Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of planning your international trip, offering protection against a range of potential financial losses.
But with numerous providers and plans in the market, how do you decide which one suits you best?
In this article, we’ll delve into a comparative analysis of two popular travel insurance plans – Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus.
In this article...
About The Providers
Cover America Gold is a plan offered by Seven Corners, a US-based travel insurance company with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Seven Corners provides a wide range of travel insurance solutions with a focus on customized plans.
Patriot America Plus, on the other hand, is provided by IMG (International Medical Group), a leading provider of global insurance benefits and assistance services.
With over 30 years in the industry, IMG provides medical management services, trip cancellation programs, medical insurance, and full-service approach to providing international medical insurance products.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
Coverage Comparison
Both Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus provide comprehensive coverage options for travelers including emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, political evacuation, and trip interruption.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Cover America Gold provides up to $1,000,000, while Patriot America Plus covers up to $1,000,000 too. Both offer robust coverage for this potentially life-saving service.
Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions
Cover America Gold covers up to $125,000 for persons below 70 years and $25,000 for persons above 70 years for the sudden and unexpected outbreak of pre-existing conditions.
Patriot America Plus, on the other hand, covers up to $1,000,000 for persons below 70 years and $100,000 for persons above 70 years. Here, Patriot America Plus offers a substantial advantage.
Political Evacuation
Both plans provide political evacuation coverage up to $50,000.
Trip Interruption
Cover America Gold offers up to $7,500 for trip interruption while Patriot America Plus provides up to $10,000.
Notable Differences
Cover America Gold offers some unique benefits, such as border entry protection, which can provide a benefit if you are denied entry at the border.
They also provide coverage for loss of passport or travel documents.
On the other hand, Patriot America Plus includes coverage for adventure sports and activities, making it a great choice for adventurous travelers.
Premiums and Deductibles
Both plans offer a variety of options for policy maximums and deductibles, making it easy to customize the coverage to your needs and budget.
The cost of the premium is based on the chosen policy maximum, deductible, age of the insured, and length of coverage.
Popularity Among Travelers
Both Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus are popular choices among travelers, especially those traveling to the US.
While Patriot America Plus is known for its comprehensive coverage and higher policy maximums, Cover America Gold is appreciated for its unique benefits and wide range of covered benefits.
Coverage for Travelers with Medical Conditions
When it comes to travelers with pre-existing medical conditions, Patriot America Plus offers more generous coverage limits, particularly for travelers below 70 years of age.
However, both plans only cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and it’s critical to read the terms and conditions to understand the coverage.
Cover America Gold vs Patriot America Plus Comparison – Key Differences
While both Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus are comprehensive travel insurance plans, they have several key differences that you should consider when making your choice.
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions:
Patriot America Plus offers a more robust coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. It provides up to $1,000,000 for individuals under 70 years old and $100,000 for individuals over 70.
Cover America Gold, on the other hand, provides a maximum of $125,000 for individuals under 70 and $25,000 for those over 70.
Coverage for Adventure Sports:
For travelers planning to participate in adventure sports, Patriot America Plus offers an optional rider to cover these activities. Cover America Gold does not offer coverage for adventure sports.
Coverage for Loss of Travel Documents:
Cover America Gold includes Border Entry Protection and coverage for the loss of passports and other travel documents, which is not offered by Patriot America Plus.
Trip Interruption Benefits:
Patriot America Plus offers higher trip interruption benefits of up to $10,000 compared to Cover America Gold’s $7,500.
Provider Network:
Patriot America Plus, provided by International Medical Group (IMG), has a broad global network of healthcare providers.
On the other hand, Cover America Gold is provided by Seven Corners, which also boasts a wide range of healthcare providers, but its network might be less extensive in some regions compared to IMG’s network.
Each of these factors should be considered depending on your specific travel needs, your health condition, and your travel itinerary.
As always, you should review the policy details carefully and contact the insurers directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.
The Verdict
Choosing between Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus depends on your individual needs, travel plans, and risk tolerance.
If adventure activities are on your agenda, you may find Patriot America Plus more appealing.
If you’re concerned about border entry or loss of travel documents, Cover America Gold may be your preferred choice.
Plan Limitations
It’s also crucial to consider the limitations of each plan. For instance, both Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus have exclusions related to certain sports and recreational activities, with the Patriot America Plus plan offering an optional rider for adventure sports.
Similarly, while both plans offer acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage, the specific terms and conditions vary.
Understanding the details, such as what qualifies as an ‘acute onset’ and the specific conditions covered, is important.
Customer Support and Claims Process
Both Seven Corners (Cover America Gold) and IMG (Patriot America Plus) have a reputation for good customer service.
They offer 24/7 support and assist in coordinating care, handling claims, and answering questions about coverage.
When it comes to the claims process, both insurers aim for a streamlined experience.
You’ll generally need to submit a completed claim form along with any supporting documentation, such as medical records or receipts.
Comparing the Plans
To aid your decision-making process, here is a quick comparison chart highlighting the key features of Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus:
| Feature | Cover America Gold | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions (Under 70 years) | $125,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions (Over 70 years) | $25,000 | $100,000 |
| Political Evacuation | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Trip Interruption | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Unique Benefits | Border Entry Protection, Loss of Travel Documents | Adventure Sports Coverage |
FAQs
1. Which plan is better for elderly travelers?
While both plans offer coverage for older travelers, Patriot America Plus has more generous coverage limits for acute onset of pre-existing conditions for those over 70.
2. Which plan is more suited for adventure travelers?
Patriot America Plus includes coverage for adventure sports and activities, making it an excellent choice for adventure travelers.
3. How does the claim process work for these plans?
For both plans, you’ll need to submit a completed claim form and any necessary supporting documentation. It’s recommended to submit your claim as soon as possible after the incident occurs.
In conclusion, both Cover America Gold and Patriot America Plus offer robust coverage options for international travelers.
Your choice between the two will largely depend on your unique needs and circumstances. Make sure to consider the details of each plan, including coverage limits, exclusions, and premium costs, before making a decision.
