Purchasing Health Insurance for Family Visiting from Outside the U.S.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Has anyone here purchased temporary health insurance for a family member while they visited you here in the states?

My in-laws will be visiting us soon, hopefully, and we plan on them staying at least a few months. I just don't want to be without some kind of health insurance for them while they are here. Any advice or suggestions?

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I think most major credit card companies allow you to buy some sort of travel/health insurance, don't they? Like, if you buy your tickets with Amex?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I looked at that some time back but could not find anything acceptable. That may have to do with the rather inexpensive coverage I used to buy when I lived in Germany and visited the US. An annual policy which covers emergency medical expenses the first six weeks of any trip you make was like $20.00. I used it once, too. Had to go the emergency room and they paid the $3,600.00 the hospital billed me for the 4 hour stay in the ER no questions asked. Was a good investment.

My parents have that coverage so we don't have to worry when they visit here. It's still about as cheap as it was 15 years ago. Not sure if anything like that is available from the PI, though. Probably not.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

They'll be staying with us for a few months and my father in-law has Diabetes. I don't think regular travel insurance will cover them that long.

[JimandChristy 1,689]

They'll be staying with us for a few months and my father in-law has Diabetes. I don't think regular travel insurance will cover them that long.

There is an travel insurance company I went with last year called "InsureandGo" they offered annual policies for trips that last for up to 90 days. I got the annual, it only cost me around £50-60. NOTE: They offer single trip policies that last for up to 365 days. Naturally it's going to be a balancing act in terms of time and money for which you can afford to have.

Insureandgo link

I claimed from them twice, once for Curtailment and once for Medical expenses, had no hassle with them, if you got your paperwork and evidence in order there shouldn't really be any worries.

On another note, I'm looking for insurance myself since I cannot go onto my partner's health insurance yet, on what type of insurance policy should I enter the states on via a K1 visa, will the above travel insurance be sufficient to cover me or will I have to get something different because I'm entering not for the purpose of a holiday (to return within 90 days) but to become a permanent resident? If so, anyone have any recommendations, thanks!

Edited May 19, 2009 by JimandChristy

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

My in-laws buy a rider to their usual insurance in India when they visit here. The rider is specifically for emergency care in the US and being part of their original policy, pre-existing coverage exists.

[JimandChristy 1,689]

My in-laws buy a rider to their usual insurance in India when they visit here. The rider is specifically for emergency care in the US and being part of their original policy, pre-existing coverage exists.

I am assume that is like an extension to their existing policy? If so I'll give Insureandgo a ring to see if they offer something similar...Thanks.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Yes.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

They'll be staying with us for a few months and my father in-law has Diabetes. I don't think regular travel insurance will cover them that long.

There is an travel insurance company I went with last year called "InsureandGo" they offered annual policies for trips that last for up to 90 days. I got the annual, it only cost me around £50-60. NOTE: They offer single trip policies that last for up to 365 days. Naturally it's going to be a balancing act in terms of time and money for which you can afford to have.

Insureandgo link

I claimed from them twice, once for Curtailment and once for Medical expenses, had no hassle with them, if you got your paperwork and evidence in order there shouldn't really be any worries.

On another note, I'm looking for insurance myself since I cannot go onto my partner's health insurance yet, on what type of insurance policy should I enter the states on via a K1 visa, will the above travel insurance be sufficient to cover me or will I have to get something different because I'm entering not for the purpose of a holiday (to return within 90 days) but to become a permanent resident? If so, anyone have any recommendations, thanks!

Thank you. I'll look into that.

My in-laws buy a rider to their usual insurance in India when they visit here. The rider is specifically for emergency care in the US and being part of their original policy, pre-existing coverage exists.

I'll double check with Jinky, but I don't think they have any real medical insurance.