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Impact of Obamacare on visitors to the US and US Expatriates

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Obamacare - Do visitors need to satisfy Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

ObamaCare also popularly known as Affordable Care Act (ACA) is health care reform law in US to increase the accessibility and affordability to health care for US citizens and US residents, this is however not applicable to tourists, visitors or students in the United States. The individual mandate of the Obamacare makes it mandatory for US residents to have PPACA compliant health insurance. This has however been repealed by the Trump administration. As of January 1st 2019, it is not mandatory anymore to have PPACA compliant insurance.

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Millions of people in the US are uninsured and run into huge debt while paying medical bills which tend to be very costly and almost impossible to pay back completely. PPACA is designed to decrease healthcare spending by making health care affordable and accessible to people of United States.

Are visitors to US eligible for this Obama Care? No. This facility is not available for visitors to the US no matter if their family members be it sons or daughters or parents are US citizens.

As long as they are short term visitors to US they have to pay their medical bills on their own during their visit in the United States. For this reason we have a number of short term travel insurance/health insurance plans available for visitors to US. These visitor medical insurance plans are very important for visitors to US since health care in the US is very expensive. Essentially, the changes made by Obama Care have no effect on visitors to US as they are not US citizens or US permanent residents.

Visitors to the US who are US citizens living abroad or expatriates who are considering international health insurance plans, might have some questions such as:

  • Does this plan meet the minimum essential coverage of ACA?
    The answer to the this question is "No. Most of these short term visitor health insurance plans do not meet ACA compliance benchmark."
  • Do I need a plan that is ACA compliant?
    The answer to the second question is little complicated. The US government understands that it is hard to manage all international plans. They are making accommodations for expatriates who are planning to move abroad or live outside the US for more than 330 days in a year.

Can a non US citizen get Obamacare?

Here are very few ways a non-US citizen can get Obamacare. They cannot purchase Obamacare without a social security number. Students can purchase ACA-compliant plans through their institutions and employees can purchase ACA-compliant plans from their workplace to cover themselves and their dependents. However, tourists and other short-term visitors are not eligible to purchase US domestic plans, but they can purchase visitor medical insurance plans available on our website.

Best Seniors travel insurance with Pre-existing Conditions Coverage

Pre-existing condition is a medical ailment that existed before the travel insurance became effective. Another term that we come across more frequently in insurance policies is "Acute onset of pre-existing condition". Acute onset of pre-existing condition is a sudden relapse of the pre-existing condition without advance warning which requires medical attention within 24 hours.

Travelers with pre-existing conditions always find it hard to buy travel health insurance. Some of the common conditions that are considered as pre-existing conditions are asthma, food & drug allergies, environmental allergies, heart related issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes. Typically all insurance providers have their terms and conditions for the pre-existing condition coverage provided. Most do not cover anything related to a pre-existing condition. Travelers can buy a travel insurance policy without a medical check, however chronic illnesses like cancer, parkinson's disease, Amnesia...which cannot be cured are not covered by the travel health insurance policies. With the pre-existing condition there is a "look back" period of 60-180 days to determine the claim. Most of the Insurance providers consider the age of the individual as a factor for providing this benefit. Most of the policies do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions at the age of 70 and more.

Some US insurance providers offer senior citizen travel insurance for pre-existing conditions above the age of 80 with fixed or limited coverage. The Safe Travels USA, Safe Travels USA Cost Saver, and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive all offer $1000 coverage for pre-existing conditions without limitation to chronic illness. If travelers have a medical condition they are concerned about, it is very important for them to buy a policy that includes the illnesses in the coverage and to be aware of the terms of pre-existing condition coverage.

INF is one of the few companies which offers travel insurance plans for travelers with flexible coverage for pre-existing ailments. They define pre-existing conditions differently and do not exclude chronic illness. First of all, if the person has had no flare up or change in their condition, even if they take medication for it (as long as there has been no change in medication) for 12 months prior to the start of the plan, then the plan does not consider it as a pre-existing condition. If there has been a flare up or change in the condition, then it is covered but at a lower maximum than the overall maximum of the plan and may be subject to a higher deductible.

They have two plans which have this coverage: INF Premier and INF Elite. The Premier plan is a fixed plan which has limitations on the coverage of each medical expense. The Elite plan is an 80/20 comprehensive plan (the plan pays 80% and the insured 20% after the deductible). INF offers the best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions but the difference is reflected in the cost, particularly in the Elite plan. Note that regularly needed maintenance medications or treatments are still not covered with these plans, only if there is a new problem will there be coverage. However, the problem does not need to be life-threatening or acute. Travelers with pre-existing conditions should weigh these options to reduce their risk of high medical costs should they suffer from one of their conditions while traveling. Note that the plans need to be purchased for at least 90 days, so these are more suitable for longer term stays in US, Canada, and/or Mexico. Also, the plans may be purchased by green card holders as long as they have a non-US residence address. The Elite plan has several variations: INF Elite, Elite Plus and INF Elite 90.

To compare the best travel insurance for seniors visiting USA for flexible pre-existing conditions plans offered by INF, use this link: INF Premier & INF Elite best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

Pre-existing conditions visitors insurance

Tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions

Here are some travel insurance tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions

  1. Choose a travel medical insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage.
  2. Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
  3. Be aware of look back period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
  4. Consider buying an US travel health insurance plan with higher medical coverage.
  5. Keep a copy of your medical records and list of medications when you travel.
  6. Take your Doctor's prescription and medications during your trip.
  7. Learn how to access healthcare at your destination.
  8. Contact your US traveler insurance provider immediately in case of a medical emergency.
  9. Disclose all pre-existing conditions when purchasing visitor health insurance.
  10. Follow all procedures while submiting a claim.

What is visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions?

There are many health insurance for us visitors options for international travel. However, many usa travel insurance for visitors plans exclude pre-existing conditions. Hence the traveler insurance will not cover the costs of treating a pre-existing medical condition. However at American Visitor Insurance, we offer some travel medical insurance plans that have coverage for pre-existing conditions and the policy clearly states what is covered for a pre-existing conditions, as well as specifying a limit to this coverage.

Some travel health insurance plans like Atlas America, Patriot America Plus offer coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing conditions, ie, when there is a sudden medical emergency without any prior symptom that needs to be treated immediately. This typically includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and evacuation expenses related to the acute onset of the pre-existing condition. INF insurance however has the INF Elite insurance which covers pre-existing conditions going beyond the acute onset coverage. It is important to compare visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions on American Visitor Insurance both for the price as well as pre-existing conditions coverage before making a decision.

How does travel insurance for pre-existing conditions work?

The travel health insurance plans which cover pre-existing conditions have clear definitions of what is a pre-existing condition, the look back period for pre-existing condition, whether the travel insurance coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and if it provides full coverage for pre-existing conditions the coverage limit within the policy for pre-existing conditons. Any travel health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions will depend on all these.

Factors to consider while purchasing visitors health insurance for pre existing conditions?

The following are important factors for buying travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

  1. The definition of pre-existing conditions and the look back period under the policy.
  2. The eligibility age limit for pre-existing conditions coverage.
  3. Whether pre-existing condition coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
  4. The coverage limit for pre-existing conditions which is different from the policy medical maximum.
  5. The deductible and out of pocket expenses for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Why is health insurance for travel to USA with pre-existing conditions coverage important?

Traveling anywhere outside worldwide is supposed to be an eye opening, special and a relaxed trip experience. Traveling with a health condition brings in more challenges in order to get covered for the unexpected medical expense in case of odd surprises during the trip. This calls out for an insurance plan that covers the pre-existing conditions that will relieve the unnecessary stress of taking extra care of yourself during your most memorable travel experience.

The plans also will be expensive considering the risks involved to cover pre-existing conditions. Many of the travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions. At American Visitor Insurance we offer plans that cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions as well as some cover full pre-existing conditions.

Pre-existing conditions coverage - FAQ's

01. How do I know if my pre-existing condition is covered by travel insurance?

Unfortunately, this simple question has a fairly complicated answer. The answer is: it depends. Firstly, it depends on whether you are a US resident traveling outside the US or a visitor to the US. US residents can purchase trip cancellation insurance that can cover pre-existing conditions and even plans that are travel medical only without cancellation often are more generous in their coverage of pre-existing conditions. These plans may have specific requirements in order to waive the usual exclusion of coverage for pre-existing conditions (like purchase them within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit or that you have a primary domestic insurance plan in the US), so you should check these details carefully if this is important to you.

Non-US residents or US residents traveling into the US have much more limited options to insure their pre-existing conditions are covered. Some plans offer coverage for "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions. However, this is misleading, since a careful look at their definition excludes chronic or congenital disorders from such coverage. Chronic illnesses are those that worsen over time and congenital disorders are issues one is born with. They exclude emergencies due to chronic illness because they will say that is not "acute" it is simply a worsening of your condition. There are only two policies we know of that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. They are INF Premier and INF Elite plans.

Firstly, they define pre-existing conditions in the following way: A pre-existing condition is a condition for which the insured received treatment or took medication for in the previous 12 months before the start of the policy. If the medication dosage has not changed and is taken as a maintenance medication, this would NOT count as a flare up or treatment of the condition. In that case, very stable conditions that have no flare ups in the past 12 months are not even excluded as pre-existing conditions. Conditions that have had flare ups or doctor recommended treatment or change in medication, are still covered by the plans but with a higher deductible and a lower maximum.

INF Elite (also INF Elite 90) are comprehensive plans offering fairly complete coverage. INF Premier is a fixed plan. Find details on these plans here.

The above plans must be purchased for at least 90 days and can be quite pricey for seniors, but they offer the only real coverage for chronic conditions.

The other option, of course, is to take a plans with little ($1K) or no coverage for pre-existing conditions and take a risk that that condition will not flare up during the trip.

02. What does full coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions mean?

INF plans boast they offer "full" coverage for pre-existing conditions. This can be a little misleading. Firstly, any regular treatment or medication that is required by the condition is never covered. The main advantage to the INF Elite and INF Premier is that they cover sudden illness/injury regardless of whether it is pre-existing or not. The only difference is that a pre-existing condition will be covered with a higher deductible at at a lower maximum than any other "new" illness or injury. However, coverage is not limited to an emergency or life-threatening situation.

03. What does "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" mean?

The "Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition" is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing medical condition which occurs without any advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms and requires immediate care (within 24 hours of first symptoms). A Pre-Existing Condition that is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually becomes worse over time will not be considered acute onset.

The acute onset coverage benefit does not include coverage for known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs or treatment existent or necessary prior to the effective date of coverage. An example of this might be someone who has a food allergy or bee allergy and is unknowingly exposed to their allergen and requires immediate medical attention.

04. What is the difference between Full Pre-Existing & Acute Onset Insurance?

Acute onset of a pre-existing condition can be defined as the sudden & unexpected occurrence of a pre-existing condition which requires in-patient, emergency hospitalization within 24 hours of exhibiting first symptoms. The main difference between acute onset & full pre-existing is that with Full Pre-Existing coverage, is that one is covered for all pre-existing conditions and associated medical costs and this includes follow up visits, hospitalizations and doctor’s visits, etc. The acute onset coverage will only cover the in-patient hospitalization expense.

05. What are the limits of Full Pre-Existing plans under INF travel insurance?

Full Pre-existing means we will cover any issue regarding a pre-existing condition, however, if one is traveling to the United States solely for medical treatment, that will not be covered. INF plans do not cover any medical tourism related claims. Pre-existing conditions under the INF plans are covered with a higher deductible and a lower maximum than other illnesses or injuries. These are chosen or specified when you purchase you plan.

06. Do INF travel insurance plans really cover all pre-existing conditions?

Yes, the INF policies will cover any pre-existing issue that the traveler may have during their stay in the United States. This includes blood pressure, diabetes, kidney related issues and arthritis, all of which are covered by the INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Elite, INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plans.

07. Why are Full Pre-Existing plans more expensive than other visitor medical insurance usa plans?

The insurance company takes on an enormous risk by insuring individuals and including coverage for pre-existing conditions without any prior medical examination. Under the INF plans, you are paying more, but you are getting the full value for the money you pay given the very high cost of US healthcare. With the INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Elite, INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plans, even though it is expensive, you can have the comfort of knowing that you are covered for any emergency or contingency. This peace of mind given the expensive US healthcare expense is what makes INF plans worth it despite being expensive.

08. What services are covered under best travel insurance for usa visitors with full pre-existing coverage?

The list of covered services under Visitors insurance full pre-existing conditions coverage can be found on the American Visitor Insurance website of the INF Premier, INF Premier Plus, INF Elite, INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plan pages. INF plans are open to green card holders

What is the best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage?

The best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage is listed here :

  1. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers coverage for acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years. For persons under 70 covers medical treatment to policy maximum (cardiac-related treatment up to $25,000). For persons above 70 Acute Onset benefits is reduced to a maximum of $35,000 (cardiac-related treatment up to $15,000).
  2. Atlas America Insurance is a comprehensive visitor insurance for acute on set of pre-existing conditions that covers Non-US citizens and Non-US residents while visiting the US up to age 79 years.
    The plan provides acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions coverage..
  3. Patriot America plus is Comprehensive travel insurance covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to chosen maximum limit aged up to 70 years. This plan is available for Non US citizens travelling to the USA and US citizens and Non US citizens living abroad can buy this plan for visiting the US for short while. Plan is suitable for Green Card holders as long as they reside outside the US.
  4. Visitors Protect is Comprehensive visitor medical insurance offers pre-existing conditions up to age 99 years. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plan. It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US.
  5. Safe Travels USA is a cheap travel medical insurance plan that covers sudden, unexpected recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition for Non-US Citizens and Non-US Residents while visiting the USA up to 89 years.
  6. The INF Elite plans are designed for travelers who need coverage for full pre-existing medical conditions up to age 99 years. INF Elite plans are comprehensive plans available for people traveling to the US and provide flexible coverage. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plans.

Different types of US Visitors insurance

Fixed Benefit travel insurance

A fixed benefit travel insurance plan is the cheapest travel insurance plan option. Fixed benefit travel insurance is cheap because it has a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits.
Fixed benefit travel insurance plans work well in case of small ailments but can be inadequate in the event of a serious medical ailment or hospitalisation.

Comprehensive travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance plans provide exhaustive coverage for health expenses up to the policy medical maximum amount. In contrast to fixed benefit plans there are no limits for each benefit. Comprehensive insurance is more expensive when compared to fixed benefit plans but provides significantly better coverage in case of a medical emergency or hospitalisation.

Steps to buy
US visitor travel insurance online

search Step 1: Finding the available US travel insurance plans

Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveller and insurance requirements.

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

Review the travel insurance documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers

Step by step travel insurance

Factors that determine the cost of US travel insurance plans

Age of the traveler

The cost of travel insurance is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.

Type of travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit travel insurance.

Medical maximum coverage and deductible options

The price of visitors medical insurance is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.

Region of coverage

Travel insurance depends on the coverage region. The cost for visitor health insurance for the United States is most expensive.

Duration of travel insurance

The longer the duration of visitor medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.

Frequently asked questions

01. Is there travel medical insurance for seniors over 70 from USA?

Yes, there are many travel insurance options for seniors over 70 from the USA. Many US travel insurance providers offer policies specifically designed for older travelers, and some policies may have no age limit for coverage. However, it is important to note that the cost of travel medical insurance for seniors is higher than for younger travelers due to increased health risks and the likelihood of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, coverage and benefits may vary depending on the policy, and it is important to carefully review policy terms and conditions to ensure that you get the coverage you need.

Some US insurance providers that offer travel medical insurance for seniors over 70 from the USA include Trawick International, Seven Corners, IMG and WorldTrips. It's recommended to research and compare different policies on American Visitor Insurance based on costs, benefits and coverage for pre-existing conditions to find the best traveller insurance and value for your needs.

02. What’s the most important insurance coverage for senior travelers?

The most important insurance coverage for senior travelers is extent of medical coverage. Seniors are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions and may be at higher risk for medical emergencies while traveling, making it essential to have adequate medical coverage in case of illness or injury. Travel medical coverage can include coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, and medical evacuation if needed.

In addition to travel medical coverage, senior travelers may also want to consider trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which can help protect against financial loss if they need to cancel or cut short their trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or weather-related events. There is the option available for US travelers to buy travel insurance with cancel for any reason, which gives full flexibility to cancel a trip.

Among other important insurance coverage for senior travelers is the coverage for lost or stolen luggage, travel delays or missed connections, and accidental death or dismemberment. Older travelers should compare different US travel insurance policies to find the best coverage and value for their individual needs on American Visitor Insurance.

03. Can I find cheap travel insurance for seniors over 70?

Yes, it is possible to find cheap travel insurance for seniors over 70. Many insurance providers offer specialized travel insurance plans that cater to the needs of older adults. By comparing quotes from different insurers and considering factors such as coverage options, deductibles, and pre-existing condition coverage, seniors can find affordable travel insurance that suits their specific requirements. It is advisable to shop around and explore various options to find the most cost-effective travel insurance policy for seniors over 70.

04. How can I compare different travel medical insurance for seniors over 70?

Older travelers can easily compare different travel insurance over 70 plans on American Visitor Insurance which allows you to compare features, benefits, and prices of different policies. Travelers can review travel insurance plans based on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for visitor insurance which focuses on the health of the traveler, you can compare insurance based on the specific coverage for medical ailments, coverage for pre-existing conditions, the co-insurance and deductible for the insurance plan Some of the factors that you should consider while comparing visitor insurance health insurance for the traveler are:

  • The maximum medical coverage available for the age of the traveler
  • The cost of insurance and deductible and co-insurance expenses
  • The Preferred provider organisation (PPO) network of the insurance provider and user reviews
  • The coverage for pre-existing conditions and any exclusions and limitations of the policy
  • The customer assistance and emergency helpline of the insurer

05. How important is the visitors insurance for parents over 70?

Visitor health insurance which insures mainly the health of the traveler against accident or sickness when he/she is traveling overseas is very important since healthcare is very expensive, especially in the USA. Visitor health insurance is important even if you have health insurance in your home country which you believe will work in the US. The main reason for this is that US insurance providers negotiate with the healthcare providers in the US to get a better pricing for medical services, something that is not available to international insurance providers. This makes US healthcare very expensive even with travel medical insurance coverage which do not have negotiated rates with US healthcare providers.

Visitor insurance which focuses on insuring the travel expenses along with the health of the traveler is very important to protect travelers from unforeseen risks and emergencies that may occur during their trip. Travel insurance can provide coverage for various situations such as:

  • Medical expenses due to illness or injury
  • Trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen reasons
  • Loss or delay of baggage or personal belongings
  • Passport or travel document theft or loss
  • Emergency evacuation or repatriation
  • Legal liability or personal accident
  • Travel assistance and support

Having the best visitor insurance is really important given its relative cost to that of the trip and the cost of healthcare overseas. Visitor insurance can help you save money, time, and hassle in case something goes wrong during your trip. It can also give you peace of mind and confidence to enjoy your travel experience. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for travelers to travel safely and securely.

It is easy to find the best visitor insurance online by comparing several insurance options on American Visitor Insurance based on cost as well as coverage benefits offered.

06. How much is travel insurance for 70 year old cost?

The cost of travel health insurance which focuses on the health of the traveler depends on factors such as:

  • The age and health of the traveler (older the traveler, higher the cost)
  • The destination and duration of your trip (cost in US is most expensive)
  • The amount of medical maximum coverage chosen (higher the coverage, higher the cost)
  • The deductible and co-insurance of the insurance
  • Any add-on benefits (pre-existing conditions coverage etc.. cost more)

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