Visitor Insurance Guide
Hobson's Choice: Should I buy this or that?

If you are looking around for a visitor's medical insurance for your parents or relatives and are spending endless hours on the Internet doing research on this topic, your search ends here. Even after receiving inputs from your friends, are you still figuring out the answers to questions like "With so many insurance companies offering so many different plans, which one is the best for me?"

The process of buying an insurance is like going to a electronic shop to buy a TV. There are hundreds of models with almost identical features, which makes your decision even more confusing and difficult. You want to make sure that you make the right decision and why not, because after all you are paying for it.

Even I was faced with the same situation while shopping for the medical insurance for my visiting in-laws. I spent ample time and learnt a few basics and important facts. Let me summarize my experience and thoughts on this topic and may save you some precious time.

Visitors medical insurances are short term medical plans that are specially designed for visitors and may not work exactly like your regular health insurance (provided through your employer) , where the only expense you owe is your co- payment ($5 or $10). So don't assume that just because you bought visitor medical insurance, you won't be paying any thing in the event of a medical problem. You may consider these plans as just a way to protect you from "major" medical expenses".

Coverage Talk

The Perfect Plan

There is no plan that can fit your needs exactly Each plan has a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Moreover :

• Health concerns are unpredictable, no one knows what kind of problems one might face in the future? So, you can never be 100% sure about the kind of coverage that is best for you.
• There are pros and cons for each plan. The plans are designed by insurance providers in a way that they are balanced. For instance, if one plan is cheaper or has a less deductible then it will also have limited coverage. Or, if one plan has a better coverage, then it will either have a higher deductible/co-insurance or will be more expensive.

#1. Limited Coverage Plans that are less expensive, but have some limitations on coverage. They are also called fixed coverage plans/schedule benefit plans ".

#2. Comprehensive Coverage Plans are a bit expensive but offer better coverage.

Once you have decided on what type of plan is suitable for you, you have already won half the battle of your decision making process. Now all you need to do is decide on the company and the plan.

Which company gives you the best deal?

There are very few known big US insurance companies (SRI, Atlas, TIS, etc.) who issue the actual insurance policies. Each company has various plans/products with some given names.

Example: "Inbound" and "Liaison" are products/plans from SRI.

These companies sell these products/plans through the agents, and can also be purchased online.

Buy your insurance from a place/agent you can trust, also ask your friends about their experiences. Don’t get too confused about the company name though.

Do not make your decision under the influence of emotions while selecting a plan or company, just because a company name starts with your country's name or has America in it, doesn't mean that you will get what you are looking for.

Need help to decide which plan may suit your need ? Take this online assessment to learn more: Suggest-a-Plan

Hope this article helps Path2usa users
Feel free to send us an email if have any queries: insurance@path2usa.com OR post your questions to Discussion Forum.

Related Links

Need help to decide which plan may suit your need? Take this online assessment "Suggest-a-Plan" What are the Types of Plans Available? Useful Tips from path2usa.com Discussion Forum on Visitor Medical Insurance

E-mail to your friend  Print  Comments