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When Rohan finally booked tickets for his parents to visit him in New Jersey, it felt like a dream come true. It had been three years since he last hugged them. His mother was excited to see snow for the first time. His father couldn’t stop talking about visiting Times Square.
But two weeks before their trip, Rohan heard a colleague’s story that shook him.
His colleague’s father had slipped in the bathroom during his US visit and fractured his hip. The hospital bill was over $38,000. Because they didn’t buy proper travel insurance, they had to dip into savings and take out a loan to cover the expenses.
That’s when Rohan realised that bringing your parents to the USA is not just about booking flights and planning sightseeing. It’s about protecting them in a country where healthcare is very expensive. If you’re planning to invite your parents, here’s why travel insurance for parents visiting the USA is essential: it’s not optional.
Why Is Travel Insurance So Important for Parents Visiting the USA?
According to the studies, healthcare costs in the USA are significantly higher than in India. It often costs 10 to 20 times more for similar procedures.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Aspect | Typical Cost in the USA (USD) |
|---|---|
| Doctor Consultation | $150–$600 |
| Emergency Room Visit | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Hospital Stay (Per Day) | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Surgery | $20,000–$100,000+ |
Now imagine your parents, who may be in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, facing a medical emergency in this system.
Unlike India, where family doctors and affordable hospitals are available, the US healthcare system requires good insurance coverage. That’s why insurance for parents visiting the USA from India becomes a financial safety net.
What Risks Should You Be Prepared For?
Even if your parents are healthy, travel can lead to unexpected health issues. Some common risks include:
- Sudden heart problems
- Blood pressure or diabetes complications
- Accidental falls, especially during winter
- Food-related infections
- Jet lag problems
- COVID or seasonal flu
Those who are travelling in their golden years are more susceptible to medical complications. That’s why picking the right travel insurance for senior citizens visiting the USA from India is important.
What Does Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA from India Cover?
Not all policies are the same. When you buy travel insurance for parents visiting the USA from India, check for these key features:
High Medical Coverage Limit
The U.S. is one of the most expensive countries for medical care. Even a short hospital stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why selecting the right coverage limit is important.
For senior parents above 60 years of age, the recommended coverage is:
- Minimum Coverage: $100,000
- Ideal Coverage: $250,000 to $500,000
Coverage for Hospitalisation
Hospitalisation coverage is essential for any decent medical insurance for parents coming to the USA from India. Ensure that the policy includes:
- Inpatient treatment
- ICU charges
- Surgery
- Doctor consultations
- Diagnostic tests
A comprehensive health insurance for parents visiting the USA must cover these basics.
Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases
One of the most important things to consider when buying travel insurance for the USA is pre-existing disease coverage. Most parents over 55 have conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart conditions
- Arthritis
Look specifically for policies that cover pre-existing conditions, especially for life-threatening emergencies related to them. Many plans cover sudden flare-ups of pre-existing diseases, meaning unexpected issues are included.
Repatriation of Mortal Remains
While it’s tough to consider the worst-case scenarios, being prepared is important. If someone dies during the trip, travel insurance usually covers the transportation of the remains back to India or the arrangement of the last rites at the same place. This coverage helps prevent financial stress from adding to the family’s grief.
Other Travel-Related Emergencies
Medical coverage is crucial, but your overseas travel insurance must also protect against non-medical emergencies that can disrupt your trip and lead to unexpected expenses. Some of these events include:
- Trip cancellation or interruption due to medical emergencies or family crisis.
- Loss or delay of checked-in baggage, especially during a long-haul international trip.
- Flight delays or missed flight connections that result in additional accommodation expenses.
- Loss of a passport or an international driving license.
- Personal liability coverage in case of accidental damage or injury to a third party.
Does USA Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Diseases?
This is one of the most common and most important questions families ask when buying travel insurance for parents visiting the USA from India. Most parents over 50 already have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, asthma, or heart issues.
Here’s the truth: Yes, USA visitor insurance can cover pre-existing conditions, but only in life-threatening situations.
For example: Suppose your father has a history of heart disease that has been stable for years. While visiting you in the U.S., he suddenly feels severe chest pain and is rushed to the emergency room. Doctors diagnosed him with a life-threatening heart attack. In this case, if you have bought travel insurance for parents visiting the USA from India that includes acute-onset coverage, the policy may cover emergency hospitalisation and critical treatment because the situation is life-threatening.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
One of the first questions families ask when planning a U.S. visit is, “How much will travel insurance actually cost?”
The good news is that, compared to U.S. hospital bills, the premium is surprisingly affordable. Let’s understand this with a simple case study.
Case Study
Rajesh (62) from Bengaluru planned a 07-days trip to the United States to spend time with his son and meet his newborn grandchild.
Since his father had no pre-existing conditions, his son decided to buy travel insurance for his father's visit to the USA from India. Let us calculate the USA travel insurance cost using a travel insurance premium calculator:
| Insured Member(s) | Age | Any Pre-existing Disease | Sum Insured | Policy Duration | Premium Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 62 years | No | $25,000 | 07 days | ₹ 1054~ |
~The above-mentioned travel insurance premium is calculated based on the assumption that the insured members have not been diagnosed, hospitalised or undergone any treatment in the last 48 months, with add-ons that impact the premium reduction. Also, the premium may change if the insured person has already made a claim under a travel policy.
Can’t They Use Indian Health Insurance Abroad?
This is a common question. Many people assume their parents’ existing Indian health insurance will work abroad. Most Indian health insurance policies:
- Often, they do not provide international coverage.
- May offer limited reimbursement with complicated claim procedures.
- It may not support direct billing in US hospitals.
US hospitals usually demand proof of valid insurance or upfront payment. That’s why it's highly recommended to have specific travel insurance for parents visiting the USA from India. It is made just for temporary overseas travel.
How to Choose the Right USA Travel Insurance Plan for Parents?
Choosing a travel insurance plan for parents visiting the USA from India can be simple. Follow this step-by-step approach to pick a policy that provides the necessary protection your parents need:
- Check Age Eligibility: Many plans have age limits or change pricing based on age. Make sure the plan you select accepts seniors at your parents’ ages and offers benefits suitable for their life stage.
- Prioritise Medical Coverage Limits: Healthcare costs in the USA are quite high. Choose a plan with high medical coverage limits, ideally between $250,000 and $500,000. This ensures they have adequate protection against serious illness or hospitalisation.
- Understand Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: If your parents have existing health issues, check whether the plan covers the acute onset of those conditions. Always check which conditions are covered and whether there are any waiting periods or coverage limits.
- Check Network Hospitals and Cashless Facilities: Pick insurers that have cashless agreements with US hospitals. This makes medical treatment easier because hospitals can bill insurance companies directly, reducing upfront costs.
- Look Beyond Medical: Travel-Related Benefits: An ideal USA travel insurance plan should also offer trip cancellation or interruption coverage, baggage loss or delay protection, flight delay reimbursement, and emergency assistance services.
- Read Policy Inclusions and Exclusions Carefully: It is highly recommended to check the policy terms and conditions before buying. Check the coverage, policy wording, and limits on specific treatments and services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Travel Insurance Plan
When buying insurance for parents visiting the USA from India, families often make these mistakes:
❌ Waiting Until Arrival in the USA: Insurance should be purchased before travelling. Some policies don’t provide coverage once the journey has begun.
❌ Ignoring Pre-Existing Condition Clauses: Not checking if the USA insurance covers pre-existing conditions is a major mistake.
❌ Choosing the Cheapest Plan:
A low premium often means:
- High deductible
- Limited coverage
- More exclusions
When it comes to your parents’ health, focus on value, not just cost.
Note: If you are looking for the best travel insurance plan, choose Care Health Insurance’s Explore Travel Insurance plan. It is one of the best choices that a customer can make. We offer 24/7 global assistance, easy claim settlements, and coverage for both travel and medical-related emergencies.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just Insurance, It’s Responsibility
Bringing your parents to the United States is a moment of pride and joy. It also comes with responsibility. Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive, and even a short hospital visit can result in overwhelming bills. That’s why choosing the right travel insurance for parents visiting the USA from India is essential, especially one that covers pre-existing conditions in emergencies. The right policy ensures your parents can enjoy their trip with confidence and that you have complete peace of mind.
Also Read: How Do Pharmacies in the US Work?
Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
