The United States is distinguished from many other nations by a particularly developed visitor 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.
American visitors insurance policies are connected to a PPO network. PPO is a preferred provider organization, and it is a network of contract hospitals, doctors and providers. This network allows providers to be billed directly. In other countries, insurance companies may promise that the insurance policy will be accepted everywhere. Whether or not hospitals and doctors choose to accept it is another matter entirely. Without accountability, one takes a risk with foreign insurance companies.
Most American doctor's offices request an insurance card upon a patient being admitted. Visitors medical insurance companies will generally provide this though foreign policies will not necessarily provide it. Without this card, many American doctors will refuse the policy; not wanting to bill overseas.
In American insurance companies, customers can choose a fixed rate or comprehensive policy based upon which best suits their needs. Other countries' policies have age restrictions and many don't insure seniors over 70 years. Many countries also do not have a legal system to reign in insurance companies.
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 visitors 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.
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.
American visitors insurance policies are connected to a PPO network. PPO is a preferred provider organization, and it is a network of contract hospitals, doctors and providers. This network allows providers to be billed directly. In other countries, insurance companies may promise that the insurance policy will be accepted everywhere. Whether or not hospitals and doctors choose to accept it is another matter entirely. Without accountability, one takes a risk with foreign insurance companies.
Most American doctor's offices request an insurance card upon a patient being admitted. Visitors medical insurance companies will generally provide this though foreign policies will not necessarily provide it. Without this card, many American doctors will refuse the policy; not wanting to bill overseas.
In American insurance companies, customers can choose a fixed rate or comprehensive policy based upon which best suits their needs. Other countries' policies have age restrictions and many don't insure seniors over 70 years. Many countries also do not have a legal system to reign in insurance companies.
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 visitors 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.
About the Author:
Ray Sondeo frequently writes about insurance for international travelers and visitors.
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