
If your parents are planning to visit the USA, it's essential to consider their health insurance options. The US has a complex healthcare system, and without proper coverage, medical bills can quickly add up.
Some countries have reciprocal health care agreements with the US, which can provide free or low-cost medical care. For example, Canadians are eligible for emergency care in the US under the US-Canada Agreement.
However, not all countries have such agreements, and even those that do may have limitations. Your parents should research their specific situation to understand what's covered and what's not.
It's also worth noting that some countries have different types of health insurance that may be more suitable for visitors to the US. For instance, some countries offer travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for health insurance in the US, parents visiting from abroad typically need to be in the country on a valid visa, such as a tourist visa or a work visa.
Parents can also be eligible if they have a US citizen or resident relative, which can include a child, spouse, or parent.
Parents visiting the US can apply for health insurance through their employer, if they have one, or through a private insurance provider.
Is a Test Required?

No medical tests are required when purchasing American Visitors Insurance plans for foreign nationals and foreign visitors.
You can purchase the insurance online, and it only takes a few minutes to do so.
ID Cards, Coverage Documents, and Policy Wording will be emailed to you within minutes of purchasing the insurance.
Visa Requirements
You'll need to research the visa requirements for your parents' nationality and the type of visa they need to enter the US.
A valid passport is a must-have for travel to the US, so make sure it's not expiring soon.
You can check the official government website or consult with the US embassy in your country for the most up-to-date visa requirements and application process.
It's essential to apply for the visa well in advance of their trip to avoid any last-minute complications.
Safe Travel USA Comprehensive and Atlas America are popular comprehensive insurance plans that can also provide coverage for eligible medical expenses, but that's a topic for another section.
Age Limit
Most travel health insurance plans for parents visiting the USA from India only offer $50,000 or less maximum coverage to customers 70+.
There is an age limit to buy visitors insurance for parents, especially for global medical policies, which typically require application before turning 65 years old.
Many short-term travel health insurance policies are available for people of any age, making it relatively easy for seniors to purchase coverage.
However, the maximum available coverage does change as you get older, particularly for people over 70, limiting the options for those who want more extensive coverage.
Purpose and Coverage
Health insurance for parents visiting the USA is a must-have to ensure they're protected from unexpected medical expenses. You can choose from two major categories of plans: low-cost, fixed schedule of benefits plans and comprehensive coverage plans.
Low-cost plans are cheaper upfront, but your out-of-pocket cost is unknown as it depends on which benefits you end up using. These plans don't have PPO Networks, so you can go to any doctor or hospital of your choice. However, different providers will charge different prices for services.
Comprehensive coverage plans, on the other hand, offer more comprehensive protection. Most benefits are covered up to the policy maximum for a new eligible sickness/illness, and you have options available to get 100% coverage up to the policy maximum you choose as long as you go to a provider within the PPO network.
Here are some popular comprehensive coverage plans to consider:
- Safe Travels Comprehensive
- Atlas America
- Overseas Visitors Insurance
- Patriot America Plus
It's essential to carefully read the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is not. Some common inclusions in travel insurance policies include emergency medical expenses, travel delay, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency evacuation.
Cost and Planning
The cost of health insurance for parents visiting the USA can vary greatly depending on several factors. The average cost of comprehensive travel health insurance for parents in the USA is based on quotes for one month with a $250 deductible.
The cost of American visitor insurance for parents visiting the USA depends on their age, with older travelers having higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of health issues. For example, the Safe Travels USA Cost Saver plan costs $117 to $197 per month for a 50-year-old, while a 70-year-old pays $237 to $299 per month.
The duration of stay is another factor that affects the cost of travel medical insurance. Shorter visits have lower travel medical insurance costs compared to longer stays. The cost of the Safe Travels USA Comprehensive plan is $148 to $278 per month for a 50-year-old, while a 70-year-old pays $294 to $470 per month.
The medical coverage level also impacts the cost, with higher coverage levels resulting in higher premiums. The Patriot America Platinum plan, for example, has a maximum coverage of $2,000,000 to $8,000,000 and costs $287 to $510 per month for a 50-year-old.
Here are some estimated monthly costs for different age groups and plans:
It's essential to compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best plan for your parents' needs and budget.
Types of Plans
Choosing the right type of health insurance for your parents visiting the USA can be overwhelming. There are two main types of health insurance plans: comprehensive plans and fixed benefit plans.
Comprehensive plans offer higher medical and travel coverage, making them a great option for parents visiting the USA for an extended period. These plans are ideal for those who want to have peace of mind while traveling abroad.
Fixed benefit plans, on the other hand, have pre-defined limits and are a good option for short trips or for parents who are in good health and don't have any pre-existing conditions.
Some travel insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions require a minimum 90-day purchase, so it's essential to check the policy document before buying.
Here's a summary of the types of plans:
Pre-existing conditions coverage is another type of plan that's essential for parents visiting the USA if they have any underlying medical conditions. Plans like INF Elite or INF Premier offer this coverage.
Travel assistance plans are non-insurance products that may cover pre-existing conditions, such as Hop Mindoro and Hop TripAssist Plus. However, not all plans provide all coverages, so it's crucial to read the policy document carefully before purchasing.
Special Considerations
Purchasing medical insurance for your visiting parents is a crucial step in ensuring their health and well-being during their stay in the US.
Pre-existing medical conditions are a significant concern, and not all plans cover them. However, specific plans do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, and a comprehensive coverage plan usually includes coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions.
Emergency medical evacuation is a vital aspect of medical insurance, ensuring transport to the nearest medical treatment in a life-threatening situation. Medical expense coverage is also essential, covering a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalizations, doctor visits, and prescription medications.
Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage, trip cancellations, and delays to provide additional protection and peace of mind during your parents' visit.
Can Visitors Enter?
Visitors can get health insurance in the USA, and it's one of the most important things to consider when planning a trip.
There are various travel/visitors insurance companies that offer comprehensive coverage plans with competitive rates, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Travel health insurance is essential to have a peace of mind on your next trip, and it can be obtained from American Visitors Insurance companies.
You can choose from a range of plans, including low cost, fixed schedule of benefits plans, to ensure you're covered for any unexpected medical expenses.
What Constitutes Sufficiency
When purchasing medical insurance for your visiting parents, it's essential to consider what constitutes sufficiency.
Medical expenses in the USA are very high, which means you should opt for higher coverage for your parents. A coverage amount of at least $25,000 is recommended for repatriation of remains in case of an untimely death.
A comprehensive coverage plan generally offers the acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions coverage, which is crucial for parents with pre-existing conditions. This type of coverage ensures they're protected against unexpected medical expenses.
You should also verify that the plan covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalizations, doctor visits, and prescription medications. A travel medical insurance plan will only pay for eligible medical expenses as per the policy document.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider when determining sufficiency:
Emergency medical evacuation is also a critical consideration, especially for life-threatening situations. This ensures transport to the nearest medical treatment where appropriate care can be received.
Atlas America - Pre-Existing Conditions
Atlas America is a great option for parents with pre-existing conditions, offering a wide range of deductibles from $0 to $5,000 and policy maximums ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
This plan provides flexibility in choosing the exact amounts that work best for your parents' needs. Atlas America also offers coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which is essential for parents with chronic or congenital disorders.
The plan covers many medical needs, including emergency medical evacuation, adventure sports, and acts of evacuation. It's also worth noting that Atlas America allows for refunds or renewals if the traveling plan changes.
Here are the key features of Atlas America:
Atlas America's flexibility and dependability make it an excellent choice for parents with pre-existing conditions. By choosing this plan, you can provide your parents with the peace of mind they need while traveling to the USA.
Insurance Over 80
Insurance for parents over 80 is definitely available. You can get visitor insurance for your parents if they're traveling to the USA and are over 80 years old.
Many policies are designed for seniors, and you may be able to find a good health insurance option for your parents.
Reducing the maximum limit can help you see more options, and a range between $26,000 to $50,000 is a good starting point.
Purchasing and Choosing
You can purchase visitors insurance for your parents visiting the USA, including other relatives and friends too. Eligibility for each plan depends on your parents' visa/greencard status.
If your parents are here on a visitor's visa, consider plans like Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Atlas America, Patriot America Plus, Diplomat America, or Liaison Travel Plus. These plans cover COVID-19 visitors insurance like any other sickness or illness.
If your parents are here on a greencard, look into plans like Patriot America Plus, Diplomat America, or Liaison Travel Plus. These plans will give you the best peace of mind while they're visiting.
Purchasing for Relatives

You can purchase a visitors insurance for parents visiting the USA, including other relatives and friends too. Eligibility for each plan depends on your parents' visa/greencard status.
If your parents are here on a visitor's visa, you can consider plans like Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Atlas America, Patriot America Plus, Diplomat America, or Liaison Travel Plus. These plans cover COVID-19 visitors insurance, testing, and hospitalization.
For parents on a greencard, Patriot America Plus, Diplomat America, or Liaison Travel Plus are recommended options. All of these plans provide comprehensive coverage, giving you peace of mind while your parents visit.
It's essential to have insurance for parents visiting the USA, as medical bills can be very expensive. One doctor visit or emergency room visit can cost a lot, so it's crucial to be prepared.
You can purchase one policy for both parents if they have the same travel dates, but policy maximums and deductibles vary per plan based on the person's age. In some cases, you may need to purchase two separate policies.
Should I?

Should I buy Visitors Insurance? Yes, it's really important for any travel outside of your home country.
Most domestic insurance policies don't offer coverage when you travel abroad, so it's a huge risk to leave without proper coverage.
Travel insurance for foreign nationals is minimal in cost and has huge benefits, allowing you to travel and explore with peace of mind.
You can purchase insurance from an insurance carrier in your home country, but those companies are based there and have to follow local laws.
We work exclusively with U.S. based insurance companies that are highly regulated and follow strict government laws.
Our comprehensive coverage plans have large PPO networks that are national and accepted at top hospitals and medical facilities around the USA.
You won't get better rates purchasing your plan directly from the insurance company or another agent, as rates are highly regulated from the insurance company directly.
Great customer service is what sets us apart from other agencies, and we've been in the Visitors Insurance industry for 40 years.
Review Email Documents

When reviewing email documents, it's essential to carefully examine the travel insurance policy for parents. Review the travel insurance for parents policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.
You should check the policy documents for any specific requirements or conditions that need to be met to ensure coverage. Review the parents insurance plan documents received by email for any details about what's covered and what's not.
Make sure to save the policy documents in a safe place, such as a digital folder or a secure cloud storage service. This will help you easily access the documents if you need to refer to them later.
Insurance Options and Providers
If you're looking for insurance options for your parents visiting the USA, it's essential to purchase insurance from US-based providers to ensure better access to medical services and billing.
You can consider purchasing insurance specifically designed for parents visiting the USA, which is crucial to address potential health risks and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Some top travel medical insurance companies that offer specialized visitor health coverage plans in the USA include International Medical Group, Seven Corners Insurance, World Trips, Trawick International, and INF Plans.
These companies offer various plans, such as INF Elite, INF Elite X Plus, INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Premier X, INF Premier Plus X, and Visitors Protect, which may include direct billing option through the provider network.
The Patriot America Plus plan, for instance, covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 70 and is renewable for up to 2 years.
Here are some key coverage options to look for in an insurance plan for parents visiting the USA:
- Medical expense coverage
- Emergency medical coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Prescription drug benefits
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage (AD&D)
- Repatriation of remains
- Pre-existing conditions cover (if needed)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're planning to visit the USA with your parents, you'll likely need health insurance to cover any medical expenses. This is especially important if your parents have pre-existing conditions or are taking prescription medications.
You can purchase health insurance for your parents through private insurance companies, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield or UnitedHealthcare, which offer international health insurance plans specifically designed for visitors to the USA.
Some insurance plans may require a medical exam or proof of health insurance in your home country before issuing a policy. Be sure to check with the insurance provider for specific requirements.
The cost of health insurance for parents visiting the USA can vary greatly depending on age, health status, and the type of plan chosen. For example, a 65-year-old parent with a pre-existing condition may pay significantly more than a 40-year-old parent in good health.
If your parents are eligible for Medicare, they may be able to use their Medicare card to receive medical treatment in the USA. However, Medicare may not cover all medical expenses, so it's essential to purchase additional health insurance to ensure they're fully protected.
Some insurance plans may also offer additional benefits, such as dental or vision coverage, which can be useful if your parents have specific health needs. Be sure to read the policy details carefully to understand what's included.
FAQs
If you're sponsoring your parents' visit to the USA, you'll need to complete the I-134 Form during their visa application.
You can be held responsible for any medical bills if you've sponsored your parents' visit and completed the I-134 Form.
The I-134 Form is an Affidavit of Support that declares to the U.S. government that the visa applicant will be financially supported by the sponsor while in the United States.
As the sponsor, you'll be responsible for any living and healthcare expenses of the visa applicant while they're in the United States.
The I-134 Form aims to remove the risk of the visa applicant becoming a public charge (financial liability) to the US government.
This means you'll need to be prepared to cover any medical expenses your parents may incur during their visit.
Sources
- https://www.visitorsinsurance.com/Visitors-Insurance-Plans.asp
- https://www.visitorguard.com/visitors-insurance-for-parents/
- https://www.worldtrips.com/us-visitor-health-insurance-for-parents
- https://www.americanvisitorinsurance.com/parents/
- https://onshorekare.com/health-insurance-for-parents-visiting-usa-guide-with-top-options/
Featured Images: pexels.com