It’s not uncommon for a visitor to the United States to feel confused by the various health and travel insurance options. The USA welcomes millions of visitors yearly, with the average sitting right around 80 million per year before the pandemic. Now that public health restrictions are lifting and travel is booming again, we can expect to see these numbers continue to rise.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all very aware of our health and has made health insurance for USA travelers even more critical. However, many tourists and travelers still don’t know the difference between USA health insurance and USA travel insurance.
We’re here today to answer this question. By clarifying the difference between travel and health insurance for the USA, we can help make booking your next trip much more straightforward.
What’s the difference between USA health insurance and USA travel insurance?
Most people traveling to the United States will purchase some type of insurance. However, the type depends on your trip and your personal needs. Let’s define both health insurance and travel insurance to make your decision easier.
Health Insurance USA
USA health insurance is insurance designed to cover medical expenses that may occur while you’re visiting the United States. Depending on your needs, this could be anything from casting a broken ankle you received while hiking the Appalachian Trail to refilling routine prescription medication.
There are various types of international health insurance for the USA. Some plans, which are available as part of travel insurance, cover only emergency medical care. Other plans, which must be bought independently, are designed to ensure access to all medical care while you are in the United States. This includes routine checkups, prescription drugs, and more.
What are the most important features of USA health insurance?
Not every health insurance plan for the USA is created equal. Depending on your health, your age, and how long you’re traveling, you may want to purchase health insurance with a certain deductible or that covers a specific condition.
The best thing you can do to ensure you get the right coverage is to read the plan details. If you still have questions about the plan features after that, you can call and ask the insurance provider directly.
Here are some of the most common features you can expect to see in your USA health insurance.
Vision and dental
Vision and dental typically covers routine eye and teeth exams and offers some reimbursement for corrective or restorative procedures.
Prescription drug coverage
Prescription drug coverage makes it easy for visitors to the United States to refill necessary prescriptions at any pharmacy – usually for the cost of a small co-pay.
Inpatient care
While most travel insurance offers emergency medical coverage, dedicated health insurance typically also includes reimbursement for essential inpatient treatment for conditions like cancer, a stroke, or anything else that may not fall under the umbrella of ‘emergency’ care.
Travel Insurance USA
Travel insurance is a much broader insurance plan that includes coverage for various emergencies a traveler could face while away from home. This includes everything from baggage loss or delay, trip cancellation, trip interruption, or even accidental death. Travel insurance plans come with various coverage options, and it’s up to each traveler to ensure they have what they need from the plan they buy.
While most travel insurance plans include emergency medical coverage, they are not designed to cover more than the most extreme situations. Most travel insurance health coverage does not cover routine care or pre-existing conditions.
What are the most important features of travel insurance for the United States?
Like health insurance, travel insurance comes with a variety of plan features. Here are some of the most common.
Trip cancellation
If something comes up and you have to change your plans, trip cancellation insurance helps to defray or cover the costs associated with rebooking or canceling your hotel stay, airline tickets, and other pre-booked amenities.
Baggage loss or delay
Baggage delays happen. This type of coverage helps to reimburse travelers for the costs of replacing their necessities if their baggage is lost or delayed in transit.
Medical emergency
Most travel insurance plans come with some coverage for medical emergencies. Depending on the plan you buy, your insurance will cover costs up to a certain amount for emergency medical expenses paid out-of-pocket.
When should I buy United States travel insurance?
Travel insurance is an excellent option for any traveler arriving in the United States. Many airlines have delayed or canceled flights due to the boom in post-pandemic travel, which means that individuals who did not purchase travel insurance may be forced to deal with delays, baggage loss, and other inconveniences on their own dime.
Here are some common scenarios where you may find yourself looking into travel insurance:
- You’re coming to the United States for a short trip
- You don’t intend to immigrate to the United States
- You’ll be away from home for less than six months
When should I buy United States health insurance?
The United States has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. Even a visit to an urgent care clinic to assess a stomachache or an ambulance ride to the hospital can cost thousands of dollars. If you do not have insurance, you will be forced to pay the entire fee out-of-pocket.
While many people come for short visits without buying dedicated health insurance, it’s essential to really think carefully about whether this is the right option for you. Here are some circumstances where you may want to consider buying dedicated health insurance for the USA:
- You’re going to be visiting the United States frequently
- If you intend to stay in the United States for more than a few months
- You have a pre-existing condition or other known health need that will require care while you’re in the USA.
Why is international health insurance for the USA so important?
Due to high healthcare costs and the complexity of the US healthcare system, ensuring you have health insurance in the USA is critical. Whether you’re coming for a week-long holiday, staying for several months to be with family, or arriving on a temporary work visa, you should always make sure that your health insurance needs are met before you arrive.
Doing your research, checking out reviews, and delving into each plan’s features before you make a purchase are all great ways to ensure you’re getting an insurance policy that really works for your needs. Once you’ve bought the right plan, you can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that you’re protected in the event of any health challenge.
Leave a Reply