Medical insurance for US citizens living abroad visiting US
There are millions of travelers traveling to the US from all parts of the world. Among them we often come across US citizens residing abroad coming back to the US for short visits. Travel insurance or travel health insurance is a critical requirement while you are traveling to the US. This is especially true given the Covid19 pandemic, as travelling during the pandemic is risky and there are higher chances for unforeseen events during travel.
It gets a little tricky for US citizens residing abroad coming to the US to get a suitable travel health insurance for their short term stay as they are few options available for them. This is true because many companies will not provide insurance for US citizens regardless of where they live most of their time. Please note that this includes people with dual citizenships.
For US citizenship, it is better to be on the safe side and purchase a policy suitable for this situation and enter the US passport information on the application so that there are no issues. There are however options available for US citizens residing abroad and coming to the US for short term with the intent to return to their home countries outside USA.
Patriot America Plus and Patriot Platinum America can be used by US citizens as long as they maintain a residence outside the US and are visiting the country for a short visit. The Patriot America Plus insurance plan offered by IMG is specifically designed for short term visitors to USA and is a hugely popular choice among tourists to America. The policy covers "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" up to the maximum of the plan purchased for persons under 70 years of age.
The company recently added the benefit of copays of $25 for urgent care centers and $15 for walk-in clinics which are paid INSTEAD of the deductible each time these facilities are used. There is a sports rider that can be added for additional cost to cover skiing, snorkeling, surfing, and other common recreational sports. Persons under 70 years of age can get up to $1 million maximum coverage. As of Sept 1, 2020, the plan also covers COVID-19 illness up to the maximum of the policy. Please note the Patriot America plan does NOT cover COVID!
Very recently, IMG has updated their plan eligibility requirements such that US citizens who reside abroad can purchase either the Patriot America Lite or the Patriot America Plus plans for their travel into the US (assuming they intend to return to their foreign address).
Please note that US citizens relocating to the US, should apply for domestic coverage right away upon arrival or the “window” for their application may close until the start of the new year. The Patriot Plans offer excellent economical choices either with coverage for pre-existing conditions for persons under 70 (Patriot America Plus plan) or without this coverage (Patriot America).
Hi,
Dear Margaret,
