1. What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that helps protect travelers from financial losses and unforeseen events that may occur before or during their trip. It typically includes coverage for things like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other travel-related incidents.

2. Why do I need travel insurance for visiting the US as a non-US citizen?

There are several reasons why you may need travel insurance when visiting the US as a non-US citizen:

1. Medical Emergencies: The US has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. If you were to fall ill or get injured during your trip, the costs of medical treatment could be extremely high. Travel insurance can provide coverage for these unexpected expenses.

2. Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Travel plans can change due to various reasons such as flight delays, natural disasters, and personal emergencies. If you have to cancel or cut short your trip, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses like flight tickets and hotel bookings.

3. Lost or Stolen Belongings: As a tourist, it is possible that your belongings may get lost or stolen during your trip. Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost baggage, personal items, and even cash.

4. Emergency Evacuation: In case of a serious illness or injury that requires emergency evacuation to receive adequate medical care, travel insurance can cover the costs of transportation to a nearby hospital or back to your home country.

5. Journey Disruption: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, travel insurance can cover the additional costs incurred for rescheduling flights and accommodations.

6. Legal Assistance: In case of any legal issues while traveling in the US, travel insurance can provide access to legal services and cover some legal fees.

Without travel insurance, you would be responsible for all these expenses on your own, which could end up being very costly and disrupt your trip completely. It is always better to be prepared with appropriate coverage in case of any unexpected events while traveling abroad.

3. What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance typically provides coverage for unexpected events and expenses during a trip. This can include:

1. Trip cancellation or interruption: If you have to cancel or cut your trip short for a covered reason such as an illness, injury, or severe weather, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs.

2. Emergency medical and dental expenses: If you get sick or injured while traveling and require medical treatment, travel insurance can cover the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, and emergency transportation.

3. Travel delays: Travel insurance can reimburse you for additional expenses such as meals, accommodations, and transportation if your trip is delayed due to a covered reason such as bad weather or a natural disaster.

4. Lost or delayed baggage: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed by the airline, travel insurance can provide coverage for replacement items and reimbursement for necessary purchases.

5. Emergency evacuation: In case of a medical emergency that requires evacuation to receive proper care, travel insurance can cover the costs of transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility.

6. Accidental death and dismemberment: While no one wants to think about it, travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of accidental death or dismemberment during your trip.

Keep in mind that coverage and limits may vary depending on the specific policy you choose. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing it.

4. Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting the US?

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting the US, but it is highly recommended. Without travel insurance, you will be responsible for any medical expenses or other unforeseen incidents that may occur during your trip. It is better to be prepared and have coverage in case of emergencies.

5. Can I purchase travel insurance after I have already arrived in the US?

Yes, it is possible to purchase travel insurance after arriving in the US. However, most travel insurance policies require you to purchase coverage before your departure date. If you have already arrived in the US and did not purchase travel insurance beforehand, you may still be able to purchase a policy but coverage may be limited and certain pre-existing conditions may not be covered. It is always best to purchase travel insurance before your trip to ensure maximum coverage.

6. How do I choose the right coverage for my trip to the US?

When choosing travel insurance for your trip to the US, it’s important to consider the following factors:

1. Length of trip: Determine how long you will be staying in the US and make sure your coverage will last for the entire duration of your stay.

2. Destination: Different areas in the US may have varying levels of risk, so consider your destination when choosing coverage. For example, if you are traveling to a remote or rural area, make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.

3. Activities planned: If you plan on participating in any high-risk activities such as adventure sports or extreme outdoor activities, make sure your coverage includes these types of activities. Some policies may exclude coverage for high-risk activities or require an additional premium.

4. Age and health status: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are above a certain age, it may affect your coverage options and premiums. Make sure to disclose any pre-existing conditions to the insurance provider so they can advise on the best policy for you.

5. Coverage limits: Review the coverage limits for each type of benefit offered by the policy, such as medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss/delay etc., to ensure they meet your needs.

6. Deductible: Consider what level of deductible (out-of-pocket cost) you are willing to pay before your insurance kicks in. A higher deductible often means a lower premium but also a higher financial burden in case of an incident.

7. Reputation and customer service: Research the reputation and customer service ratings of the insurance provider before making a decision. Read reviews from other travelers who have used their services to get an idea of their overall satisfaction with the company.

8. Price: Comparison shop different policies from various providers to find the one that offers comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price within your budget.

9. Inclusions/exclusions: Carefully review what is covered under each policy as well as any exclusions to make sure it meets your specific needs. For example, some policies may not cover certain pre-existing medical conditions or may exclude coverage for injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Overall, it’s important to weigh all these factors and choose a policy that provides adequate coverage at a reasonable price. Remember to also read the fine print and ask any questions you may have before purchasing the insurance to have a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not.

7. What are some common exclusions for travel insurance in the US?

1. Pre-existing medical conditions: Many travel insurance policies do not cover any medical expenses related to existing health conditions unless they have been declared and accepted by the insurer.

2. High-risk activities: Activities such as extreme sports, scuba diving, and bungee jumping may not be covered under a standard travel insurance policy.

3. War or terrorism: Most travel insurance policies will not cover any losses or expenses related to acts of war or terrorism.

4. Unlawful activities: If the insured is engaged in illegal activities while on their trip, their travel insurance policy may not provide coverage for any resulting losses or damages.

5. Intoxication or substance abuse: If an individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an incident, their travel insurance policy may not cover any resulting losses.

6. Travel to high-risk destinations: Some travel insurance policies exclude coverage for countries that are considered high-risk due to political instability, natural disasters, or other factors.

7. Pre-existing mental health conditions: Just like pre-existing physical health conditions, many policies exclude coverage for pre-existing mental health conditions unless they have been declared and accepted by the insurer.

8. Pregnancy-related expenses: Travel insurance typically does not cover costs related to pregnancy and childbirth unless it is a complication that occurs during the trip.

9. Non-emergency medical treatment: Most travel insurance policies only cover emergency medical treatment and do not cover routine check-ups or non-emergency procedures.

10. Negligence or reckless behavior: If the insured acts in a reckless manner that results in damage or loss, their travel insurance policy may not provide coverage for those expenses.

8. Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance in the US?

It varies depending on the specific travel insurance policy, but generally speaking, pre-existing medical conditions are not automatically covered by travel insurance in the US. Some policies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions if certain requirements are met, such as purchasing the insurance within a certain time frame before your trip or if you have a stable and controlled condition. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy to understand what is covered and not covered in regards to pre-existing conditions. In some cases, you may need to purchase an additional add-on or specialized policy for coverage of pre-existing conditions.

9. Can I cancel my trip to the US and get a refund through travel insurance?

It depends on the specific terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. Some policies do offer coverage for trip cancellations, but the reasons for cancellation may be limited. It is best to review your policy or contact your insurance provider directly to determine if you are eligible for a refund.

10. How much does travel insurance typically cost for a visit to the US?

The cost of travel insurance for a visit to the US can vary depending on several factors such as your age, length of stay, and coverage chosen. On average, travel insurance for a 14-day trip to the US can range from $50 to $200 per person. It is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best coverage and price for your specific trip.

11. What is emergency medical evacuation coverage and is it included in all policies for visiting the US?

Emergency medical evacuation coverage is a type of travel insurance that covers the cost of transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility in case of an emergency while a person is travelling. This could include transport by helicopter or air ambulance.

Not all policies for visiting the US may include emergency medical evacuation coverage; it is important to carefully review the details and coverage included in each policy before purchasing. However, many comprehensive travel insurance plans do include this coverage, so it is recommended to choose a policy that includes it for peace of mind during your trip to the US.

12. Will my baggage be covered by travel insurance during my visit to the US?

It depends on the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. Some policies may offer coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage during your visit to the US, while others may not. It is important to carefully review your policy and contact your insurance provider for specific details regarding baggage coverage.

13. Do I need a separate policy if I am traveling with family members or friends?

It depends on the specific policies of your insurance provider. Some insurance companies offer group or family policies that cover multiple individuals under the same plan, while others may require each person to have their own individual policy. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine their specific policies for travel coverage.

14. Does credit card company provided ‘travel accident’ coverage qualify as proper medical coverage for an international student?

It depends on the specific terms and conditions of the credit card company’s policy. Travel accident coverage typically provides a lump sum payment in case of accidental death or dismemberment during travel, but it may not cover medical expenses for illnesses or injuries. International students often require comprehensive health insurance that covers a range of medical services, so it is best to check with the credit card company to understand the extent of their coverage before solely relying on it as your primary medical coverage while studying abroad.

15. Will my existing health insurance from my home country work during my trip to the US?

It depends on the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy. Some policies may provide coverage for medical emergencies while traveling abroad, but others may not. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage while traveling outside of your home country. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a travel health insurance policy specifically for your trip to the US to ensure adequate coverage.

16. What happens if there is a natural disaster or political unrest while I am in the US on vacation?

If a natural disaster or political unrest occurs while you are on vacation in the US, it is important to follow the instructions and guidance of local authorities. Depending on the severity of the situation, there may be evacuation orders or travel restrictions in place. It is important to stay informed and remain aware of any updates or changes to the situation.

If you are unable to leave the affected area, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance. They can provide resources and support during emergencies.

It is also recommended to purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect against unforeseen events such as natural disasters or civil unrest. Your travel insurance may cover costs related to canceled flights or accommodations, emergency medical care, and other necessary expenses.

17. Is there a maximum age limit for purchasing travel insurance for visiting parents?

Most travel insurance companies have a maximum age limit for purchasing insurance, typically around 70-80 years old. However, there are some providers that offer coverage for older travelers and may not have an age limit at all. It is best to check directly with the insurance provider to confirm their policies and options for older travelers before purchasing.

18.Will my visa status affect my eligibility for travel insurance in the U.S.?

Your visa status should not affect your eligibility for travel insurance in the U.S. Travel insurance providers typically do not consider your immigration or legal status when determining your eligibility for coverage. However, some policies may have restrictions or limitations based on citizenship, so it is important to read the policy carefully before purchasing it. Additionally, if you have a pre-existing medical condition related to your visa status, that may affect coverage for any treatment related to that condition while traveling in the U.S.

19.What documents do I need to submit when filing a claim with my travel insurance company while visiting parents in the U.S.?

You will need to submit the following documents when filing a claim with your travel insurance company:

1. Original passport or other identification documents of the insured person(s).

2. Completed claims form provided by the insurance company.

3. Proof of purchase for your travel insurance policy.

4. Itinerary or receipt showing dates and details of your trip.

5. Copies of all medical bills, receipts, and invoices related to the claim.

6. Doctor’s notes and reports from any medical visits or treatments received.

7. Police report in case of theft or loss of personal belongings.

8. Any other relevant documentation that supports your claim, such as flight cancellation notices or proof of missed connection.

It is also important to keep copies of all these documents for your own records. If you have any questions about the required documents or the claims process, it is best to contact your travel insurance provider directly for more information and assistance.

20.Is it possible to extend or renew my travel insurance policy while in the U.S.?

Yes, it is generally possible to extend or renew your travel insurance policy while in the U.S. Depending on the specific insurance provider and type of policy, you may be able to extend your coverage for a certain period of time or renew your policy altogether. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand the options and requirements for extending or renewing your travel insurance while in the U.S.