Are you traveling to the US, or already arrived and need travel insurance? Compare cover for visitors to the US.
If you’re looking to visit the US for a short or long-term trip, it’s worth considering travel insurance before you arrive to ensure you have the right level of protection. There are a number of travel insurance brands that offer cover for temporary visitors to the US. This coverage will provide all of the same benefits as regular policies including:
- Emergency medical assistance
- Additional accommodation and travel expenses
- Cash allowance for hospitalization
- Accidental death
- Lost personal belongings/luggage
- Cancellation costs
Benefits of having a travel insurance policy as a visitor to the US
Travel insurance is specially designed to offer protection against a wide range of risks you may be exposed to while traveling. Not only can this help you save money in the long run, it can also save you a whole lot of stress if something goes wrong, including:
- Emergency medical and hospital. It’s important to know that you are covered if you suffer a medical emergency if you’re injured or fall ill during your trip.
- Interruption. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances might force you to cancel or cut short your trip. For example, you may lose your job or be diagnosed with a terminal illness, though you may not be able to get refunds for deposits or other pre-booked travel or accommodation. Travel insurance policies will ensure you are reimbursed for the money you are otherwise not able to get back.
- Theft, delay and damage. If your luggage or personal items are lost, stolen or damaged on your trip, your insurance policy will provide cover for the cost of their repair or replacement. Similarly, if an airline misplaces your luggage or it’s delayed, coverage is available to help you buy essential clothing and toiletries. Theft is another common problem travelers encounter, and travel insurance is designed to look after you if your cash, credit cards, passport or important travel documents are stolen. Other cover features include a death benefit, personal liability and rental vehicle excess cover.
Conditions of non-resident travel insurance for the US
The eligibility requirements for coverage vary from one insurance provider to the next, but one common requirement is that you need to spend the majority of your trip in the US. Many insurers will require you to have valid health insurance as well.
Not all pre-existing medical conditions will be covered by insurers, and you may be required to submit further information detailing the nature of your condition. Just like normal travel insurance policies, non-resident travel insurance will generally have an age limit on people who can take out cover.
For example, many policies stipulate that you must be under the age of 81 to take out cover. It’s possible to take out a policy before or after you arrive to the US, though if you’ve already arrived you may have a waiting period before some aspects of coverage will take effect.
Travel insurance for overseas students in the US
If you’re a student studying abroad in the US, you can benefit from having travel insurance in addition to your health insurance through the school. Although your insurance through your host school provides essential cover for health care costs, it’s still recommended that you take out travel insurance to offer financial protection against risks not covered if you’re planning on traveling while on your student visa. Student travel insurance provides cover for:
- Cancelled and delayed flights.
- Lost, stolen and damaged luggage and personal belongings.
- Missed flights.
- Additional accommodation and travel expenses when your trip is delayed or adjusted due to circumstances outside your control.
- Accidental death coverage.
- Cancellation fees and lost deposits.
- Personal liability when you cause bodily injury to someone else or damage to their property.
In addition, if your visa status changes while you are in the US and you no longer qualify for student health insurance, your student travel insurance policy can cover the medical and hospital expenses you might need.
How to compare non-resident travel insurance policies
When comparing non-resident travel insurance policies, it’s essential that you take the time to do your research. Do an online search for insurance providers who specialize in offering the type of cover you’re looking for, and seek out reviews of any companies you’re considering.
Obtain quotes from a number of insurers to get an idea of the cost involved, but look past the mere cost to see exactly what each policy covers. Read all policy documents closely to familiarize yourself with the benefits, features, limits and exclusions offered by each policy.
Does the policy you want cover you for all the activities and experiences you’ll be engaging in? Does one policy have higher benefit limits than the others? Finder.com is the perfect place to compare a range of non-resident travel insurance policies. If you need additional assistance, consider enlisting the help of an insurance consultant to help you find the right policy for your needs.
Comparison of travel insurance policies
Questions about travel insurance for visitors to the US
Is it possible to purchase a travel insurance policy once you’re already overseas?
Yes, it is. You can purchase cover before you leave home or once you arrive in the US. If you purchase cover when you’re already overseas, you may have to serve a brief waiting period (commonly 48 hours) before certain aspects of the cover will take effect.
Will my children be covered?
Yes, most policies provide coverage for dependents over the age of 21.
I need help finding the right policy. What can I do?
If you’re visiting the US but you’re not a permanent resident, you can still get the travel insurance cover you need to enjoy a relaxing getaway. Just make sure to compare the available options before deciding which policy is right for you.
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