If you’re a US citizen that is currently living abroad but are planning a short trip back to the United States, it is important to consider purchasing a temporary health insurance plan for your travels. Medical costs in the U.S. are notoriously high and can be financially devastating without proper coverage. So even if you are planning a short trip back to the U.S., it is still important to ensure that you have insurance in the event that you become ill or are injured in the states.
Although many travel insurance plans cover U.S. citizens traveling abroad, only a few offer insurance for U.S. citizens living abroad visiting the United States. Luckily, you have options as an expat when it comes to travel medical insurance.
Why Is Travel Insurance Necessary for Expats?
Even as a U.S. citizen, most domestic insurance companies within the United States won’t offer medical coverage if you haven’t lived in the U.S. for at least 6 months. If you have domestic coverage overseas in the country that you currently reside in, it is likely that this coverage will not apply when you are back in the U.S.
For these reasons, you’ll likely be uncovered for medical care if you travel back to the U.S. without purchasing a temporary health insurance plan for the duration of your trip. This could mean trouble for your bank account in the event that you need to seek medical attention while in the U.S. Getting a short-term travel medical insurance plan will protect you and give you the peace of mind you deserve during your travels.
Best Travel Medical Insurance for Expats in US
As an U.S. citizen expat visiting the U.S., you have a couple of options when it comes to short-term health insurance plans. Both Patriot America Plus and Patriot Platinum are recommended plans for Americans living abroad and returning to the U.S. for a short period of time.
Patriot America Plus
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
The Patriot America Plus plan is for non-U.S. residents who are visiting the United States for a short period of time. It provides medical care coverage and other covered travel and emergency services for visitors to the U.S. during their travel and temporary stay outside of their home country.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network; Outside the PPO network, plan pays 80% of eligible medical expense up to $5,000, then 100% thereafter
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Urgent Care Visits
- Emergency Room Services
- Emergency Eye Exam Coverage
- Emergency Dental Coverage
- Prescriptions/Medication
Patriot Platinum
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
The Patriot Platinum is a plan available for any non-U.S. resident visiting the USA, or anywhere outside their home country, for a short period of time.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 100% of eligible medical expenses within the PPO network; Outside the PPO network, plan pays 90% of eligible medical expense up to $5,000, then 100% thereafter
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Urgent Care Visits
- Emergency Room Services
- Emergency Eye Exam Coverage
- Emergency Dental Coverage
- Prescriptions/Medication
These plans will provide coverage for you during your trip back to the U.S. for injuries, accidents, or new and unexpected illnesses.
Where to Purchase Expat Health Insurance for US
To view your options as a U.S. citizen that is currently residing abroad but looking to visit the U.S., we recommend checking out VisitorsCoverage where you can compare plans, receive instant quotes, and purchase your plan online.
