Comparison of Visitor insurance

[b9modi]

Hi,
I really appreciate the open discussion on this forum and hope you guys can help me understand this insurance mubo-jumbo!

I. I understand that it is better to buy a comprehensive coverage over a fixed coverage and that most individuals had a bad experience with ICICI.
However, I was wondering how could ICICI (& United Health) claim that it can provide diagnostic tests with a daily allowance for hospitalization set at meager $25/day !!
"This covers medical cost due to illnesses or accidents, including outpatient & inpatient medical expenses, medical aid, therapies and diagnostic test. It also covers medical evacuation costs back to India.
NOTE - We also cover Pre-existing Ailments and Maternity in case of life-threatening situations."

I was also wondering if Tata-AIG is just as bad as ICICI-UHI !!

II. Since there seems to be an agreement in this community that it is better to purchase an insurance in US rather than from the home country, I was wondering if there was a simple comparison between the various plans available.

Apparently there are two Atlas plans in the list that adds to the confusion:
Atlas America
(In-Network, Direct Billing ONLY)
&
Atlas America
Plan pays 80% for the first $5,000, then 100%


III. Now the third and final confusion is regarding the pre-existing condition coverage. It is unfortunate and a known fact that almost every other person in India, over the age of 50, seem to suffer from high blood pressure &/or diabetes. If these are not covered, one would at least expect a simple age related physical checkup or some diagnostic tests (blood test or ECG) done as a preventive measure to be covered to ensure that they can maintain better health during the trip that could sometimes be longer than 3 months. The FAQ provided by Insubuy may seem harsh, but it does portray the unfortunate reality - https://www.insubuy.com/visitor-medi...ng-conditions/
So the final and personal question is:
What insurance should I buy for my diabetic father (age:59) who seems to have his blood sugar under control with few units of insulin that he has to take every day?
Further, I would prefer to have him consult a doctor here during his visit, so we can get a second opinion on his medical history.

Thanks
Modi

[insubuy]

Thank you for your interest in purchasing visitors insurance for your father.

1.
It is certainly better to purchase the visitors insurance from the U.S. based company.

Please read https://www.insubuy.com/visitors-ins...ia-comparison/ to understand the difference between buying from India vs US in detail.

Please note that most companies in India provide only fixed coverage plans for the persons above the age of 55 years. Here, in the U.S., you can buy fixed or comprehensive coverage plans for any age.

2A.
Please visit https://www.insubuy.com/ Once you enter the criteria, you will see many different insurance plans available in the U.S. market. You will see the instant quotes from various plans. You can also compare them side by side by in great details right on this web site.

2B.
Please note that Atlas America is just one plan, it is not two separate plans. Complete details about Atlas America Insurance.

Atlas America insurance participates in First Health/PHCS/CMN PPO networks. If you visit the provider in the PPO network and they bill directly, it covers 100% up to the poilcy maximum after the deductible. Otherwise, after the deductible, it pays 80/20 for first $5,000 and 100% after that. This is clearly described at https://www.insubuy.com/atlas-americ...ors-insurance/

The PPO networks are very big networks all across the country and most people should have not have any difficulty finding a provider in their area. You can search for the providers at https://www.insubuy.com/hccmis-ppo-network/

Of course, all of the payments are for eligible expenses only.

3.
Atlas America Insurance is a good visitors insurance plan. In addition to the new medical conditions after the effective date of the policy, it will also cover up to $15,000 in acute onset of pre-existing conditions for persons less than 70 years of age.

Of course, it will not cover any routine expenses related to his diabetes. Physical check up and diagnostic tests related to pre-existing conditions are not covered. (It is advised that he get them done in India before traveling.) Also, it will not cover any expenses related to the second opinion of his medical history. No short term insurance plan would cover that as it would be a pure loss to any insurance company. You will have to just pay them out of your pocket.

Please refer to Atlas America Insurance for complete details on this plan.

You should also read Visitors Insurance Expectations article.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to post them here or contact us at any time.

[b9modi]

Thanks for the prompt response

Dear Narendra & Jagruti,
Please confirm if I can purchase the insurance online or on the phone tomorrow with tomorrow's date as the effective date on the policy.

Thanks
Hemal.

[insubuy]

If the person has already departed from the home country, Atlas America insurance is effective on the date of application.

If the person has not yet departed, Atlas America insurance can be effective as early as the next day or any future date you specify.

It is exactly the same rule whether you apply online at Atlas America Insurance or on phone by calling us toll-free at (866) INSU-BUY.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at any time or post here.

[insubuy]

Dear Mr. Modi,

I just checked and found out that you purchased the Atlas America Insurance for your father.

Thank you for your business.

If you have any further questions or need any help, please feel free to contact us at any time.