Travel Insurance for Foreigners in the USA – International Major Medical

Travel insurance for foreigners in the USA can keep the trip full of excitement and opportunities rather than stress and uncertainty. It is a critical aspect of international travel that is often overlooked. Financial security and access to healthcare in the event of an emergency protect peace of mind and your assets in one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world.

What is Travel Insurance? 

Travel insurance is a specialized medical insurance plan providing coverage for risks associated with traveling. These risks can range from trip cancellations/delays to medical emergencies and even lost luggage. For people traveling to the United States, travel insurance is particularly important because it can cover the high costs of medical care here, which are often significantly more than in other countries.

Travel insurance policies can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re here for a short vacation, an extended stay, or even working/studying.

Importance of Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors 

Travel insurance is crucial for international visitors for several reasons.

The most important is the high cost of healthcare in the United States. Without insurance, even a minor medical emergency can lead to medical bills in the tens of thousands of dollars. For travelers who are unfamiliar with the healthcare system here, having a comprehensive travel health insurance policy provides access to a network of medical providers, ensuring that you can receive appropriate care when and where needed rather than trying to figure out what is “in-network” and “out-of-network” in an emergency.

Additionally, travel insurance can cover other unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, loss of personal belongings, and emergency evacuations back to your home country.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Foreigners in the USA Cost?

Click here to view a quote and apply online.

Understanding Medical Emergencies 

Medical emergencies can be scary, especially in unfamiliar places far from your home and support network.

The United States is known for having one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. What is only slightly less well-known is that it is also one of the most expensive. Without proper insurance, a medical emergency can turn a wonderful vacation into a financial nightmare.

The Scope of Medical Emergencies 

Medical emergencies encompass a wide range of scenarios, from minor injuries that require outpatient care to life-threatening conditions that necessitate immediate and intensive medical intervention. For travelers, the most common emergencies are:

• Accidents & Injuries: Accidents are one of the leading causes of travelers’ trips to the hospital. These can range from minor incidents like sprains and fractures to more serious events like a car accident or severe fall. In the USA, treatments for even the more minor incidents can be expensive, with costs quickly adding up for emergency room visits, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and subsequent treatment.
• Acute Illnesses: Sometimes, people develop acute illnesses when exposed to new environments, foods, or stress. Conditions like severe food poisoning, respiratory infections, or sudden allergic reactions are common and can require urgent medical attention. In some cases, these reactions may require hospitalization.
• Cardiac Emergencies: Heart attacks and other cardiovascular events can happen without warning, especially among older travelers.
• Infectious Diseases: Depending on the time of year and where you’re visiting in the USA, there can be the risk of diseases such as traveling during flu season or the zika virus becoming more common from the mosquitos in Florida.

Cultural and Language Barriers

In addition to the medical aspects, cultural and language differences can complicate the situation.

Communicating effectively can be difficult for non-English-speaking travelers, although many hospitals do have staff fluent in many common languages. Misunderstandings regarding symptoms, treatment options, or medical advice can lead to delays or inappropriate treatment.

Travel insurance plans often include access to translation services, helping bridge the communication gap.

The Psychological Impact

The stress of dealing with a medical emergency while abroad cannot be overstated. The combination of unfamiliar surroundings, potential language barriers, and the urgency of the situation can be overwhelming.

Travel insurance provides financial protection and access to emergency assistive services. These services can help coordinate care, arrange medical transportation, and provide support during a crisis, reducing the psychological burden.

The Need for Emergency Medical Coverage 

We’ve mentioned the high medical costs in the United States a couple of times. Let’s examine it a little closer so you can make an informed decision when selecting a travel insurance policy.

High Cost of Medical Care in the United States 

The advanced medical care facilities in the US come at a price. Treatment for medical conditions here can be prohibitively expensive, even for relatively minor issues.

For example, a simple emergency room visit for a minor injury can cost several thousand dollars. More serious conditions that require hospitalization, surgery, or specialized care can result in bills reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Without emergency medical coverage, travelers (citizens, too) are responsible for paying these costs out of pocket. For many people, the financial burden of an unexpected medical emergency can be overwhelming, leading to long-term financial strain. A travel health insurance plan creates a safety net, covering these costs and allowing travelers to enjoy their stay or focus on recovery and getting home.

Coverage for a Wide Range of Emergencies 

Emergency medical coverage doesn’t just cover hospital bills, emergency or otherwise. It typically includes:

• Hospitalization: covers room and board when admitted to a hospital, surgery, and diagnostic testing
• Emergency Room Visits: coverage for emergency rooms and immediate care
• Medical Evacuation: In some cases, a medical emergency may require that the traveler be transported to another medical facility, either within the USA or back to their home country. Emergency evacuation medical coverage typically covers this potentially costly care
• Prescription Medication: This covers the cost of prescription medication required for treatment. 
• Repatriation of Remains: If the worst happens, this covers the cost of returning the person’s remains back to their home country.

Benefits Beyond Financial Protection 

While the financial benefit of emergency medical coverage is important, additional benefits can make having this coverage a relief.

Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. These services can help travelers locate nearby medical facilities, arrange transportation, and communicate with healthcare providers. In some cases, they can also assist with contacting family members or arranging for their travel to the USA to be with the insured.

Emergency medical coverage also often includes access to a network of preferred healthcare providers. This can ensure that visitors receive high-quality care and can reduce out-of-pocket costs due to negotiated rates between the insurance company and the provider.

Short-Term Visitor Insurance Plans

Short-term visitor insurance plans are a specific type of travel insurance designed for foreigners who are visiting the USA for short-term travel, perhaps for a business trip or visiting family for a few weeks. These plans offer temporary coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and other travel risks (like lost luggage) that you may face during your trip. It is particularly popular among tourists, business travelers, and people visiting family.

If you’re looking for something requiring more than a year, for example, comprehensive coverage plans for international students, call (858) 703-6178 for more options.

Why Choose a Short-Term Visitor Insurance Plan? 

Short-term visitor plans are ideal for international travelers who need coverage for a few days or up to a year. These plans offer several advantages over other types of travel insurance, making them one of the most popular choices.

• Flexibility – highly customizable, allowing you to choose the coverage duration, benefit limits, and deductible amounts. You can adjust coverage to fit your itinerary and budget.
• Affordability – designed for temporary use, they’re often more affordable than long-term plans. There is also no need for unnecessary extras.
• Comprehensive coverage – covers a wide range of medical emergencies, including hospitalization, emergency room visits, and medical evacuation. Some plans also include benefits for trip interruption, lost luggage, and other travel-related risks.
• Ease of Purchase – can typically be purchased quickly and easily, making them convenient for people who need coverage on short notice.

What Does a Short-Term Visitor Insurance Plan Cover?

The specific details vary between providers. Most plans (including our favorite one described below) offer the following:

• Medical emergencies – coverage for accidents, sudden illnesses, acute flare-ups of pre-existing conditions, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic tests, and physician services.
• Emergency medical evacuation – covers the cost of transporting the insured home
• Repatriation of remains – returns the insured home if they should pass while here
• Trip Interruption & Cancellation – provides reimbursement or pays for the return home in covered events such as a house fire or death of a family member
• Lost luggage – Pays a benefit if the airline loses your bags
• Optional riders – many plans have extra coverage for an additional premium such as coverage for extreme sports or pre-existing conditions

Choosing the Right Plan 

Selecting the right short-term visitor insurance plan requires careful consideration of the traveler’s specific needs and circumstances. Factors to consider include:

• Length of Stay – the duration of the trip will determine the length of the coverage needed. Travelers should ensure that their plan provides coverage for the entire duration of their stay in the United States.
• Coverage Limits – the limits of the plan should be able to cover medical expenses, especially considering the high cost of healthcare in the US. Speak with an experienced agent about this if you aren’t sure what that may be. Consider a plan with higher limits if you have a pre-existing condition or are at a higher risk of medical emergencies.
• Deductibles – the amount that someone must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Plans with higher deductibles typically have lower premiums, but travelers should ensure they can afford the deductible in the event of a claim.
• Provider Networks – travelers should check whether the insurance plan includes access to a network of preferred providers, which can offer cost savings and ensure access to high-quality care.

Petersen International Underwriters’ International Major Medical Insurance

Our favorite type of travel insurance for foreigners in the USA is International Major Medical Insurance, designed specifically to meet the needs of people residing in or visiting the US. This plan is particularly helpful for people considering major medical coverage during their visit, offering comprehensive protection for a wide range of medical and travel-related emergencies.

Overview of the Policy

The International Major Medical plan is a temporary health insurance policy that covers eligible expenses incurred due to illness or injury while in the United States. This plan provides substantial coverage, allowing you to access medical care from any doctor or hospital in the country. Flexibility with in-network and out-of-network options makes getting coverage easy and less stressful in emergencies.

Key Features of the International Major Medical Insurance 

Hospital Expenses: Covers all medically necessary expenses incurred during hospitalization, including room and board, surgical procedures, and other related costs.

Physician Services: Covers for all medically necessary physician services. Meaning you can get regular doctor visits and consultations during your stay.

Skilled Nursing Facilities: If you require specialized care in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, the policy covers all medically necessary expenses related to this type of care.

Home Health Care: For those who need ongoing medical care but do not require hospitalization, the policy covers the cost of home health care, provided that it is part of a physician-approved treatment plan.

Medical Evacuation: In the event of a serious medical emergency, the policy provides coverage for medical evacuation to the nearest facility that can provide appropriate care, up to $250,000.

Accidental Death Coverage: Includes $25,000 in accidental death benefits, which increases to $50,000 if the death occurs while riding in an airplane, train, taxi, etc.

Ambulance Services: Coverage for ambulance services to and from hospitals within a 100-mile radius (about 160 km), ensuring you can get to an emergency room.

Prescription Drugs: Covers outpatient prescription medications up to a maximum of $500.

Emergency Return Home: If you need to return home due to the death of an immediate family member or the substantial destruction of your home, this covers the one-way travel cost of up to $5,000.

Trip Cancellation Benefit: If the trip must be canceled due to the death or hospitalization of an immediate family member, the policy reimburses up to $2,500 of non-refundable expenses.

Repatriation of Remains: Should the worst happen, the policy covers the cost of transporting remains back to your home country, up to $250,000.

Lost Luggage: If your checked luggage is lost, you’ll get reimbursement of up to $500, helping to replace essential items.

War & Terrorism Coverage: Covers eligible expenses resulting from injuries or illnesses sustained due to war or terrorism, with specific exclusions for incidents involving nuclear, chemical, or biological agents.

Choice of Deductibles and Maximum Benefits

You can choose your deductibles and benefits with this plan.

Options for deductible (that amount you pay before the insurance kicks in) can range from $100 to $5,000.

The maximum benefit available under the policy is $1,000,000, with lower limits for older age groups.

• Ages 18-69: Up to $1,000,000
• Ages 70-74: Up to $500,000
• Ages 75-79: Up to $250,000
• Ages 80-84: Up to $100,000

In-Network and Out-of-Network Coverage 

International Major Medical allows you to choose between in-network and out-of-network providers, offering significant flexibility, especially if you’re visiting more rural or remote regions with limited options.

In-network coverage is provided through the First Health Network, which has over 5,000 hospitals and 1 million healthcare professional service locations across the USA.

Using in-network providers can help you save money on medical expenses, even with insurance.

Sports and Activities Coverage 

You will also have automatic coverage for a wide range of sports and activities, including golf, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and hiking. 

You can also add the Optional Hazardous Sports and Activities Rider to cover more extreme sports if you plan on doing them. This covers more extreme activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, and scuba diving. 

For the complete list of activities, click the button below to download the brochure. 

Optional COVID-19 Rider 

Given that we’re still struggling with variants of COVID-19, this plan offers an optional COVID-19 rider. This rider covers medically necessary treatment specifically for COVID-19, with coverage limits up to the policy’s maximum benefit or $100,000 for individuals aged 65 and above.

Limitations and Exclusions 

While this plan offers comprehensive covers, there are certain limitations you should be aware of:

Pre-Existing Conditions: This policy excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions unless otherwise stated. Petersens defines a pre-existing condition as any condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within the 12 months immediately preceding the policy’s effective date.

Exclusions: Does not cover certain services and expenses, including elective surgeries, routine exams, dental care (except resulting from an accidental injury), and injuries sustained during participation in hazardous sports or activities unless the appropriate rider has been added.

Termination of Benefits

Your coverage will expire on the date you choose (shown as the expiration date on the certificate) or upon obtaining U.S. citizenship, whichever occurs first. However, if you are hospitalized on the expiry date, benefits will continue until you are discharged from the hospital, up to a maximum of 30 days beyond the expiry date.

How Abrams Insurance Solutions Can Help

Travel insurance for foreigners in the USA is an important consideration as part of your trip planning. Medical care is extremely expensive here and often comes as a shock to visitors.

Our team can help you find the right coverage for your visit to ensure financial protection in the event of something happening and keep it within your budget. If you have any questions, give us a call at (858) 703-6178 to get started or start the application online here.