backpackers on vacations, solo travelers with multiple trips to family based travelers including vacationing couples to senior citizens.

There are some vital aspects of insurance which travelers need to know before buying travel insurance. The travelers need to familiarize themselves with the different insurance types based on what kind of coverage they need. Some plans offers limited coverage and are inexpensive while others offer comprehensive coverage and are expensive. These plans are commonly known as fixed benefits insurance plans and comprehensive plans.

Most overseas travel medical insurance plans have a deductible and coinsurance. Now what are they? And Why does an Overseas travel insurance plan have deductible and coinsurance? Deductible is the initial amount the insured has to pay before the insurance plan actually starts paying. Insurance companies always design insurance products with a payment from the customer.

In regular health insurance plans, it is often called 'Co-pay'. In visitor travel insurance, it is referred to as a 'Deductible'. The main reason that there is a deductible is to dissuade customers from making frivolous claims. Since the insured should pay the ‘Deductible’ amount before the insurance plan starts payment, the insured will use the insurance plan only where there is a genuine need. Without a deductible, the insured can have the tendency to file to misuse the insurance plan by making frivolous claims. Customers have the option of buying a 'Zero deductible' plan at a higher cost, which means the insurance plan covers from the first Dollar.

The Co-insurance in a visitor medical insurance is a percentage of the medical bill that the insured should pay, typically 20% for the first $5000.00 in a bill. One of the reasons that insurance plans have the 'co-insurance' is that it is a mean of influencing where the customer get his/her medical treatment. Insurance companies have working agreements with certain hospitals and medical practitioners, which they refer to as the 'Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)'. Customers are encouraged to get medical treatment within the PPO network, and one of the means of influencing customer behaviour is by having either a lower 'Co-insurance' or 'Zero Co-insurance' if customers use the PPO network.

Senior citizens generally above 60 years are usually confused on which insurance coverage to buy and being older they are more prone to fall ill. Without good medical insurance for older travelers they will end up in a financially messy situation as the cost of health care overseas is exceptionally high. Many of the older travelers would also have pre-existing ailments.

We also offer international travel insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions which many older travelers look for. Some pre-existing coverage plans have age limits while other cover up to any age with limited coverage. Be sure to check the coverage offered by insurance plans as some diseases like Cancer and AIDS would be excluded from coverage.

To name a few of the best international trip insurance plans that provide coverage for US citizens traveling outside and Non US citizens traveling outside their home country:

Atlas International: This plan is from WorldTrips and provides worldwide coverage including and excluding US. This plan has access to international provider network called Equian International Network. This covers acute onset of pre-existing condition.

Patriot International Lite: This plan is from IMG(International Medical Group) and is a comprehensive plan and provides excellent coverage for people traveling outside their home country.

Diplomat International: This plan is from Global Underwriters and provides excellent coverage when outside your home country.

Travel Medical Basic: This is a plan from Seven Corners and for Individuals and families including unmarried dependent children traveling outside of their Home Country.

Travel Medical Choice: This is a plan from Seven Corners and for U.S Citizens while traveling outside of Home Country.Individuals and families including unmarried dependent child(ren) traveling outside of their Home Country. Elite Plan from INF offers coverage for pre-existing conditions.

What does visitor travel insurance cover?

Health care expenses

Covers hospital expenses for sickness or accidents.

Doctor visit

Insures Doctor visits for sudden injury or sickness.

Pharmacy drugs

Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs expenses.

Pre-existing conditions

Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.

Medical evacuation

Medical evacuation expenses to nearest facility included.

Repat of remains

Repatriation of remains to home country included.

Testimonials - From Our Customers

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I recently visited your website for the first time to buy insurance for travel to US. I found the information very good. Your customer support was fantastic and awesome. You were so dedicated to take care of my inquiries. I would rate your service 100/100.
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I am pleased to say that your company is very professional in the field of Insurance. The customer is happy to get easily connected and then you very patiently explain the difference between various plans to suit each customer's need.
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Overseas travel insurance coverage

Planning to travel Overseas needs detailed and well balanced planning of the trip. It is very important for travelers to buy travel health insurance while travelling away from their home country. A travel insurance cover will provide protection towards all sudden accidents and illness. While traveling to the US, international travelers should include a visitors insurance cover for a safe and stress free travel.

The domestic health insurance of the home country invariably provides little or no coverage in a new country. A visitors medical insurance plan will protect the insured from huge medical bills in case of hospitalization in a foreign country. An insured traveler can get cashless medical facilities up to the insured amount within the US.

Overseas travel insurance General - FAQ's

01. What is international /oversea travel insurance?

International travel insurance refers to international health insurance for travelers around the world. International travel insurance usa is available for different groups for travelers be it for short term single trip visitors, families on vacation, older travelers with pre-existing medical ailments, US citizens with Medicare, student travelers, business travelers, expatriates traveling and living abroad, global travelers who need long term coverage, missionaries

02. Which is the best international travel insurance?

There is not one single international travel insurance plan that can be considered the best plan for all travelers. International travelers need to understand the different coverage benefits as well as the factors on which international travel insurance are based by using the different resources offered on American Visitor Insurance.

We work with top rated US insurance providers to offer a wide range of US international travel insurance plans. Compare international health insurance for travel plans to find the best international travel insurance for your specific needs.

03. How much does best international trip insurance cost?

The cost of best International trip insurance plans depend mainly on the following factors.

  • The age of the traveler
  • The maximum medical coverage limit
  • The co-insurance and deductible options
  • The length of insurance coverage
  • Any add-on coverages such as for pre-existing conditions and hazardous sports

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04. When should I take out travel insurance?

It is always recommended to purchase travel insurance before you depart your home country and start the travel that is best for international travel. This is to make full and genuine use of the insurance so that you are covered from day One when you are in a foreign country. However, you can also purchase the insurance after arriving at your destination country.

Some insurance plans might have arrival time restriction where the insurance must be purchased within 30 days after arriving in the destination. This time could be 6 months as well depending on the age of the person.

05.Is travel insurance worth getting?

Insurance is always purchased keeping in mind the unexpected sudden incidents in mind. Travel insurance especially is something that is exclusively meant for unexpected accidents or sickness. These are not for preventive care, planned health check-ups or appointments.

Having said that, it is definitely worth buying insurance paying a few hundred dollars and enjoy the travel peacefully instead of taking the risk of no insurance and end up paying a huge amount for unexpected accidents and sickness treatments at the hospitals.

06. Is travel medical insurance necessary?

Some of the countries have made it mandatory to have travel insurance before starting the travel. While the travel insurance takes care of the unexpected incident coverage travel plans extend their coverage benefit to cover emergency coverage in case of sudden recurrence of a pre-existing condition, repatriation, evacuation, trip interruption, baggage delay and loss which definitely makes a very necessary requirement for a traveler.

07. What are the benefits of travel insurance?

Travel insurance not only covers the unexpected incidents and injuries and takes care of the hospital costs, it also extends coverage for acute onset of pre existing condition, emergency evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage loss or delay...some of the travel insurance plans offer coverage for adventure sports.

08. What is the Purpose of Travel Insurance?

  • Protect the cost of your trip if you have a travel delay or need cancellation.
  • Offset added expenses due to a travel delay or lost, delayed or damaged luggage.
  • Protect from expensive medical bills in case you are injured or become ill while traveling abroad.

09. What is travel health insurance plan?

A travel health insurance (also known as visitors insurance) plan provides coverage for travelers outside their home country for both long and short trips as opposed to domestic health insurance which cover offers protection for the insured within their home country.

The visitors medical insurance offers protection both for medical and travel accidents and illness while on an international trip. The insured receive medical care and assistance for unexpected medical and travel events while travelling overseas.

Visitor health insurance is available for all categories of the travelers like for vacationers, business men, Students, short visits and annual multi-trips depending on the duration of the stay and the visa type of the traveler.

10. What does overseas travel medical insurance cover?

A visitors overseas travel medical insurance plan covers:

  • Any new sickness or injury that occurs during the trip after the start of the policy.
  • Accidents or illness occurred during the trip
  • Medical emergencies and medical evacuation
  • Cover for hospital treatment ,doctor expenses and prescribed drugs
  • Some plans cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions
  • Dental emergencies (again offered by some insurance plans)

11. What does the visitor health insurance not cover?

  • Preventive care like routine health checks, physical examinations, inoculation, vaccination
  • Regular treatment for pre-existing conditions
  • Maternity coverage if conception occurs before purchase of visitor health insurance.

12. What are the different types of visitor insurance plans?

There are broadly two types of visitors health insurance that a traveler can choose based on their travel requirements.

Fixed benefit travel insurance coverage
A fixed benefit insurance plan is a basic plan with lower benefits and lower premiums. These covers offer basic standard medical coverage and stay in case unforeseen medical or travel events occur while traveling away from home country. There are few plans that cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to a certain limit.

Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Comprehensive travel insurance offers exhaustive coverage but are more expensive when compared to the fixed benefit plans that are best for international travel. Most of the comprehensive plans offer coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. The insured can visit doctors within their PPO network to get cashless services.

There are many US insurance providers who offer good comprehensive visitors health insurance plans like Patriot America Plus, Safe Travel USA Comprehensive, Atlas Travel and Travel Medical Plus.

13. How can the insured use the best international travel medical insurance?

  • Hospitals and Urgent care–the Insured can produce their visitor medical insurance card at the urgent care in an event of falling sick or injured while in the US. If the insured requires medical assistance then he can visit a hospital where cashless medical services can be availed.
  • Prescriptions–The insured can buy prescribed medicines for a medical ailment that occurs during travel and file a claim for reimbursement along with the proof of the receipt.

Travelers to the US or anywhere outside their home country should have adequate visitor insurance coverage for a safe journey.

Steps to buy
Best international travel health insurance online

 1: Finding the available best international travel health insurance plans

Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveler and insurance requirements.

 2: Compare the different travel insurance options for overseas travel medical insurance

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

 3: Buy the travel insurance that you is best for international travel

Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

 4: Review the visitors insurance plan documents received by email

Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.

US visitors insurance online

Pre-existing conditions visitors insurance

Tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions

Here are some travel insurance tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions

  1. Choose a travel medical insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage.
  2. Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
  3. Be aware of look back period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
  4. Consider buying an US travel health insurance plan with higher medical coverage.
  5. Keep a copy of your medical records and list of medications when you travel.
  6. Take your Doctor's prescription and medications during your trip.
  7. Learn how to access healthcare at your destination.
  8. Contact your US traveler insurance provider immediately in case of a medical emergency.
  9. Disclose all pre-existing conditions when purchasing visitor health insurance.
  10. Follow all procedures while submiting a claim.

What is visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions?

There are many health insurance for us visitors options for international travel. However, many usa travel insurance for visitors plans exclude pre-existing conditions. Hence the traveler insurance will not cover the costs of treating a pre-existing medical condition. However at American Visitor Insurance, we offer some travel medical insurance plans that have coverage for pre-existing conditions and the policy clearly states what is covered for a pre-existing conditions, as well as specifying a limit to this coverage.

Some travel health insurance plans like Atlas America, Patriot America Plus offer coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing conditions, ie, when there is a sudden medical emergency without any prior symptom that needs to be treated immediately. This typically includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and evacuation expenses related to the acute onset of the pre-existing condition. INF insurance however has the INF Elite insurance which covers pre-existing conditions going beyond the acute onset coverage. It is important to compare visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions on American Visitor Insurance both for the price as well as pre-existing conditions coverage before making a decision.

How does travel insurance for pre-existing conditions work?

The travel health insurance plans which cover pre-existing conditions have clear definitions of what is a pre-existing condition, the look back period for pre-existing condition, whether the travel insurance coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and if it provides full coverage for pre-existing conditions the coverage limit within the policy for pre-existing conditons. Any travel health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions will depend on all these.

Factors to consider while purchasing visitors health insurance for pre existing conditions?

The following are important factors for buying travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

  1. The definition of pre-existing conditions and the look back period under the policy.
  2. The eligibility age limit for pre-existing conditions coverage.
  3. Whether pre-existing condition coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
  4. The coverage limit for pre-existing conditions which is different from the policy medical maximum.
  5. The deductible and out of pocket expenses for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Why is health insurance for travel to USA with pre-existing conditions coverage important?

Traveling anywhere outside worldwide is supposed to be an eye opening, special and a relaxed trip experience. Traveling with a health condition brings in more challenges in order to get covered for the unexpected medical expense in case of odd surprises during the trip. This calls out for an insurance plan that covers the pre-existing conditions that will relieve the unnecessary stress of taking extra care of yourself during your most memorable travel experience.

The plans also will be expensive considering the risks involved to cover pre-existing conditions. Many of the travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions. At American Visitor Insurance we offer plans that cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions as well as some cover full pre-existing conditions.

Pre-existing conditions coverage - FAQ's

01. How do I know if my pre-existing condition is covered by travel insurance?

Unfortunately, this simple question has a fairly complicated answer. The answer is: it depends. Firstly, it depends on whether you are a US resident traveling outside the US or a visitor to the US. US residents can purchase trip cancellation insurance that can cover pre-existing conditions and even plans that are travel medical only without cancellation often are more generous in their coverage of pre-existing conditions. These plans may have specific requirements in order to waive the usual exclusion of coverage for pre-existing conditions (like purchase them within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit or that you have a primary domestic insurance plan in the US), so you should check these details carefully if this is important to you.

Non-US residents or US residents traveling into the US have much more limited options to insure their pre-existing conditions are covered. Some plans offer coverage for "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions. However, this is misleading, since a careful look at their definition excludes chronic or congenital disorders from such coverage. Chronic illnesses are those that worsen over time and congenital disorders are issues one is born with. They exclude emergencies due to chronic illness because they will say that is not "acute" it is simply a worsening of your condition. There are only two policies we know of that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. They are INF Premier and INF Elite plans.

Firstly, they define pre-existing conditions in the following way: A pre-existing condition is a condition for which the insured received treatment or took medication for in the previous 12 months before the start of the policy. If the medication dosage has not changed and is taken as a maintenance medication, this would NOT count as a flare up or treatment of the condition. In that case, very stable conditions that have no flare ups in the past 12 months are not even excluded as pre-existing conditions. Conditions that have had flare ups or doctor recommended treatment or change in medication, are still covered by the plans but with a higher deductible and a lower maximum.

INF Elite (also INF Elite 90) are comprehensive plans offering fairly complete coverage. INF Premier is a fixed plan. Find details on these plans here.

The above plans must be purchased for at least 90 days and can be quite pricey for seniors, but they offer the only real coverage for chronic conditions.

The other option, of course, is to take a plans with little ($1K) or no coverage for pre-existing conditions and take a risk that that condition will not flare up during the trip.

02. What does full coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions mean?

INF plans boast they offer "full" coverage for pre-existing conditions. This can be a little misleading. Firstly, any regular treatment or medication that is required by the condition is never covered. The main advantage to the INF Elite and INF Premier is that they cover sudden illness/injury regardless of whether it is pre-existing or not. The only difference is that a pre-existing condition will be covered with a higher deductible at at a lower maximum than any other "new" illness or injury. However, coverage is not limited to an emergency or life-threatening situation.

03. What does "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" mean?

The "Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition" is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing medical condition which occurs without any advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms and requires immediate care (within 24 hours of first symptoms). A Pre-Existing Condition that is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually becomes worse over time will not be considered acute onset.

The acute onset coverage benefit does not include coverage for known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs or treatment existent or necessary prior to the effective date of coverage. An example of this might be someone who has a food allergy or bee allergy and is unknowingly exposed to their allergen and requires immediate medical attention.

04. What is the difference between Full Pre-Existing & Acute Onset Insurance?

Acute onset of a pre-existing condition can be defined as the sudden & unexpected occurrence of a pre-existing condition which requires in-patient, emergency hospitalization within 24 hours of exhibiting first symptoms. The main difference between acute onset & full pre-existing is that with Full Pre-Existing coverage, is that one is covered for all pre-existing conditions and associated medical costs and this includes follow up visits, hospitalizations and doctor’s visits, etc. The acute onset coverage will only cover the in-patient hospitalization expense.

05. What are the limits of Full Pre-Existing plans under INF travel insurance?

Full Pre-existing means we will cover any issue regarding a pre-existing condition, however, if one is traveling to the United States solely for medical treatment, that will not be covered. INF plans do not cover any medical tourism related claims. Pre-existing conditions under the INF plans are covered with a higher deductible and a lower maximum than other illnesses or injuries. These are chosen or specified when you purchase you plan.

06. Do INF travel insurance plans really cover all pre-existing conditions?

Yes, the INF policies will cover any pre-existing issue that the traveler may have during their stay in the United States. This includes blood pressure, diabetes, kidney related issues and arthritis, all of which are covered by the INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Elite, INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plans.

07. Why are Full Pre-Existing plans more expensive than other visitor medical insurance usa plans?

The insurance company takes on an enormous risk by insuring individuals and including coverage for pre-existing conditions without any prior medical examination. Under the INF plans, you are paying more, but you are getting the full value for the money you pay given the very high cost of US healthcare. With the INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Elite, INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plans, even though it is expensive, you can have the comfort of knowing that you are covered for any emergency or contingency. This peace of mind given the expensive US healthcare expense is what makes INF plans worth it despite being expensive.

08. What services are covered under best travel insurance for usa visitors with full pre-existing coverage?

The list of covered services under Visitors insurance full pre-existing conditions coverage can be found on the American Visitor Insurance website of the INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Elite, INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plan pages. INF plans are open to green card holders

What is the best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage?

The best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage is listed here:

  1. The INF Elite plans are designed for travelers who need coverage for full pre-existing medical conditions up to age 99 years. INF Elite plans are comprehensive plans available for people traveling to the US and provide flexible coverage. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plans.
  2. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers coverage for acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years. For persons under 70 covers medical treatment to policy maximum (cardiac-related treatment up to $25,000). For persons above 70 Acute Onset benefits is reduced to a maximum of $35,000 (cardiac-related treatment up to $15,000).
  3. Atlas America Insurance is a comprehensive visitor insurance for acute on set of pre-existing conditions that covers Non-US citizens and Non-US residents while visiting the US up to age 79 years.
    The plan provides acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions coverage..
  4. Patriot America plus is Comprehensive travel insurance covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to chosen maximum limit aged up to 70 years. This plan is available for Non US citizens travelling to the USA and US citizens and Non US citizens living abroad can buy this plan for visiting the US for short while. Plan is suitable for Green Card holders as long as they reside outside the US.
  5. Visitors Protect is Comprehensive visitor medical insurance offers pre-existing conditions up to age 99 years. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plan. It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US.
  6. Safe Travels USA is a cheap travel medical insurance plan that covers sudden, unexpected recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition for Non-US Citizens and Non-US Residents while visiting the USA up to 89 years.

Factors that determine the cost of oversea travel insurance plans

Age of the traveler

The cost of best international travel medical insurance is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.

Type of travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit travel insurance.

Medical maximum coverage and deductible options

The price of visitors medical insurance is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.

Region of coverage

Travel insurance depends on the coverage region. The cost for visitor health insurance for the United States is most expensive.

Duration of travel insurance

The longer the duration of visitor medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.

Any add on benefits or special coverage

Any add-on benefits or special coverage like adventure sports or acute onset of pre-ex conditions coverage will increase the cost of travel insurance.

Resourceful travel medical insurance information

travel insurance medical insurance

Travel medical insurance resources

Choose international travel insurance resources for travel outside your home country.

Factors for travel insurance

Compare travel insurance factors

Important factors to consider while deciding on the best travel medical insurance.

Types of visitor insurance online

Types of travel insurance online

Understanding different US travel insurance options, fixed benefits vs comprehensive coverage.

claims procedure

Travel insurance Claims Procedure

Travel medical insurance online claims process for getting medical care in a hospital.

US visitors insurance providers

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), Seven Corners, WorldTrips, Global Underwriters, Travel Insure, GeoBlue, HTH Worldwide and INF insurance.

US visitors insurance providers

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