Top Features to Consider in USA Visitors Insurance
Traveling to the USA can be an amazing experience, but it requires a lot of planning. One of the most important parts of this planning is understanding what you would do if you became sick or got hurt. The USA has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. Most people simply cannot afford medical treatment here without health insurance. Visitors medical insurance can protect you.
But with so many choices available, which features of visitors medical insurance are right for you? Here are our top features to consider when selecting a plan:
Visitors Insurance Plan Types
There are two primary types of USA visitor insurance coverage: Fixed coverage plans and comprehensive coverage plans. Here are the basics of them.
Extension and Cancellation
Due to the geographic isolation of the US, most trips here are longer than those to other locations. Because your travel plans may change, it’s important to purchase a visitors insurance plan that can be extended in case you need to stay longer. And if you need to return home early, having a cancellable plan that can reimburse you for the unused portion of the insurance is invaluable.
PPO Network Participation
Nearly all comprehensive coverage visitors insurance plans participate in a PPO network. Some common names of these PPO networks include United Healthcare, First Health, and others. These are networks of physicians, labs, and hospitals all across the country. When visiting in-network providers, you can take advantage of network-negotiated rates and direct “cashless” billing if the provider allows it. This means you pay less both upfront and in the end for treatment vs. treatment without a PPO network.
US-Based Insurance Company
It’s important to purchase insurance from a US-based insurance company or administrator. In case you need to use the insurance, you’ll want a company that is available to help you locally. In addition, most insurance plans from companies based outside of the US are not accepted within the US.
Price
Price should never be your primary consideration when purchasing visitors insurance, but it is a factor. However, remember that insurance prices are regulated by federal law in the US, so the same coverage is the same price regardless of who you buy it from. It’s better to shop based on the benefits plans offer and how valuable those benefits are for you.
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Fiancé Visa Medical Insurance
You’re likely familiar with the K1 visa, also known as the fiancé visa. This visa allows a non-American to enter the country for the purpose of marriage to a US citizen, which must occur within 90 days of their arrival.
After marriage, most will plan on being added to their spouse’s health insurance. However, this isn’t something that can occur immediately. Many US insurance companies require the insured to be a US resident for at least six months, one year, or two years in some cases. Your fiancé on a K1 visa will not satisfy these requirements. In addition, even an eligible person can only enroll in regular domestic health insurance during an open enrollment period.
As an interim solution, we offer excellent fiancé visa medical insurance. Consider these plans if you’re looking for K1 visa insurance:
Fiancé/Fiancée Visa Insurance FAQ
How do I know if I’m eligible to purchase these plans?
If you’re traveling to the US on a K visa, you are eligible to purchase these plans. Please read the policy documents of the plan you’re interested in for more information.
Can I buy coverage for a month and then extend it if I need to?
Yes, monthly extensions are possible with some of these plans.
Is maternity covered?
No. Maternity is not typically covered with these plans.
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Are birth control pills covered?
Birth control pills are not typically covered with these plans.
Are my non-US citizen children on K2 visas eligible to enroll?
Yes, K2 dependents are allowed to enroll in these plans.
Is the medical exam for my child’s school admission covered?
Medical exams for school admission are not typically covered with these plans.
How can I get the excluded conditions above covered?
Unfortunately, your only option will be to wait until you are able to enroll in domestic major medical insurance through your spouse, your employer, or the healthcare exchange.
Avoid These Foods Before Flying This Summer
With the TSA predicting this to be the busiest summer air travel season in history, there’s a pretty good chance you’re taking a flight this year. In addition to packing correctly and bringing all of the required documents along, it’s also important to eat right before you board. The wrong food can make an otherwise pleasant flight downright miserable.
To avoid an uncomfortable experience, skip eating these foods before you fly.
Complex Carbs
Foods like beans, starchy vegetables like potatoes, whole-wheat bread, rice, pasta, etc. result in uncomfortable gas when your body is subjected to air pressure changes like you experience on a flight. Though it doesn’t affect everyone, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Cruciferous Vegetables
You may not be familiar with the term, but you’re likely familiar with the foods. Cruciferous vegetables include things like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, and brussels sprouts. Though healthy, these foods contain loads of fiber and complex sugars that lead to bloating and cramps as the plane climbs and descends.
Garlic and Onions
While eating garlic and onions is unlikely to make you uncomfortable on a flight, the same can’t be said for your fellow passengers. They’re a common source of bad breath, so at least be sure to bring plenty of mints if you insist on eating them.
Coffee
For some, coffee is a necessity. But you should at least moderate your consumption before flying. Caffeine is a diuretic that dehydrates you, which is the last thing you want when sitting in a low-humidity airplane cabin. Diuretics also make you have to urinate frequently, which can lead to an uncomfortable experience when the “fasten seatbelt” sign is on and you’re unable to go.
Chewing Gum
Though commonly used by passengers to relieve ear popping as the plane climbs and descends, gum lets a lot of excess air into your body that results in bloating, cramping, and excessive gas. If not for yourself, avoid chewing gum on flights for the good of your fellow passengers.
What Should You Eat Before a Flight?
Typically, the best pre-flight meal is something light such a banana, a smoothie, or a small salad with avocado and nuts. Foods like these can satiate you for the time being without causing too much gastric distress. And don’t worry, you’ll be free to indulge in whatever you like once you reach your destination!
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