Best Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting USA

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

If you’re visiting the USA for a bit, it’s super smart to have travel insurance. Here’s why:

High healthcare costs: Quick fact – healthcare in the USA can cost a ton! Without insurance, visitors could end up paying loads if they get sick or hurt.

Coverage for surprise health bills: If something unexpected happens health-wise, travel insurance steps up. It covers things like hospital stays or emergency flights.

Coverage for old health problems: Some insurances even help out if an old health issue suddenly comes back. Not every insurance does that, so it’s a big plus.

COVID-19 coverage: Yep, the insurance helps if a visitor catches COVID-19. They treat it like any other sickness.

Trip issues: If plans change because of stuff mentioned in the policy, like a canceled flight, some insurance plans will cover the costs.

Affordable prices: The cost of the plan changes based on stuff like age or how long someone’s staying. But a pro tip: getting more coverage might cost more, but choosing a bigger upfront payment (called a deductible) can save money.

To sum it up, travel insurance is a must-have for visitors in the USA. It’s like a safety net, making sure they’re taken care of financially if health issues or travel changes pop up.

Here are some of the best travel insurance products for elderly parents visiting the USA:

Atlas America

Atlas America is considered one of the best travel insurance plans for elderly parents visiting the USA for several reasons:

Comprehensive coverage: Atlas America provides comprehensive coverage for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country when their travel includes the USA. It covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

No medical exam needed: Atlas America provides instant quotes and allows for instant purchase with a credit card payment. There is no medical exam needed to complete the application, only the date of birth, passport number, name, and travel dates of the traveler are required.

Wide network of providers: Atlas America participates in the United Healthcare PPO network, which allows access to a very wide network of physicians, hospitals, and other providers all across the USA.

When visiting an in-network provider, they would generally bill the insurance company directly and charge only the network negotiated fees, which are typically lower than their regular fees.

Flexible policy options: Atlas America provides insurance with the flexibility to purchase for as little as 5 days, extend for as little as 1 day up to 364 days.

If the policy is purchased for a longer duration and visitors end up leaving earlier, they can get a pro-rated refund for the unused portion minus a $25 cancellation fee as long as no claims have been submitted since the original effective date.

Deductibles range from $0 to $5,000, and policy maximums range from $50,000 to $2,000,000.

Reputed underwriter: Atlas America is underwritten by Lloyd’s, which is the largest and oldest insurance marketplace in the world. Lloyd’s has never failed to pay legitimate claims, even in times of multiple recessions.

Recommended Plans

✅ Atlas America

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.

✅ Safe Travels Comprehensive

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).

✅ Patriot America Platinum

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.

Beacon America

This is a comprehensive coverage travel medical insurance policy that provides benefits such as 100% coverage after the deductible, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

It is available for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the USA for up to 364 days.

Beacon America is considered one of the best travel insurance plans for elderly parents visiting the USA for several reasons:

Comprehensive coverage: Beacon America provides comprehensive coverage for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country when their travel includes the USA.

It covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

Policy maximum options: Beacon America provides several policy maximum options ranging from $25,000 to $1,100,000 for persons under the age of 70 years. For seniors in the 70 to 79 age group, the policy maximum choices are $25,000 or $50,000, while for 80+, it is limited to $12,000.

It is important to note that while most other comprehensive visitors insurance plans provide policy maximums such as $50,000, $100,000, and so on, Beacon America has unique policy maximums of $60,000, $75,000, $110,000, etc.

Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Beacon America plans provide coverage for $150,000 in acute onset of pre-existing conditions if you have purchased the overall policy maximum of $550,000 or higher. For policy maximums $50,000 to $200,000, the maximum limit is $50,000. In any case, such coverage is available only for persons under the age of 70 years.

Well-known PPO network: Beacon America insurance participates in the United Healthcare PPO network, which is a very well-known PPO network and provides high acceptance all over the USA for direct billing, providing cashless convenience.

Reputed underwriter: Beacon America insurance is underwritten by Lloyd’s, which is the largest and oldest insurance marketplace in the world with over 300 years of successful history.

Overall, Beacon America is a popular and reliable travel insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage, policy maximum options, coverage for pre-existing conditions, a well-known PPO network, and a reputed underwriter, making it an excellent choice for elderly parents visiting the USA.

Patriot America Plus

This plan provides coverage for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the USA for up to 364 days.

It offers a policy maximum of up to $1,000,000 and no coinsurance for eligible medical expenses.

Comprehensive Medical Coverage: If you’re a non-U.S. citizen making your way to the USA or just traveling abroad, Patriot America Plus is meticulously crafted for you. Beyond the standard, it ensures you’re covered for a broad array of medical exigencies—from unexpected hospital admissions to imperative emergency evacuations and repatriation.

Addressing Pre-existing Conditions: In an era where personalized care matters, Patriot America Plus stands out. For those below 70 years of age, it provides coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions—a facet often overlooked by many mainstream insurance offerings.

Updated for Today’s World – COVID-19: In the evolving landscape of global health, COVID-19 coverage is no longer an option but a necessity. Patriot America Plus recognizes this, equating COVID-19 coverage to any other unforeseen health challenges.

Flexible Policy Maximums: Tailored to the discerning millennial, the plan offers policy maximums that range from $50,000 to an impressive $1,000,000. This ensures that every individual can find a policy threshold that mirrors their budget and risk appetite.

Autonomy in Healthcare Choices: Choice is integral today. With Patriot America Plus, you’re not bound by restrictions. You have the autonomy to seek out medical assistance from a healthcare provider you resonate with.

Premiums Tailored to You: True to the spirit of customization, Patriot America Plus adjusts its premiums based on varied factors like age, coverage period, chosen plan limit, and deductible. You have the freedom to structure your protection plan in a way that aligns with your financial comfort.

For the well-informed millennial looking to secure robust and adaptable travel insurance, Patriot America Plus emerges as a definitive choice.

Safe Travels USA

This is a comprehensive coverage travel medical insurance policy that provides benefits such as 100% coverage after the deductible, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

It is available for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the USA for up to 364 days.

Safe Travels USA stands as a top-tier choice for elderly parents journeying to the USA, and here’s why:

Comprehensive Coverage: Exclusively curated for non-U.S. citizens traveling beyond their borders, Safe Travels USA offers an extensive medical shield. This not only caters to hospitalizations but also ensures you’re covered for unexpected emergencies, including medical evacuations and repatriation.

Pre-existing Conditions: Unlike many other plans, Safe Travels USA uniquely protects against sudden and unforeseen recurrences of pre-existing conditions, offering up to $1,000 in coverage. Remarkably, this is inclusive for individuals aged 70 and above.

Budget-friendly, Without Compromise: Premiums with Safe Travels USA are attractively priced, dependent on personal factors such as age and coverage duration. Moreover, flexibility is key: opt for a higher plan limit for more premium protection or a higher deductible for a more budget-friendly rate.

Your Choice, Our Range: With policy maximums spanning from $50,000 to a whopping $1,000,000, Safe Travels USA ensures travelers have the freedom to select a coverage ceiling that matches their needs and financial plans.

Treatment Where You Desire: True to the spirit of travel, Safe Travels USA empowers travelers with the liberty to pick their preferred medical provider, be it a local clinic or a renowned hospital.

Navigating the Pandemic: In these uncertain times, Safe Travels USA takes a forward step by treating COVID-19 like any other illness, ensuring travelers are protected against the unexpected.

CoverAmerica-Gold

This is a comprehensive coverage travel medical insurance policy that provides benefits such as 100% coverage after the deductible, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

It is available for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the USA for up to 364 days.

Cover America Gold is a great safety plan for people from other countries coming to the USA. Here’s why:

Comprehensive coverage: Think of Cover America Gold as a big safety net. If visitors to the USA need medical help, this plan can cover big stuff like hospital stays and emergencies, or even flying someone home if they’re really sick.

Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions: If someone below 70 years old has a sudden health issue from something they already knew about, this plan can help. Not many others do that.

COVID-19 coverage: If someone catches COVID-19, this plan helps just like it would for any other sickness.

Wide range of policy maximum limits: Travelers can choose how much protection they want. They can pick anything from $50,000 to a big $1,000,000, depending on their age.

Freedom to choose providers: With this plan, visitors get to pick where they get treated. They can choose their favorite doctor or hospital.

Affordable premiums: The cost of this plan is flexible. It depends on the traveler’s age, how long they’re staying, and a couple of other things. But a quick tip: more coverage means a higher cost, and a bigger upfront payment (called a deductible) means a lower cost.

Adventure rider optional coverage: For those who love exciting stuff like bungee jumping or skydiving, they can get some extra protection. But this comes with a little extra cost.

To sum it up, Cover America Gold is a top choice for older visitors to the USA because it’s like a safety toolbox, ready for whatever the trip throws at them.

Patriot America Plus

Patriot America Plus is considered one of the best travel insurance plans for elderly parents visiting the USA for several reasons:

  • Offers an amazing PPO hospital network.
  • For urgent care, the deductible is waived, just $25 co-pay.
  • For walk-in clinics, only $15 co-pay.
  • Covers pre-existing conditions up to policy maximum for 70 years and below.
  • Plenty of policy maximum choices up to $1,000,000.

Comprehensive coverage: If you’re visiting the USA from another country, Patriot America Plus has your back. It helps pay for big medical needs, like if you have to stay in a hospital or need quick care to get better.

Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions: For folks under 70, if a health problem they already knew about suddenly gets worse, this plan steps in. Not all plans do this.

COVID-19 coverage: If someone catches COVID-19, Patriot America Plus is there to help, treating it like any other sickness.

Wide range of policy maximum limits: Depending on how old someone is, they can choose how much protection they want, anywhere from $50,000 up to $1,000,000.

Freedom to choose providers: With Patriot America Plus, visitors can decide where they want to get treated, like picking their favorite doctor or hospital.

Affordable premiums: The cost of the plan changes based on things like age or how long they’re staying. Remember: more protection costs more, but if they choose to pay more upfront (called a deductible), the overall cost goes down.

Short-term travel medical coverage: This plan is perfect for short visits, especially if older parents are just visiting the USA for a few months.

In a nutshell, Patriot America Plus is a top choice for older visitors to the USA. It’s packed with features and flexibility, making sure they’re covered no matter what happens.

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

  • Most recommended plan for aged parents above 70.
  • Urgent care just $30 co-pay.
  • Extensive PPO network from First Health PPO network.
  • Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to policy max for people under 70 years.
  • For ages 70-79, it covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for up $35,000.

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is a top-notch travel insurance choice, just like the ones we talked about before. Here’s why it stands out:

Comprehensive coverage: If someone’s coming to the USA from another country, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is there for them. It helps with big health needs, like if they need to be in a hospital or need a quick medical flight.

Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Here’s the cool part: for folks 70 and older, if an old health problem pops up unexpectedly, this plan helps out up to $1,000. That’s rare for insurance plans!

COVID-19 coverage: If a traveler catches COVID-19, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive jumps in to help, treating it like any other illness.

Wide range of policy maximum limits: People can pick how much insurance they want, anywhere from $50,000 all the way to $1,000,000. It’s all about what’s comfy for their pocket.

Freedom to choose providers: Visitors can decide where they get medical help. It’s all about their choice.

Affordable premiums: The plan’s price shifts based on things like age or how long someone’s visiting. But here’s a hint: if they choose more insurance, it costs more, but picking a bigger upfront cost (a deductible) brings the price down.

PPO network: This plan uses the First Health PPO network. That’s a big name in insurance and it means easy billing almost everywhere in the USA.

All in all, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is a fantastic choice for older visitors. With tons of perks and trusted coverage, it makes their USA visit stress-free.

Is travel insurance mandatory for travel to USA?

Even though you don’t have to get travel insurance to visit, it’s a smart move. You know, healthcare in the USA can get expensive really quickly.

Imagine spraining an ankle or catching a flu—without insurance, the medical bills might give you a bigger shock than the injury!

Oh, and if you’ve had health issues in the past, some travel insurances can help if those problems show up again.

And guess what?

If COVID-19 gets in the way of your trip, many insurance plans have got you covered. Also, if, let’s say, your flight gets canceled because of some unexpected reason, certain insurances can help with that too.

The price? Well, it varies.

Things like how old you are or how long you’re staying can change it. But with a bit of research, you’ll find one that fits your budget.

And if you’re assisting someone, especially from India, in finding the right plan for their USA visit, make sure to dive deep into what the insurance really offers.

Trust me, having travel insurance is like an umbrella on a rainy day. You might not always need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it

Which insurance is best for parents visiting USA?

When your parents are visiting the USA, five good insurance options are available. They are Atlas America, Beacon America, Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and Cover America Gold. These plans offer a mix of medical coverage, trip protections, and features for longer visits. It’s important to choose one that fits their needs, considering what’s covered, any old health issues, COVID-19 coverage, and the overall price.

Which insurance is best for Indian parents traveling to USA?

For Indian parents traveling to the USA, there are only few insurance plans to look at. Popular choices include Atlas America, Beacon America, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Cover America Gold, and INF Elite Network. Each plan has its specialties, like covering medical costs, trip interruptions, or specific health concerns. When picking a plan, it’s key to think about what’s covered, how long they’ll be visiting, and any existing health issues. It’s also essential to keep in mind things like COVID-19 coverage and how much the insurance will cost.