The United States is distinguished from many other nations by a particularly developed visitor travel insurance system. American's themselves expect certain benefits in an individual health insurance policy and the companies typically offer this.
Most American visitor health insurance companies have been around for a substantial amount of time. They earn letter ratings based upon the financial viability of the company. Meanwhile, foreign insurance companies may be relatively new and carry no independent ratings. Another problem is that many U.S. providers are unfamiliar with the foreign insurance provided.
Visitors insurance policies issued by U.S. companies typically use a preferred provider organization, or PPO network. These networks contract reduced pricing with health care providers to perform services at a lower rate. The PPO network also allows health care bills to be directly sent to the insurance company. Foreign insurance companies may promise that their coverage is accepted everywhere, but this decision is usually left to the providers themselves.
Insurance cards are issued to customers who hold a visitors medical insurance plan through an American company. Doctors' offices will typically request a copy of this card upon entry. Foreign visitor insurance companies don't always issue an insurance identification card, presenting problems in paying for services. Without a card, most providers won't be willing to bill a company overseas.
Customers also have the choice of a 'fixed rate' or 'comprehensive' plan through American insurance companies. Foreign companies enforce strict age restrictions, and may refuse to cover anyone over the age of 70. The lack of legal regulation of insurance companies overseas prevents transparency and equitable coverages.
If one has a problem with an American based insurance company not paying appropriately, one can file a grievance with the insurance regulatory committees. There is no such organization in other countries to regulate insurance companies.
Finally, when it comes to insurance for visitors, price is not everything. Obviously, it needs to be taken into consideration, but in comparing U.S. companies with foreign ones, often it is a case of one getting what they pay for.
Obviously visitor health insurance is an essential part of traveling. Differences between American company and foreign company offerings should be examined closely. U.S. companies will typically offer better services and guarantees of payment; this type of security is difficult to find in foreign insurance policies. - 15432
Most American visitor health insurance companies have been around for a substantial amount of time. They earn letter ratings based upon the financial viability of the company. Meanwhile, foreign insurance companies may be relatively new and carry no independent ratings. Another problem is that many U.S. providers are unfamiliar with the foreign insurance provided.
Visitors insurance policies issued by U.S. companies typically use a preferred provider organization, or PPO network. These networks contract reduced pricing with health care providers to perform services at a lower rate. The PPO network also allows health care bills to be directly sent to the insurance company. Foreign insurance companies may promise that their coverage is accepted everywhere, but this decision is usually left to the providers themselves.
Insurance cards are issued to customers who hold a visitors medical insurance plan through an American company. Doctors' offices will typically request a copy of this card upon entry. Foreign visitor insurance companies don't always issue an insurance identification card, presenting problems in paying for services. Without a card, most providers won't be willing to bill a company overseas.
Customers also have the choice of a 'fixed rate' or 'comprehensive' plan through American insurance companies. Foreign companies enforce strict age restrictions, and may refuse to cover anyone over the age of 70. The lack of legal regulation of insurance companies overseas prevents transparency and equitable coverages.
If one has a problem with an American based insurance company not paying appropriately, one can file a grievance with the insurance regulatory committees. There is no such organization in other countries to regulate insurance companies.
Finally, when it comes to insurance for visitors, price is not everything. Obviously, it needs to be taken into consideration, but in comparing U.S. companies with foreign ones, often it is a case of one getting what they pay for.
Obviously visitor health insurance is an essential part of traveling. Differences between American company and foreign company offerings should be examined closely. U.S. companies will typically offer better services and guarantees of payment; this type of security is difficult to find in foreign insurance policies. - 15432
About the Author:
Ray Sondeo frequently writes about insurance for international travelers and visitors.
