Whether it is the land of opportunities or one that features stunning landscapes, beautiful manmade attractions, and a melting pot of dozens of cultures and individuals from across the world, Indians are fascinated with the United States. More than 1.5 lakh Indians visited the USA in 2023, fourth among the total tourists visiting the country, even during skyrocketing airfares and a high visa processing backlog.
This showcases the desire of Indian travellers to visit the United States of America. However, whether you are a first-time traveller or someone who has visited the country before, it is equally essential for travellers to opt for travel insurance for USA. This is because, unlike India, the US has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, and even a small visit to the hospital can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
This is where opting for USA medical travel insurance can be highly beneficial and protect travellers from bearing unnecessary medical expenses from covered medical risks. Not just this, opting for international travel insurance for USA trip can secure your journey from both medical and non-medical travel-related risks. So, let us explore some of the key benefits of travel insurance, factors to remember when choosing the best travel medical insurance for your needs, and more.
What are some key benefits of opting for travel insurance for USA trip?
As an insurance policy, the primary benefit of opting for travel insurance for USA is the financial protection from covered medical and non-medical travel-related risks. Here are some key benefits to expect from a travel insurance policy for the USA.
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Medical emergency (hospitalisation)
Travellers opting for USA medical travel insurance can expect coverage for hospitalisation due to a medical emergency. Under this benefit, policyholders can claim settlement for medical expenses incurred due to an emergency.
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Emergency outpatient treatment
Travellers can also expect coverage for outpatient treatment due to a medical emergency.
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Trip delay
If your trip departure is delayed from a common carrier due to certain conditions, travellers can expect compensation for every few hours of delay.
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Trip interruption
Suppose your trip is interrupted, and you cannot complete it due to certain set conditions. In that case, the insurer will reimburse you for additional travel expenses and non-recoverable unused accommodation costs.
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Trip cancellation
If you must cancel your trip due to unavoidable circumstances, the insurer will reimburse you for the non-recoverable travel and accommodation-related expenses.
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Medical evacuation
In case of improper medical care, travellers can request a transfer to a different medical facility covered by the insurer.
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Personal accident
In the unfortunate event of death or permanent disability due to an accident, the traveller can claim settlement from the insurer for up to the sum assured.
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Delay or loss of checked-in baggage
Delay or loss of checked-in baggage is one of the most common travel-related risks an individual faces, and travel insurance compensates for it.
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Missed connecting flight
Sometimes, due to a delay in the original carrier, travellers might miss connecting flights. This is where, with this coverage, travellers can claim compensation for the additional expenses borne due to it.
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Loss of passport
The loss of passport coverage provides reimbursement for the expenses incurred to replace a passport if it is lost.
While these coverages offer travellers confidence and peace of mind, they can differ between particular plans and insurers. Although many of these coverages are commonly offered by insurers, providing some level of parity, it is also a point of comparison considering the scope and extent of coverage.
For example, while two insurers might provide coverage for trip cancellation, the conditions to be eligible for it might differ, the payout for it may vary, and the specifics considered for a payout might differ. Similarly, while two insurers might offer the same coverages, checking the policy terms and conditions for the best picture is essential.
What are some factors in choosing the best travel medical insurance?
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Traveller’s needs
When choosing a policy, consider the traveller’s needs, such as coverage for adventure sports or coverage for pre-existing conditions.
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Travel-related requirements
Consider the requirements of the destination country or the university to get the right policy with that coverage.
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Trip duration
One of the criteria influencing the premium charged is the duration of the trip, which must be considered when choosing an insurance policy.
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Destination of the trip
Consider the trip destination for relevant coverages and protection, as different countries might mandate different requirements or needs; for the USA, consider getting a policy with high coverage for medical expenses.
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Travel itinerary
Consider what you will be doing on the trip, set up a travel itinerary, plan accordingly, and choose the right plan.
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Flexibility
Prioritise flexibility and convenience. Consider a policy that provides flexibility in terms of trip delay, cancellation, and interruption coverage. Also, look out for insurers like Niva Bupa, which provides coverage for emergency trip extensions.
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Affordability
Consider the cost of the policy and evaluate the benefits accordingly. While affordability is important, never get the cheapest policy, as it may come with cuts to essential benefits.
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Reliability of the insurer
Consider the reliability of an insurer to make the final decision, and check online reviews and testimonials for clear understanding.
How to buy USA medical travel insurance?
Travellers looking to buy the best travel medical insurance can approach a leading international travel insurance provider like Niva Bupa. From providing coverage for dozens of risks to having policies for individuals, families, groups, and students, there is something for everyone. Not only this, but Niva Bupa’s travel insurance has total coverage of up to $500,000 for affordable prices, enabling all travellers to get the right policy for their needs. In addition, purchasing travel insurance from Niva Bupa is as simple as it gets; travellers can secure their trips within minutes in just a few clicks.
Here is how you can secure your USA trip with travel insurance from Niva Bupa:
1. Visit the Niva Bupa website and click on Travel Insurance.
2. Select the type of travel, travel destination, and duration of travel and click on “view plans.”
3. Fill in the traveller’s details on the next page and click “next”.
4. On the next page, select one of the three plans distinguished based on comprehensiveness, the sum insured to cover the trip and click on “next.”
5. On the next page, fill in the required information and submit relevant documents to purchase the policy.
Conclusion
Choosing and buying the best travel medical insurance for USA trips is now easier than ever. Not only is it possible to see and compare the offerings of dozens of insurers easily, but the policies are competitively priced and offer similar coverages. However, it is crucial to consider minute differences and make the right choice to get the best policy for your specific needs, as many of these can result in inadequate coverage or claim rejection due to lacking understanding.
So follow the above-given guide to choose the best USA medical travel insurance for your needs and secure your trip so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
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