Short-Term Medical Insurance for UK Visitors to the U.S.
Short-term medical insurance generally refers to travel health insurance plans designed for international travelers. Such plans are perfect for non-U.S. citizens who can access domestic healthcare services but are not eligible outside of their home country.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
From trip protection to coverage of medical expenses for unexpected illness, short-term travel medical insurance can provide comprehensive coverage for those visiting family members or friends, taking a vacation, or a short business trip in the U.S.
If you plan to stay in the U.S. for longer, international health insurance may suit you better in terms of coverage options. Nonetheless, securing health insurance in the U.S. is beneficial to you in many ways.
In this article, Pacific Prime will walk you through why you might need short-term medical insurance, your insurance options, factors to consider, and some tips to navigate through the claims process for a worry-free trip in the U.S.
Understanding the Need for Short-Term Medical Insurance
For many UK citizens, especially those who are traveling to the U.S. for the first time, healthcare is probably the least prioritized factor during trip planning. This is probably because healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) is easily accessible and readily available.
However, this might not necessarily be the case in the U.S. Healthcare can be expensive, costing you hundreds of dollars for a single doctor’s visit. Unfortunately, health insurance from the NHS won’t cover any of the costs as it only applies to UK healthcare services.
Medical events are unforeseen and can happen anytime and anywhere during your trip to the U.S., sometimes requiring urgent or intensive care, which may result in enormous bills for diagnostics and treatment. Therefore, short-term medical insurance is a potential best solution to settle the bills.
Short-Term Medical Insurance Options for UK Visitors
UK visitors who are interested in securing short-term medical insurance generally have two options: purchasing from a U.S.-based company and a UK-based company. A majority of you might not notice the slight difference between the two options.
Our recommendation would be to purchase from a U.S.-based company. Here’s why.
- Most UK-based short-term insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions, which means those who have such conditions will be denied coverage. Conversely, U.S.-based plans would cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to a certain limit.
- U.S.-based companies are more experienced in dealing with U.S. insurance providers, and it is more convenient for them to do so and follow up closely as they are in the same time zone.
- UK-based companies may require you to pay medical bills upfront, gather all required documents, and submit for claims approval. U.S.-based companies, on the other hand, participate in a PPO network where direct billing is possible by just showing an insurance ID.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Insurance
To secure comprehensive short-term medical insurance, you might want to consider several factors, such as duration of visit, age, health condition, and coverage options. You will be able to make informed decisions after evaluating these factors.
Duration of Visit
Short-term medical insurance in the U.S. provides coverage for a limited duration, usually lasting one to four months. It is flexible and affordable, making it perfect for UK visitors who do not require long-term coverage to be protected from unexpected medical expenses.
For UK visitors who are staying for just a short period (less than 14 days), short-term medical insurance may not be your best choice. Instead, travel insurance could fit your needs better.
For those who are staying for a longer period, international private health insurance is a better option in terms of accessing quality medical care within the U.S. city-state.
It is best to consult an insurance professional to advise you on the most cost-effective option depending on the duration of your trip. Pacific Prime has a team of insurance experts to provide you with impartial advice regarding insurance matters.
Age and Health Condition
The premium increases with age, so you can expect to pay less for your short-term medical insurance if you are young. Generally something not to be worried about, it is still recommended that you check out the age limit of enrollment of your desired policy.
The premium also increases with the presence of pre-existing conditions. Your insurer will evaluate your health condition and determine how much your medical insurance will be. Consumers with pre-existing conditions can be denied coverage as well.
To get a more accurate understanding of short-term medical insurance costs associated with age and health factors, contact Pacific Prime for an obligation-free quote, comparing thousands of plans from multiple global insurance providers.
Coverage Options
Emergency Care: This includes emergency medical care, such as ambulance services, emergency room visits, and urgent care clinics. These services are expensive and add up significantly with hospitalization expenses.
Prescription drugs: Extra expenses are needed for prescription drugs which can be expensive depending on the type of your medical condition. Therefore, coverage for prescription drugs, included in outpatient coverage, is advisable.
Doctor’s consultation: A visit to the doctor can be expensive. Whether you are asking for preventative advice or having a medical examination, coverage for a doctor’s consultation can come in handy.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: Emergency evacuation coverage plays a vital role in the event of a serious illness or injuries that require specialized treatment not available locally. This coverage ensures you can be transported to a suitable medical facility or back home for appropriate care.
Wellness and preventative care: Depending on the insurance company, wellness programs, preventative screenings, and health check-ups are covered. Taking a preventative approach could be rewarding in the U.S. as you can save a lot of medical expenses by taking good care of yourself.
24/7 Customer Support
It is advisable to look for insurance providers that offer 24/7 customer support. It is impossible to predict when you are going to need medical attention, so having all-time support ensures that they can speak to your local doctor and put you in good hands for the best course of treatment.
Deductibles, Copayments, and Modular Options
The flexibility of an insurance plan can be achieved by adding deductibles, copayments, or modular options. Modular options are coverage that you can selectively add to your purchased policy for wider coverage.
Deductibles are the specific amount you must pay for your medical treatments before your insurance policy pays for the rest of your claims according to the coverage scope and limit of the insurance plan.
Copayments are fixed out-of-pocket amounts paid by the policyholder for a covered healthcare service after the deductible has been paid. Splitting the cost of medical services between the insurance provider and the policyholder keeps your monthly medical bills in check.
Medical Network
Through the private healthcare system, foreigners with health insurance can access a wide range of medical practitioners and specialists in Australia. Nevertheless, your insurance provider’s connection determines the network of healthcare providers.
It is crucial that you consult your insurer and conduct research on the clinics and hospitals that are closest to you. This guarantees that your health insurance will pay your medical expenses, saving you from having to pay out-of-pocket.
Going Through the Insurance Claims Process
The insurance claims process consists of five stages: contact, appointment/treatment/ collect documents, submit documents, and follow-up. It could be frustrating to deal with all these by yourself, and here’s why you might consider working with an insurance brokerage.
Claims Process with a Broker VS without a Broker
By working with a broker, they will be responsible for all the procedures after your treatment, so you can focus on recovery without having to worry a bit about claims submissions and follow-ups. Below is a table summarizing how you can benefit from having a broker.
| Claims Processes You to Go Through | With a Broker | Without a Broker |
| Contact | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appointment/ Treatment | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collect Documents | ╳ | ✔ |
| Submit Documents | ╳ | ✔ |
| Follow-up | ╳ | ✔ |
Advantages Claims Process with a Broker
From receiving expert guidance to gaining access to a network of resources, there are ample reasons for you to work with a broker to streamline your claims process.
Expert guidance: Brokers have in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, coverage options, and claim procedures. They can provide expert guidance and help you understand the intricacies of your policy.
Advocacy and negotiation: Brokers act as your advocate when dealing with the insurance company. They have experience handling claims and can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair and prompt compensation.
Time-saving: Managing a claim can be time-consuming, involving paperwork, documentation, and communication with the insurance company. Brokers handle these tasks for you, saving you time and effort.
Claims expertise: Brokers specialize in insurance and claims. They are familiar with the intricacies of different policies, coverage limits, and exclusions. Their expertise helps you navigate the claims process effectively.
Personalized advice: Brokers work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor insurance solutions accordingly, ensuring you receive the appropriate coverage and compensation for your loss or damage.
Network of resources: Brokers often have established relationships with various insurance companies. They can tap into their network of resources to gather information, expedite the claims process, and resolve any issues that may arise during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between travel insurance and short-term medical insurance for UK visitors to the USA?
Short-term medical insurance specifically covers medical expenses during your visit to the U.S., while travel insurance may have limitations. It’s important to review the coverage details to ensure you have adequate protection.
What factors should I consider when choosing short-term medical insurance for my visit to the USA?
Consider factors like coverage limits, deductibles, pre-existing conditions coverage, duration of visit, and your health condition when choosing short-term medical insurance for your U.S. trip.
How does the claims process work for short-term medical insurance?
The claims process involves submitting necessary documentation, such as medical bills and receipts, to the insurance provider. However, the process can be made much easier by working with an insurance broker operating on a global scale like Pacific Prime.
Conclusion
Short-term medical insurance is valuable for UK residents who plan to have a short trip to the U.S., providing you with financial security against unexpected illnesses.
If you would like to have coverage worldwide, it is also advisable to secure international health insurance for more benefits in the long run.
Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience in helping expats secure the best international health insurance for their requirements and budget. Our team of insurance specialists is trained to compare and choose a policy from globally renowned insurance providers, and offer value-added services.
Contact us today for impartial advice and an obligation-free quote, and have us protect your safety during your expat journey!
Wonder what are the travel insurance options in Italy and Dubai? Read on for more!
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
- AXA Philippines: Reliable Expats Insurance - April 23, 2024
- 10 Steps to Becoming a Digital Nomad 2024 - April 18, 2024
- Expat Baby Essentials: Must-Have Items for New Parents Living Abroad - April 13, 2024
Comments
Leave a Comment