This section provides an overview of various US and Indian insurance companies offering plans suitable for parents traveling to the USA. These insurance options include coverage for medical emergencies, pre-existing conditions, and travel-related issues. Each plan has its own advantages and drawbacks, and the listed reviews are based on customer feedback.
US Companies
Hop! Insurance
Underwriter: Crum & Forster SPC, AIG, Tideview Risk SPC
Website: Hop! Insurance
Pros:
- Affordable rates starting at $45/month for older travelers.
- Covers pre-existing conditions and provides guaranteed cashless claims.
- 24/7 concierge service, telemedicine, and VIP airport perks.
- United Healthcare PPO network for discounts.
Cons:
- The 7-2-1 reporting rule (7 days for non-emergencies, 2 days for emergencies, 1 day for travel issues).
Reviews:
- New company with positive early reviews.
SafeVista Insurance
Underwriter: Tideview Risk SPC, Convex Insurance UK Ltd
Website: SafeVista Insurance
Pros:
- Economical plan for acute onset conditions, typically cheaper than competitors.
- Up to $1 million in coverage for people under 70.
- UTI coverage, uncommon in similar plans.
Cons:
- Coverage mainly limited to emergencies related to pre-existing conditions.
Reviews:
- Positive feedback for customer service and claims handling.
International Medical Group (IMG)
Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance
Website: IMG Global
Pros:
- Offers a range of plans with moderate coverage.
Cons:
- Poor reputation for handling claims.
- Numerous complaints and lawsuits regarding denied claims, especially for pre-existing conditions.
Reviews:
- 1/5 stars on Yelp and BBB, frequent issues with pre-existing condition coverage.
Tokio Marine (WorldTrips)
Underwriter: Lloyd’s of London
Website: WorldTrips
Pros:
- Offers coverage up to $1 million for medical emergencies.
- Low to medium cost depending on the plan.
Cons:
- Limited pre-existing condition coverage.
- Numerous customer complaints, particularly regarding COVID-19-related claims.
Reviews:
- Frequent claim denials for pre-existing conditions.
Trawick International
Underwriter: Nationwide
Website: Trawick International
Pros:
- Low-cost option for people without pre-existing conditions.
- Offers decent coverage for sicknesses and accidents.
Cons:
- Limited coverage for COVID-19 and pre-existing conditions.
- Capped benefits for serious illnesses in older travelers.
Reviews:
- 4/5 stars on Trustpilot, ideal for budget-conscious travelers without major health concerns.
Seven Corners
Underwriter: Lloyd’s of London, Tramont Insurance of Bermuda
Website: Seven Corners
Pros:
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions, up to $10,000.
- Comprehensive plans with high limits for emergency medical care.
Cons:
- Pre-existing coverage is limited for travelers over 75.
- Numerous customer complaints about claims delays.
Reviews:
- 1/5 stars on Yelp, 4/5 on Trustpilot.
INF Insurance
Underwriter: Crum & Forster SPC
Website: INF Insurance
Pros:
- Best option for full pre-existing condition coverage.
- Cashless claims, guaranteed appointments through WhatsApp.
- United Healthcare PPO network provides substantial discounts.
Cons:
- Higher premiums, especially for older travelers.
- Premier plan only covers fixed benefits, which may not be sufficient for large claims.
Reviews:
- 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot, praised for its pre-existing condition coverage and ease of use.
Cigna Global
Underwriter: Cigna Europe Insurance Company S.A.-N.V.
Website: Cigna Global
Pros:
- Comprehensive medical coverage, including cancer treatment, pregnancy, and mental health.
- Suitable for green card holders or long-term residents.
- Access to global telehealth and wellness programs.
Cons:
- Very high premiums, often $1,700/month for older travelers.
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Reviews:
- Positive for comprehensive coverage but not suitable for travelers with pre-existing conditions.
Indian Companies
Apollo Munich (HDFC Ergo)
Underwriter: HDFC Ergo General Insurance
Website: Apollo Munich Insurance
Pros:
- Basic travel insurance with reasonable coverage for emergencies.
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions not covered.
- Excludes war, military operations, hazardous sports, and drug-related incidents.
Reviews:
- No major reviews available.
Bharti AXA
Underwriter: Bharti AXA General Insurance
Website: Bharti AXA Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Affordable coverage, with some benefits for life-threatening situations.
- Basic medical coverage.
Cons:
- Strict exclusions for pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
- Poor customer service, claims frequently denied.
Reviews:
- Negative reviews, especially regarding claims related to pre-existing conditions.
Bajaj Allianz
Underwriter: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
Website: Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical coverage.
Cons:
- Excludes pre-existing conditions, HIV/AIDS, and cosmetic treatments.
- Numerous complaints about denied claims and poor customer service.
Reviews:
- Customers reported poor handling of claims and delays in processing.
SBI General Insurance
Underwriter: SBI General Insurance
Website: SBI General Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Offers solid travel insurance coverage with basic exclusions.
Cons:
- Excludes pre-existing conditions, mental health, suicide, and dangerous sports.
- Limited coverage for chronic conditions.
Reviews:
- No major reviews found.
Royal Sundaram
Underwriter: Royal Sundaram General Insurance
Website: Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Basic travel insurance coverage.
Cons:
- Excludes pre-existing conditions and a variety of other medical issues.
- Numerous exclusions related to hazardous activities and self-inflicted injuries.
Reviews:
- Negative reviews about slow claim processing and lack of coverage for significant medical conditions.
Religare
Underwriter: Religare Health Insurance
Website: Religare Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Provides basic travel insurance for medical emergencies.
Cons:
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions, hazardous sports, or criminal activities.
- Negative reviews about claims being denied and poor customer service.
Reviews:
- Customers reported multiple issues with denied claims, especially related to flight delays and medical emergencies.
ICICI Lombard
Underwriter: ICICI Lombard General Insurance
Website: ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel insurance for international travel.
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions and routine exams are not covered.
- Numerous exclusions, including cosmetic surgeries and outpatient treatments.
Reviews:
- Negative reviews regarding claims denial and customer service during medical emergencies.
Reliance
Underwriter: Reliance General Insurance
Website: Reliance Travel Insurance
Pros:
- Basic travel insurance for international travelers.
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions not covered unless life-threatening.
- Multiple exclusions, including mental health, alcohol/drug abuse, and criminal acts.
Reviews:
- Customers frequently reported slow claim processing and arbitrary denials.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of travel insurance options for parents traveling to the USA. Be sure to carefully review policy documents and customer experiences before making your decision.
