Travel Insurance Required for Nephew?

[Boiler 45,522]

As a matter of interest you show Russia as Country, never been to Russia, but I have been to 32 countries last count and only ever bought Travel Insurance..

Who do you recommend buying Medical Insurance in Russia?

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I already said I have purchased visitors health insurance for the inlaws to visit the USA every year. And we've actually had to use it. I've had to pay the bills, I've had to call for pre-certification, and I spent a great deal of time looking for a plan that would actually be accepted for direct bill at a US hospital with an in network contracted rate. That's a situation that's actually relevant to the original post. What somebody purchased to visit Costa Rico or Mexico is actually a different question.

There is more than one way to go about it, and I don't discourage anyone from looking at all options, but the OP was asking for actual examples, and I offered mine. If you have one, please share. Generic advice is not that helpful in this situation, neither is calling out my credibility when you aren't taking the time to offer anything specific.

You probably should look into travel insurance next time.. You probably overpaid. They have comprehensive plan that covers more than just the medical.

[Dakine10 5,452]

The child is not their responsibility unless they have been delegated responsibility by the child's parents. There's no law that requires a host to have health insurance for their guest.They are only trying to protect themselves if something bad should happen.. it is not a law and stop repeating it to make it seem like it is.

OP only stated that they want the child to come an visit her family this summer in Michigan.

Now, let me address the underlined parts for you.

(1) it doesn't matter where the hospital is, if the insurance company covers you in that country, its good...That's why it is called TRAVEL insurance.

(2) OP is not required to assume any financial responsibility for the visitor. Regardless of age. That's why B-1/B-2 visas are given based on the applicant's own MERIT.

OP is only trying to look out for herself. Example, in case of an accident on her watch and/or at her residence, she could be sued..

(3) I still don't get why you don't understand that part. OP were to allow the child's family to acquire a travel insurance for their child (because it is their responsibility), then it is best to use a Travel insurance company in Mexico. Because, insurance claims take a while to clear and by that time, the child would probably be in Mexico. Try dealing with a US company or even average folks who are unfamiliar with paperwork from outside US & Canada.Top it with translation...

I bet it would be cheaper to get a travel insurance for the child period.

An adult has to sign treatment consent for a minor. This will include financial consent. The child's parents are not here. This responsibility will fall on the adults who are with the child at the time of treatment. This is not the same scenario as an adult visitor. All adults are responsible for themselves. There is no law that requires insurance, but there is a law that requires adult consent before a minor be treated except in emergency situations. The bill will ultimately come to whoever signs that consent.

Now, I have never said insurance won't cover you from any where. They can buy reputable insurance from any country. What I have said is not all travel insurance has direct billing options, and not all travel insurance is contracted at in network rates. And not all plans have 24 hour customer service in the USA. It is my opinion, from experience that they will have an easier time finding this here. I would welcome you to offer them a plan that would work for them.

[Dakine10 5,452]

As a matter of interest you show Russia as Country, never been to Russia, but I have been to 32 countries last count and only ever bought Travel Insurance..

Who do you recommend buying Medical Insurance in Russia?

If I ever buy travel insurance to go to Russia, I'll let you know. For Russians coming to the USA, I have already told you what I recommend.

When I visit Canada, I use Pacific Blue Cross. Their pre-certification requirements are a nuisance, but I am happy with their coverage. I can't make an absolute recommendation unless I actually have to use the plan, which I haven't. What matters most is how they work when if need them.

[Dakine10 5,452]

You probably should look into travel insurance next time.. You probably overpaid. They have comprehensive plan that covers more than just the medical.

In all the years my inlaws have visited, we have had one ER visit and two specialist follow ups when my father in law broke his ankle. They used to visit for a month each year, and the insurance purchases we made annually paid for themself with that one visit. If they had bought travel insurance from Ukraine, where my inlaws lived at the time, chances are the hospital would still be trying to collect.

[Boiler 45,522]

In all the years my inlaws have visited, we have had one ER visit and two specialist follow ups when my father in law broke his ankle. They used to visit for a month each year, and the insurance purchases we made annually paid for themself with that one visit. If they had bought travel insurance from Ukraine, where my inlaws lived at the time, chances are the hospital would still be trying to collect.

OP is talking about visiting from Mexico, I am pretty certain I never had any dealing with Ukraine, have no idea about their local market.

Did look up http://www.visitorscoverage.com/visitor-health-insurance/plans/, noticed that the covers is limited, deductibles are high and never seen co-insurance on a Travel Insurance policy.

[Dakine10 5,452]

OP is talking about visiting from Mexico, I am pretty certain I never had any dealing with Ukraine, have no idea about their local market.

Did look up http://www.visitorscoverage.com/visitor-health-insurance/plans/, noticed that the covers is limited, deductibles are high and never seen co-insurance on a Travel Insurance policy.

I understand that. I'm not saying they won't find something comparable in Mexico. I am giving my opinion based on the plans I am familiar with. As I said, I'm not sure what plans are available from Mexico. If someone has experience with specific plans available in Mexico it would be helpful. I still say direct billing and network contracted rates are major concerns that people overlook until it's too late. The main thing is to understand what the plan is giving you before you buy and before you need to use it. You don't want to find out it's lacking when you have to use it.

The plan I suggested (Atlas), I looked at it for a 10 year old and for $500,000 maximum coverage with $500 deductible, it's $60 a month. That's with 20% coinsurance up to $5000, so the OOP maximum would be $1500. I don't think that's bad. I would still encourage people to check all available options.

We had a similar discussion before, I recall.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/518223-medical-coverage-for-visiting-parent/

[Boiler 45,522]

I understand that. I'm not saying they won't find something comparable in Mexico. I am giving my opinion based on the plans I am familiar with. As I said, I'm not sure what plans are available from Mexico. If someone has experience with specific plans available in Mexico it would be helpful. I still say direct billing and network contracted rates are major concerns that people overlook until it's too late. The main thing is to understand what the plan is giving you before you buy and before you need to use it. You don't want to find out it's lacking when you have to use it.

The plan I suggested (Atlas), I looked at it for a 10 year old and for $500,000 maximum coverage with $500 deductible, it's $60 a month. That's with 20% coinsurance up to $5000, so the OOP maximum would be $1500. I don't think that's bad. I would still encourage people to check all available options.

We had a similar discussion before, I recall.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/518223-medical-coverage-for-visiting-parent/

Low limits, high deductibles, expensive premiums, co-insurance, lacking major elements included in a Travel Insurance policy.

What's not to like?

[Dakine10 5,452]

Low limits, high deductibles, expensive premiums, co-insurance, lacking major elements included in a Travel Insurance policy.

What's not to like?

Hard to say. You haven't presented anything yet. Suggest a policy and we can compare. If you find better coverage for less, I'm interested to hear and perhaps the OP is also.

[Boiler 45,522]

As my Spanish is not that hot I looked up the AXA UK site, AXA also being a major player in Mexico and of course worldwide including the US.

Up to £10 million medical cover
Up to £5,000 cancellation cover
24/7 emergency helplines
Cover available for volcanic ash and strikes
70 sports and activities covered as standard
Quick and easy online medical screening
Make a claim online anytime, anywhere

It has been many years since I was in the Market but the minimum recommended for US trips then was £5 million medical cover.

Excesses (Deductibles) have gone up, £100 average seems the average.

http://www.axainsurance.com/travel/policy-summary/policysummary_172.pdf

[az2014 381]

I've been horribly wrong before, but never horribly horribly wrong.

Anyway google is your friend. You don't have to take my word for it, but I can point you in the right direction. If I'm wrong, so are the insurance agents, because they'll tell you the same thing.

http://www.visitorscoverage.com/visitor-medical-insurance/

Visitors Medical Insurance from the USA

If you are visiting USA, considering buying travel insurance from USA. A US based travel medical insurance is recognized by a larger number of hospitals and doctors in USA compared to international policies. Convenience, 24/7 customer support, peace of mind and hassle-free claims are some of the benefits of buying policies from a US based insurance company.

US based major health insurance companies, including United Health Care, MetLife Insurance, Aetna Insurance, Kaiser Insurance, BlueCross Insurance, BlueShield Insurance, and AAA Insurance do not offer travel or Visitor Insurance for foreign visitors coming to America. Visitor medical insurance is offered by specialty insurance companies.

Here is a list of some of the best US based Visitor Medical Insurance Plans.

Travel Insurance from Your Home Country

There are several non-US companies that provide Travel Medical Insurance. A non-US visitor insurance policy may not provide the same level of coverage as a US-based insurance company. There are several differences in insurance purchased from home country vs. US-based insurance provider.

A major disadvantage with these policies is that they are not accepted by many of the hospitals and doctors in USA. Hence, when you need to claim your expenses later on, you may encounter a lot of paper work, correspondence, and frustrating follow ups.

Those plans are terrible. I wonder how much they are cos it doesnt state.

Last year I got annual travel insurance...including the USA...for...£33 so about $50.

Had a quick look and most of the limits are higher than on the plans on the link you posted, as well as including stuff like baggage, cancellation etc.

[Dakine10 5,452]

As my Spanish is not that hot I looked up the AXA UK site, AXA also being a major player in Mexico and of course worldwide including the US.

Up to £10 million medical cover

Up to £5,000 cancellation cover

24/7 emergency helplines

Cover available for volcanic ash and strikes

70 sports and activities covered as standard

Quick and easy online medical screening

Make a claim online anytime, anywhere

It has been many years since I was in the Market but the minimum recommended for US trips then was £5 million medical cover.

Excesses (Deductibles) have gone up, £100 average seems the average.

http://www.axainsurance.com/travel/policy-summary/policysummary_172.pdf

It's a good policy. One issue I see is AXA does not list any direct bill hospitals in the USA, although they have an 800 number for inquiries. They list many hospitals in other countries. Without direct bill, you have to pay first and submit the claim for reimbursement. If your OK with doing that, it's fine. Not everyone can or wants to go that way.

AXA's UK policy also appears to be they will only sell travel plans to the legal guardian of an unaccompanied minor. AXA USA does not appear to sell policies for unaccompanied minors at all. Unfortunately my Spanish is also not good enough to read their Mexico site. Could be an issue.

I wasn't able to find a price for the premiums.

Edited March 15, 2016 by Dakine10

[Dakine10 5,452]

Those plans are terrible. I wonder how much they are cos it doesnt state.

Last year I got annual travel insurance...including the USA...for...£33 so about $50.

Had a quick look and most of the limits are higher than on the plans on the link you posted, as well as including stuff like baggage, cancellation etc.

I didn't buy from that website. I just linked to their explanation. The website I use is a well known site, but the website name is redacted by the visa journey censor.

What company and plan did you use?

[az2014 381]

I didn't buy from that website. I just linked to their explanation. The website I use is a well known site, but the website name is redacted by the visa journey censor.

What company and plan did you use?

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/enquiry/

Searched on here, plenty to choose from.

[Boiler 45,522]

Or travel by Tube, every other advert used to be for Travel Insurance.