Jane Dotson
If you're planning a trip abroad, it's important to consider purchasing travel medical insurance to cover any emergency medical expenses that may arise during your trip. This is especially important if you have family members or relatives who are foreign nationals and do not have health insurance in your home country. The cost of medical treatment in foreign countries can be extremely high, and having travel medical insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen illnesses or accidents. It's worth noting that some countries may even require proof of travel health insurance for entry, so it's crucial to research the requirements of your destination country. Additionally, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance policy to ensure that it meets your specific needs and provides adequate coverage for any potential medical emergencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is medical insurance necessary for foreign relatives? | Yes, it is necessary as medical costs in the US are higher than in most countries. |
| Can I purchase medical insurance for foreign relatives? | Yes, you can purchase travel medical insurance for your foreign relatives. |
| What does travel medical insurance cover? | Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations and repatriation costs. It also covers inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services in a foreign country. |
| What is not covered under travel medical insurance? | Routine medical expenses, return ambulance trips home, and trip cancellation benefits are not covered under travel medical insurance. |
| Are there any alternatives to travel medical insurance? | Some countries may accept your existing primary insurance plan. Comprehensive travel insurance policies also include emergency medical coverage. |
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What You'll Learn
Foreign relative's visa status
Foreign relatives with a valid non-immigrant visa are eligible for health coverage as lawfully present immigrants. This includes individuals with worker visas (H1, H-2A, H-2B), student visas, U-visas, and T-visas. Those with Deferred Action Status, such as DACA recipients, are also included.
If your foreign relative is a "qualified non-citizen", they are generally eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). To be considered a "qualified non-citizen", they must meet specific state income and residency rules. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) or green card holders typically have a 5-year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP coverage, although this period may be waived in certain states and under specific circumstances, such as for refugees or asylees.
For foreign relatives on a temporary visit, travel health insurance or visitor's insurance is recommended. These plans are designed for foreign nationals and can provide peace of mind and financial protection during their stay. The eligibility and specific plans available depend on the type of visa/green card status of the relative. For example, if they are on a visitor's visa, plans like Safe Travels USA Comprehensive or Patriot America Plus are suggested. On the other hand, for green card holders, Patriot America Plus or Diplomat America are recommended.
It is important to note that health coverage for foreign relatives can vary based on their specific visa status and the country they are visiting. It is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the health coverage requirements and options available in the country of visit before purchasing an insurance plan.
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Eligibility for Medicaid
To be eligible for Medicaid, individuals must be citizens or nationals of the United States or qualified aliens. Qualified non-citizens are generally eligible for coverage through Medicaid if they meet state income and residency rules. However, there is usually a 5-year waiting period for many qualified non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or green card holders.
There are exceptions to the 5-year waiting period. Refugees, asylees, and LPRs who used to be refugees or asylees are exempt from the waiting period. Additionally, 35 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands have opted to provide Medicaid coverage to lawfully residing children and/or pregnant people without the 5-year wait.
Furthermore, certain non-qualified aliens, such as those who are unauthorized or illegally present, students, and other non-immigrants admitted temporarily, can receive limited emergency Medicaid coverage if they meet the income and other eligibility criteria.
Federal poverty levels (FPL) are used to determine eligibility for certain programs and benefits, including Medicaid. If an individual's annual income is at or below 150% FPL and they are not eligible for Medicaid, they may be able to enroll in Marketplace coverage and may qualify for premium tax credits and other savings.
It is important to note that applying for or receiving Medicaid benefits does not make one a "public charge," meaning it will not affect the chances of becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or US citizen. However, there is an exception for people receiving long-term care at government expense, such as in a nursing facility, who may face barriers in obtaining a green card.
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Travel medical insurance
If you are a US citizen, Medicare usually doesn't cover healthcare while travelling outside the US. In rare cases, Medicare Part B may pay for services in foreign hospitals if you are in the US when a medical emergency occurs and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital that can treat your condition. Similarly, if you are travelling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between US states, and a medical emergency occurs, Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services if the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital that can treat the emergency. Lastly, if you live in the US and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest US hospital, Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services.
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies may cover emergency care when you travel outside the US. Medicare drug coverage (Part D) covers all vaccines that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends, including certain vaccines you might need to get before you travel outside the US (like yellow fever, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis). However, Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs bought outside the US.
Due to the limited coverage of Medicare outside the US, you may choose to buy a travel insurance policy to get more coverage. Travel medical insurance can provide coverage in the event of an unexpected illness or injury while travelling. It typically offers benefits that cover emergency medical, dental, and evacuation services. Some plans, like those with added travel protection benefits, cover specific travel-related circumstances, like trip cancellation, trip interruptions, or lost baggage. It is important to note that travel insurance doesn't necessarily include health insurance, so it is crucial to read the conditions or restrictions carefully. Before selecting a travel insurance policy, ensure that it covers your specific needs and that the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line.
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Domestic insurance coverage
When it comes to purchasing medical insurance for foreign relatives, it's important to understand the options available, especially if your relative is visiting from another country or is a new immigrant to the US. The US generally does not accept health insurance from other countries, so it is essential to explore domestic insurance coverage options. Here are some key considerations:
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance, also known as visitors insurance, is specifically designed for individuals visiting the US from another country. This type of insurance provides short-term health care coverage for foreign visitors, including your relatives. It is important to note that these plans are typically designed for individuals who are not planning to stay in the US permanently. The cost of visitors insurance can vary, but it is generally affordable, ranging from $16 to $150 per month, with an average cost between $200 and $300. This type of insurance is crucial as it covers unexpected medical expenses, from routine check-ups to emergency treatments.
Health Insurance for New Immigrants
If your foreign relative is a new immigrant to the US, it is required to show proof of health insurance before obtaining an immigrant visa. This means that they will need to purchase health insurance that is valid in the US. The options available to them may depend on their income level and whether they meet the criteria for certain programs.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid and CHIP are government-provided health insurance programs. To be eligible for these programs, your relative would need to meet specific income and residency rules. In most states, there is a 5-year waiting period for qualified non-citizens to receive Medicaid and CHIP coverage. However, some states have chosen to waive this waiting period for lawfully residing children and pregnant individuals.
Private Health Insurance
The US healthcare system is largely privatized, and most US citizens have private health plans. Your foreign relative can explore private health insurance options, which may offer more flexibility in terms of coverage and benefits. It is important to compare different plans and consider factors such as pre-existing conditions, age limits, and the scope of coverage.
International Health Insurance
If your foreign relative spends most of their time living outside the US, they may benefit from international health insurance or expatriate health insurance. These plans offer major medical coverage for individuals living abroad and can provide valuable protection while they are outside the US.
It is important to carefully review the different options, consider the specific needs of your foreign relative, and seek guidance from licensed insurance professionals to make an informed decision about domestic insurance coverage.
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Cost of medical insurance
The cost of medical insurance for non-US citizens in the US can vary depending on the type of plan and coverage required. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with medical insurance for foreign relatives:
Global Medical Plans
Global medical plans offer a range of options, from basic to comprehensive coverage. The most affordable global medical plans typically range from $400 to $500 per year, providing catastrophic coverage for worst-case scenarios. In contrast, the most expensive and comprehensive global medical plans can cost as much as $30,000 to $40,000 annually, offering extensive benefits and access to a wide range of medical treatments worldwide.
Short-Term Travel Medical Plans
Short-term travel medical insurance is designed for individuals who are travelling or staying in a country for a short period. These plans typically start at about $1.50 per day and can increase to more than $10 per day for older individuals or those seeking more comprehensive coverage.
Bronze and Silver Plans
IMG's Bronze and Silver plans provide basic-level coverage for medical care. While the exact cost of these plans is not specified, they are likely more affordable options for individuals on a budget.
Gold and Platinum Plans
IMG's Gold and Platinum plans offer comprehensive benefits and are recommended for individuals planning to stay in the US for an extended period. These plans provide access to a wide range of medical services and are likely to be more expensive compared to the Bronze and Silver plans.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare, a federal program, is typically only available to retirees, while Medicaid is reserved for low-income citizens. Medicare generally does not cover healthcare outside the US, except in specific circumstances, such as emergency care in a foreign country. In most cases, you will need to pay out of pocket for medical expenses incurred abroad and then submit a claim to Medicare for reimbursement.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP provides health coverage for children in low-income families. To be eligible for CHIP, families must meet state income and residency rules. In some states, there is a waiting period of up to 5 years for qualified non-citizens to receive CHIP coverage. However, certain states have removed this waiting period and provide CHIP coverage to lawfully residing children regardless of their immigration status.
It is important to note that the cost of medical insurance can vary based on factors such as age, health status, and the specific benefits included in the plan. Additionally, the eligibility requirements and costs may change over time, so it is essential to review the most up-to-date information when considering purchasing medical insurance for a foreign relative.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can purchase a travel medical insurance plan for your foreign relative as long as you have the necessary information. This is perfect for non-U.S. citizens who have domestic health insurance but aren't covered outside of their home country.
Travel medical insurance provides reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you’re traveling. These policies do not provide coverage for routine expenses. In some cases, the insurer could pay for a flight and hotel accommodations for a designated family member to visit you in the hospital.
Before selecting a travel insurance plan, make sure it covers everything you need. You should also make sure the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line so that you and/or your medical provider overseas are able to reach the company if needed.
