Ah, the age-old question: which travel insurance is best for me?
Today, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of two popular options: Patriot America Lite and Atlas America Insurance.
We’ll dig into their features, pros and cons, and find out which one might just be your travel safeguarding champion.
In this article...
History and Reputation
Patriot America Lite and Atlas America Insurance are brought to you by two reputable providers in the travel insurance space. IMG (International Medical Group) is the face behind Patriot America Lite, well-respected for its suite of international medical insurance products, services, and a consistent A rating from A.M. Best.
On the other hand, Atlas America comes from the stables of Tokio Marine HCC, an international specialty insurance group with offices across the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland.
They also boast an A++ rating from A.M. Best, signifying superior financial stability.
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 and Benefits
Let’s get down to the brass tacks – the coverage.
Here’s where we separate the wheat from the chaff. Both plans offer comprehensive coverage, which means they provide a range of benefits, including hospitalization, outpatient treatment, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, and more.
Patriot America Lite provides a maximum coverage limit of $50,000, $100,000, and $500,000, depending on the plan variant you choose.
On the other hand, Atlas America offers a more flexible range with options from $50,000 to $2,000,000. This makes Atlas America a more suitable option for those seeking higher coverage.
When it comes to the deductible, both plans offer a range from $0 to $2,500. Lower deductibles mean less out-of-pocket cost when a claim is made, but it also comes with a higher premium.
The coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions varies in both plans. Patriot America Lite offers $50,000 if you’re under 70 and no coverage if you’re above.
Atlas America provides up to $2,000,000 for travelers under 70, but the coverage drops significantly for older travelers.
Popular Among Travelers
Atlas America holds an edge in popularity, thanks to its robust coverage limits and extensive benefits. That’s not to say Patriot America Lite isn’t favored.
Its affordable pricing and comprehensive coverage make it a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
Travelers with Medical Conditions
If you have a medical condition, it’s crucial to look for a plan that offers sufficient coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
In this case, Atlas America’s generous coverage makes it a better choice, especially for travelers under 70 years.
Claims and Customer Service
Both IMG and Tokio Marine HCC offer a user-friendly claims process with helpful customer service. While you hope you never need to use it, this can be a significant deciding factor. After all, reliable support when things go south is priceless.
Price
Patriot America Lite, as the name suggests, is a more affordable option compared to Atlas America. It offers a slightly pared-down set of benefits and lower policy maximums, making it a good fit for cost-conscious travelers.
So, Who Wins?
Both plans have their strengths. If you’re seeking higher coverage and a broader range of benefits, Atlas America might be your best bet.
On the other hand, if affordability is a key concern, Patriot America Lite could be the way to go. Ultimately, the “better” plan is subjective and depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Maximum | $50,000 to $2 million | $50,000 to $1 million |
| Deductible Options | $0 to $5,000 | $0 to $2,500 |
| Pre-Existing Condition Coverage | Yes, for Acute Onset | Yes, for Acute Onset |
| COVID-19 Coverage | Yes, treated as new condition | Yes, treated as new condition |
| Trip Interruption | $5,000 maximum | Up to $5,000 |
| Lost Checked Luggage | $500 per period, $50 per item, $500 maximum | $50 per item, $500 maximum |
| Emergency Dental | $1,000 | $100 for Acute Onset of Pain |
| Political Evacuation | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Terrorism Coverage | $50,000 maximum | Not Covered |
| Natural Disaster Benefit | $250 per day for 5 days | Not Covered |
| Repatriation of Remains | Overall maximum limit | Up to policy maximum |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | $25,000 principal sum | Not Covered |
| Sudden and Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition | $1,000 maximum | Not Covered |
FAQs
Can I extend my coverage if I decide to lengthen my trip?
Both Atlas America and Patriot America Lite allow you to extend your coverage, provided your total trip length does not exceed the maximum period allowed by the policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my policy?
Both providers offer a ‘Free Look Period,’ during which you can cancel your policy for a full refund, provided you have not filed a claim or departed on your trip.
What additional benefits do these plans offer?
Both Atlas America and Patriot America Lite offer additional benefits such as political evacuation, natural disaster benefits, terrorism coverage, and return of minor children. Exact benefits and coverage amounts vary, so it’s important to read the policy details carefully.
Is COVID-19 covered under these plans?
As of the current update, both Atlas America and Patriot America Lite cover COVID-19 like any other new medical condition that occurs after the policy effective date.
Who should I contact in case of an emergency?
Both plans provide 24/7 assistance services to help coordinate care and guide you through emergencies during your trip.
