California is known for its diverse landscapes and activity offerings, making it an inspiration-seeker’s paradise with venues for every kind of traveler. If you plan a trip to this beautiful state, appropriate visitor insurance is recommended. Read further to understand the right health insurance for visitors in California.
What is Visitor Insurance?
Visitor insurance is travel medical insurance designed for US visitors to cover unexpected medical expenses, such as sickness, injuries, and accidents. Whether you are traveling on a tight schedule or budget, visitor insurance is the best way to find excellent healthcare at affordable prices.
Why Do You Need Visitor Insurance in California?
California’s healthcare system is among the best-known in the world. However, the cost of medical care in California is higher than most destinations worldwide. This can be a huge surprise for anyone traveling from a nation with free healthcare or burdening those traveling on a budget. A good health insurance plan for visitors to California can offer excellent healthcare coverage across all 50 states, reducing any financial burden and allowing you to enjoy your trip in peace.
What Does Visitors’ Health Insurance Cover?
Visitor Health Insurance for California is beneficial in covering unexpected medical expenses and offers several benefits for travelers visiting California. Some of the key benefits include —
- Doctor Visits
- X-Rays and Labs
- Hospitalization
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Ambulance
- Prescription/ Medications
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Return of Mortal Remains
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Visitor Insurance Plan
When purchasing a visitor insurance plan, choosing one that meets your healthcare needs is essential. The terms and conditions vary from one plan to another, so knowing which has the coverage to serve you the best is crucial. Some of the factors you want to consider when choosing a visitor insurance plan in California are —
Plan and Coverage
Depending on your health, lifestyle, and age, you may choose between fixed or comprehensive coverage plans. Fixed plans offer lower protection compared to comprehensive coverage plans, and they are ideal for those with fewer health risks and medical needs. On the other hand, comprehensive coverage plans offer higher protection and are more highly recommended because of their higher policy maximum and coverage.
Price/ Premium
The premium plays a huge role in your final decision to purchase a visitor health insurance plan. It is determined based on age, duration of travel, type of coverage(fixed or comprehensive), deductible, and policy maximum.
Additional Support
An important factor you want to consider is additional support that can assist you at any point during your trip. Ensure the plan has flexible office hours that work across various time zones and offers support in your language of preference. This extensive support can help you find the right healthcare professionals.
Cost of Visitor Insurance in California
The cost of visitor insurance in California depends on several factors, such as —
- Age
- Duration of the Policy
- Type of Coverage
- Deductible
- Policy Maximum
No one price fits all since everyone’s medical needs differ. This also includes factoring in other factors, such as the nature of the trip and the types of activities undertaken.
To protect yourself and your loved ones during your trip, visit our website to calculate the cost of visitor insurance in California.
What is the best visitor insurance for California?
Visitor Insurance plans for California can be split into two categories: fixed and comprehensive.
- Fixed plans have caps on maximum payouts for each medical procedure, providing limited coverage and making them affordable for many.
- Comprehensive plans provide broader coverage. You are responsible for your deductible and coinsurance; the insurance plan covers the rest up to the policy maximum for covered expenses.
Here are some of the plans we recommend at VisitorPLANS for those visiting California.
1. Atlas America
Atlas America is one of the most preferred comprehensive coverage plans providing coverage for visitors. Since this is a widely recognized plan, you can rest assured of its extensive benefits. Some of the critical benefits of Atlas America’s plan include the following —
- Coverage for unexpected medical expenses, including COVID-19-related expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation benefit
- Hospital Room and Board,
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Local Ambulance
2. Patriot America Plus
Patriot America Plus is yet another top-rated comprehensive travel medical insurance plan by IMG (International Medical Group), explicitly designed for non-US citizens traveling to the US. It is highly recommended for its extensive coverage options for medical services, such as hospitalization, room and board, ambulance, emergency dental treatment related to accidents, medical evacuation, and acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
3. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is among the top comprehensive plans for visitors coming to the USA. Some of the benefits of this plan include —
- Hospital Room and Board Expenses
- ICU Room and Board Charges
- Physician’s Visits
- Prescription Medication
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
4. Patriot America Platinum
Patriot America Platinum is a comprehensive coverage plan that provides coverage of unexpected medical expenses for non-US citizens traveling outside their home country for a minimum of five days up to a maximum of three years. The key benefits of Patriot America Platinum —
- COVID-19 coverage for travelers to the US
- Higher policy maximum limits compared to most plans
- Urgent Care Center
- Hospital Emergency Room
5. Visitors Protect
Visitors Protect is one of our highly recommended comprehensive travel health insurance plans. It offers the excellent medical assistance and coverage you require, lasting 90 days up to 12 months, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. Let’s look at some of the key benefits of Visitors Protect –
- COVID-19 coverage treated the same as other illnesses
- Walk-in Clinic
- Hospital Emergency Room
- Hospitalization/ Room & Board
- Physician Visits/ Expenses
Best Visitors Insurance for Parents Visiting California
With a higher risk of medical emergencies, it is important to get your parents and seniors the best healthcare in the easiest way possible. Here are some of the best visitor insurance for parents visiting California by age group.
For ages 0-69
- Atlas America
- Patriot America Plus
- Patriot America Platinum
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
- Visitors Protect
For ages 70-79
- Atlas America
- Patriot America Platinum
- Visitors Protect
For ages 80 years and above
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
- Safe Travels Advantage
- Visitors Protect
International student medical insurance for studying in California
Considering a good insurance plan for international students studying in California is important. Consider factors such as university requirements, network of healthcare providers, location, coverage required, etc. Ensure your plan has sufficient coverage for your medical needs, including routine checkups and mental health services. Some of the plans we recommend for international students studying in California —
Student Secure— This plan is for students up to the age of 65 who are studying outside their home country for a minimum of one month and a maximum of one year.
Student Health Advantage– This plan is for full-time non-US citizen students up to the age of 64 traveling to the USA to study and offers coverage of a minimum of 3 months up to 12 months.
Patriot Exchange Program– This plan is for non-US citizen students traveling outside their primary country of residence to study in the US up to age 64.
Health insurance for green card holders over 65 in California
Green card holders over 65 can apply for Medicare provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the program. If they do not qualify for Medicare or ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans, they can buy plans that can meet their specific needs. Here are some plans we recommend for green card holders over 65.
- For fixed coverage, we recommend Safe Travels Elite, which offers coverage for a minimum of 5 days up to a maximum of 364 days.
- For comprehensive coverage, we recommend Patriot America Plus, Patriot America Platinum, and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visitor insurance mandatory for entry into California?
No. Even though it is not a requirement, we highly recommend purchasing a suitable visitor insurance plan for California since healthcare costs are high in the United States, which can affect your budget for visiting California.
Do I need travel health insurance for California?
Yes. We recommend that visitors to California purchase travel health insurance to avoid the expensive costs of medical treatment in California and pay for unexpected medical expenses when needed.
What does travel medical insurance typically cover in California?
Travel medical insurance typically covers unexpected medical expenses, emergency medical evacuations, ambulance, prescription medications, customer support to find medical care, and treatment for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Does travel medical insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions in California?
Most plans do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Visitors Protect is the only plan with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Please check with your agent and read the terms and conditions before purchasing your plan.
Can I purchase travel medical insurance after arriving in California?
Yes. Most plans are available for purchase at any time. Some plans are only available for purchase prior to arrival. Some plans require you to purchase within 30 days of arrival.
How do I choose the right travel medical insurance for California?
Consider factors such as age, policy duration, medical needs, and cost of insurance to determine the right policy for you. You can always speak to our insurance agent to help find a suitable plan for you and your loved ones.
Can I cancel my travel medical insurance for California and get a refund?
Yes. Most plans offer a full refund if you cancel before the effective date. If you cancel after the effective date, most plans will refund you after deducting a cancellation fee. Read the terms and conditions or contact your agent.
Can I add a visitor to my health insurance?
You can only add a visitor at the time of submitting the application. You cannot add or remove a visitor after applying and after the policy’s effective date. We recommend purchasing a separate policy over the age of 18 if you miss adding a visitor because it does not make a difference in premium.
Can you put your parents on your insurance in California?
No. Because parents are not considered a dependent on your health insurance in the US, they should purchase a separate policy.
How long can I be on my parents’ insurance in California?
Anyone under 18 can be added to their parent’s insurance policy at the time of application submission.
What is the cheapest visitor insurance for California?
There is no such thing as the cheapest visitor insurance as your insurance depends on age, policy maximum, deductible, and travel duration you are selecting. Talk to our agent for a cost-effective insurance plan to cover your needs.
