Are you a US citizen and living outside the United States? You might be in a conundrum as well as medical insurance coverage when you are visiting the US? This is because travel insurance plans or health medical insurance plans that are usually meant to cover people traveling outside their home country. In this context, one assumes that US citizens live in the United States.
Therefore we see the brochure has the eligibility wording stating "US citizens traveling outside US" or "Non US citizens coming to the US or any other country"...This sadly excludes US citizens who live overseas and want to visit the US. However as we know well, there are many US citizens who live, work or study overseas.
They visit the US for a short period of time during holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, vacation, visiting family and friends…and at the end of the short period of time they go back to the country that they live in. Some travel insurance companies assume that US is the home country for US citizens regardless of where they live.
The insurance plans offered by these companies do not satisfy the need of US citizens visiting the US. In this situation even US domestic health insurance companies do not help as they offer short term insurance only for US residents and for longer time periods like 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or 2 years.
However there are some popular US travel insurance plans that offer best medical insurance for USA citizen visiting to USA for a short term. These plans are available to them as long as they are temporarily visiting US and are returning to their home country outside the US.
Normally, insurers do not want to cover US citizens in the US because laws regarding domestic coverage are completely different than those which only cover short term travelers. If you are a US citizen, most policies will have you enter the US as your "home" country.
If the US is your home country, then you will not be eligible for coverage in the US. However, two companies namely International Medical Group (IMG) allow you to distinguish your "residence" country from your "destination" country while still entering your country of citizenship as US.
There is no denying that travel insurance to USA is unfortunately very expensive. The main reason for this is simply because the cost of healthcare in the USA is very expensive and the travel insurance USA costs are directly related to the healthcare costs. One more factor for some USA travel insurance plans to be very expensive is that there are specially designed travel insurance for USA plans available for older travelers, with higher medical coverage as well as some plans with coverage for pre-existing ailments.
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.
Flu shot is a preventive care which is taken annually or as prescribed by the Physician. Flu shots act as preventive care before a person contracts influenza (flu). Most insurance providers do not cover preventive care in the travel insurance policy. Unless mentioned in the policy documents.
Flu shot is preventive care hence it is not covered automatically if there is an existing travel insurance policy active, unless mentioned in the policy documents. Travelers can check with the insurance providers for more clarity.
As long as travelers contract the flu after the inception date of the policy then it will be covered as a fresh illness. Any Flu which has been there prior to the start date of the travel insurance policy may not be covered.
Travel medical insurance plans are suitable for US citizens visiting the USA, as long as they are only temporarily visiting and intend to return to live in another country. Health insurance for US travelers to US offer coverage for medical expenses due to sudden sickness or injury.
Some recommended medical insurance for US citizens visiting USA include Diplomat America, Diplomat Long Term, Patriot America Lite, Patriot America Plus and Visitors Protect Insurance.
US citizens who have been living abroad and are moving back to the USA may consider purchasing Short term medical insurance, which does not require a period of prior residence in the US before purchasing.
Travel insurance in USA for US citizens typically includes coverage for travel assistance, personal liability, accident and sickness, loss or delay of baggage, and hijack cover. Additionally, some plans offer an automatic extension of coverage in the event of hospitalization abroad.
Travel health insurance for U.S. citizens is not mandatory, but it is still recommended as it is beneficial in certain situations. It depends on your risk tolerance and trip plans. Here are some factors to consider:
Many expats lose access to their US health insurance or Medicare while living abroad, leaving them vulnerable to high medical costs in the U.S. It is important to buy travel insurance for US expats visiting USA to cover any unexpected medical emergencies. The US health insurance for expats can provide coverage for emergency medical services, hospitalization, and other medical needs that may arise.
Looking for medical travel insurance for frequent short trips to the US from Costa Rica where we are currently living. I am a US resident and wondering if I qualify for this insurance.
Thanks,
Nancy
Thank you for contacting American Visitor Insurance with your inquiry! There are plans that are available for US citizens residing abroad and visiting the US for a short period of time. However, annual trip plans for people traveling frequently are available for US and Non US citizens traveling outside their home country. Since you are a US citizen and want coverage in the US which is your home country we will not be able to suggest annual trip plans but you can buy other plans for visiting the US for short period of time.
Patriot America Plus Insurance:Most residents of Puerto Rico are US citizens, and as US citizens traveling to the US, the available insurance options are extremely limited. One of the best available option is the Trip Protection insurance offered by Seven Corners. The Trip Protection insurance offers three levels of coverage: Basic and Choice.
Puerto Ricans can insure trips abroad as well as away from home in the US. The Round Trip insurance covers travelers while on the trip as well as protection for a set amount of non-reimbursed expenses for your trip. Puerto Ricans can choose a low amount to insure if the primarily need is for health coverage during the trip. The Trip Protection insurance plan also have pre-existing condition coverage; please see the details for each level of the plan. You can compare the Seven Corners Trip Protection insurance plans here.
Get quote »Travel medical insurance USA resources
International travel insurance resources for USA visa holders.
Factors for travel insurance USA online
Factors for the best travel insurance to USA.
Types of USA tourist insurance online
Different types of tourist insurance for USA.
USA Vacation insurance claims procedure
Trip insurance claims process for getting medical care.
Travel Insurance for US Citizens
Travel insurance for Quarantine coverage
Senior Citizens travel insurance over 65
Long stay Europe visa insurance
US citizen expatriate insurance
International travel medicare coverage
US citizens traveling outside USA Forum
US citizens traveling to Europe Blog
US citizens traveling outside USA Blog
Travel insurance FAQs for US Citizens
GlobeHopper Senior Insurance
Travel insurance for US citizens visiting USA