Visitor Insurance: Comprehensive vs. Fixed Benefit Plans

Comprehensive vs. Fixed Benefit Visitor Insurance Plans

VISOA.com offers a wide choice of visitors insurance, visitor health insurance, or visitor medical insurance plans from top-rated providers. Quote, compare, review, and buy the best travel medical insurance coverage instantly online – no proof of health check-up is required, no need to furnish medical record paperwork.

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Visitors Insurance Types - Understanding How They Work

If you live outside the United States, you’re not a U.S. resident or citizen, and you and/or your parents/relatives are planning a trip to the USA, understand the two broad types of visitors insurance plans is important. The biggest difference between them is how benefits for medical treatment are paid — with comprehensive coverage plans or with fixed benefit or scheduled benefit plans — in the event of the insured person become sick (illness) or hurt (injury) while traveling in America. This is very important to understand as because it directly determines the premium cost you pay to to purchase the visitors coverage and also the the level of covered benefits offered by the plan purchased.

When it comes to visitor insurance for travel to the United States, there are two main types of plans – comprehensive coverage and fixed/limited benefit coverage. Here are the key differences between them:

Comprehensive Coverage Plans

Provide more extensive medical coverage up to the policy maximum
Pay a percentage of medical costs after the deductible is met (e.g. 80% covered by insurance, 20% coinsurance paid by insured)
Usually have a PPO network of doctors/hospitals for lower negotiated rates
Cover a wider range of services like doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, etc.
More expensive premiums but lower out-of-pocket risk
Recommended for higher risk travelers, parents visiting, or those wanting maximum coverage

Fixed/Limited/Scheduled Benefit Plans

Provide fixed basic, limited, scheduled or restricted medical coverage benefits
Pay a pre-determined fixed amount for each type of medical service (e.g. $500 for an ER visit, $100 for a doctor visit, etc.)
No PPO network, so medical providers can charge any amount
Cover limited services like hospitalization, accidents, acute onset of pre-existing conditions (limited)
Lower premium costs to purchase policy, but higher potential out-of-pocket costs during use
Suitable for younger, healthier travelers on a tight budget looking for basic coverage

The main trade-off is the premium cost amount vs coverage benefits offered. Comprehensive visitor health insurance plans cost more upfront but protect you better against high medical bills. Fixed benefit visitor medical insurance plans are cheaper but cap the coverage amounts, leaving you exposed to out-of-pocket costs for major medical events. For most visitors to the US, especially those over 50 years of age or with pre-existing medical conditions or other health concerns, comprehensive coverage is highly recommended to avoid potentially avoiding out-of-pocket medical bills for emergency care expenses. But for short trips by young, healthy individuals, a fixed benefit plan can provide basic coverage at a much lower cost.

Advantages of Comprehensive Plan Over Fixed Benefit Plan

The main advantages of choosing a comprehensive visitor insurance plan over a fixed/limited/scheduled benefit plan are:

More extensive medical coverage: Comprehensive plans cover a higher percentage of medical costs up to the policy maximum, while fixed benefit plans have pre-defined limits for each type of medical service (e.g. $500 for an ER visit). This leaves you exposed to potentially high out-of-pocket costs with fixed plans.
Lower out-of-pocket risk: With comprehensive plans, your maximum out-of-pocket expense is typically just the deductible and coinsurance amounts. Fixed plans require paying any costs exceeding the fixed benefit amounts.
Access to PPO networks: Comprehensive plans provide access to a network of doctors/hospitals with pre-negotiated rates, lowering your costs. Fixed plans have no network, so providers can charge any amount.
One-time deductible: With comprehensive plans, you pay the deductible only once per policy period, even if you need multiple treatments. Fixed plans have a deductible for each illness/injury.
Travel benefits included: Many comprehensive plans bundle travel benefits like trip cancellation, baggage loss, etc. which are usually not included in fixed benefit plans.
Better coverage for pre-existing conditions: Comprehensive plans often cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions to some extent, while fixed plans provide very limited coverage for pre-existing illnesses.

Comprehensive plans offer significantly higher coverage limits, lower financial risk, and more benefits compared to fixed benefit plans, making them the recommended choice for most visitors despite being more expensive upfront. Comprehensive visitor insurance plans offer superior financial protection against the risks of high medical costs in case of a serious injury or illness compared to fixed/limited benefit plans.

Here are the key ways comprehensive plans safeguard against financial risks:

Higher coverage limits: Comprehensive plans provide much higher medical coverage limits, typically up to $100,000 or more. This protects you from the massive costs of hospitalization, surgery, or treatment for major medical events.
Percentage-based coverage: Instead of fixed benefit amounts, comprehensive plans cover a percentage (e.g. 80-100%) of actual medical expenses after the deductible. This ensures your out-of-pocket costs remain limited even for expensive treatments.
Access to PPO networks: Comprehensive plans give access to preferred provider networks with pre-negotiated lower rates for medical services. This helps control costs compared to out-of-network providers.
One-time deductible: You only pay the deductible once per policy period, even if multiple treatments are needed for the same illness/injury. Fixed plans have per-incident deductibles.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Many comprehensive plans provide at least limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, protecting you financially if a pre-existing illness is exacerbated.
Additional benefits: Comprehensive plans often bundle useful benefits like emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, travel delay coverage etc. protecting you financially beyond just medical expenses.

The higher limits, cost-sharing model, provider networks, and bundled benefits of comprehensive visitor plans significantly reduce your financial exposure and out-of-pocket risk in the event of a major medical emergency during your travels. This financial risk protection makes comprehensive coverage the recommended choice for most visitors.

Best Visitors Insurance USA – Top-Rated Comprehensive Plans

Review and buy the best visitor insurance plans for visiting USA, featuring the most popular plans and offering a wide choice of featured benefits or top-rated comprehensive visitors insurance coverage at affordable premiums.

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Visitor Insurance for Visiting USA

Review, quote and purchase a Visitor Medical Insurance plan from a US-based provider that offers Visitor Health Insurance coverage for non-US citizens visiting USA and are traveling outside their home country.

Review the Visitors Insurance Brochure page with information details that provides links to Insurance Plan Brochure for visitors insurance, visitor health insurance, visitor medical insurance, travel medical insurance, international student insurance, international health insurance, global health insurance, and more. It should be noted that you should carefully review the insurance plan brochure before making any purchase. Also, the insurance provider has the right to change coverage benefits and plan details and update the brochure at any time, in such instances, the updated insurance plan brochure of the plan provider holds good. To compare insurance plans for any similarities and/or differences between plans using our visitors insurance review and comparison page. Please always refer to individual insurance policy brochures and/or policy/certificates of insurance for complete details about each insurance plan.

Insurance Plan Brochure page with information details that provides links to insurance plan brochures for visitors insurance, visitor health insurance, travel medical insurance, international student insurance, global health insurance, and more. It should be noted that you should carefully review the plan brochure before making any purchase. Also, the insurance provider has the right to change coverage benefits and plan details and update the brochure at any time, in such instances, the updated plan brochures of the insurance plan provider holds good. To compare insurance plans for any similarities and/or differences between plans using our insurance comparison tool. Please always refer to individual insurance policy brochures and/or policy/certificates of insurance for complete details about the best suited visitors insurance plan.

Comprehensive Coverage Plans for Visiting USA

Fixed or Scheduled Benefit Plans for Visiting USA

Visitors Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance

Coverage for Travel Outside America

Travel Medical Insurance plans cover US citizens traveling outside America, or foreign nationals visiting outside their home country, excluding the United States.

Travel Medical Insurance

Group Travel Medical Insurance

Coverage for Groups of 5 ore more Traveling Outside Home Country

Group Travel Medical Insurance provides health coverage for groups of 5 or more visiting USA or other nations.

Group Travel Insurance

International Health Insurance

for expatriates, global citizens and worldwide residents

Global Health Insurance offering major medical benefits for expatriates and global residents.

Global Health Insurance

International Student Insurance

for foreign students studying in USA or outside home country

International Student Insurance coverage for foreign students in USA or for US students studying abroad.

International Student Insurance

Immigrant Insurance

for US green card holders and new immigrants

Immigrant Insurance coverage for new immigrants to USA or Canada or any other nation.

Immigrant Insurance

J1 Visa Insurance

for US J1 exchange visa program visitors and scholars

J1 Visa Insurance coverage for J1 visa holders like exchange visitors, scholars, summer interns, aupairs and foreign nannies.

J1 Visa Insurance

Europe Travel Insurance

for business, holiday, and Schengen Visa Insurance

Schengen Visa Insurance offering Europe Travel Insurance coverage for visiting Europe.

Europe Travel Insurance

Missionary Health Insurance

for missionaries traveling abroad on mission trips

Missionary health insurance coverage for international mission trips, both long-term and short-term mission trip plans.

Missionary Health Insurance

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

annual coverage for frequent travelers on multiple trips

Multiple Trip Insurance offering annual travel medical coverage for multiple trips visiting another country, for business or pleasure.

Multi Trip Insurance

Trip Cancellation Insurance

for short trips, holidays, vacationers and cruise travel

Trip Cancellation Insurance for trip loss or travel delay benefits with travel insurance.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Visitor Insurance Plans & Coverage

Visitors Insurance – For visitors to USA or international travelers, ideal option for relatives or parents visiting USA.
Global Health Insurance – For expatriates, worldwide residents or workers.
International Student Insurance – For foreign students studying in America or outside home country.
Group Travel Insurance – For groups of five or more visiting USA or traveling across borders.
Multi Trip Insurance – Annual travel medical insurance plan for business travelers or globetrotters.
Immigrant Insurance – For immigrant visa holders or new immigrants on green cards.
J1 Visa Insurance – For exchange visitors as cultural program participants, au pairs, or research scholars, etc.
Schengen Visa Insurance – For travel to Europe as tourist on vacation with Schengen visa.
Trip Cancellation Insurance – For protection of trip costs for international travelers, vacationers, or cruise travel.

Need info on other international travel medical and health insurance plans, please contact us.

Visitor Insurance Services Review

7 day/week professional customer service
Free online immigrant, travel medical and visitors insurance quotes
Best price assured! Lowest price guaranteed for all policies
Compare plans and rates from different insurance providers
Plans for all nationalities, dependents, and visiting parents or relatives
Absolute privacy of insurance subscriber information
View and download immigrant and visitors insurance plan brochure
No medical exam required to purchase visitor insurance policy
Underwritten by top US insurance companies

Contact Information:

Toll-Free (USA): 1-877-778-4562
Worldwide: +1-407-669-6400
Email: info@visoa.com

Address:

Visitor Insurance Services of America LLC
1073 Willa Springs Drive, Suite 1009
Winter Springs, Florida 32708, USA

Did you know that the premium costs are mandated by law, and you cannot find a lower quoted cost for any given policy and the same plan options selected, whether you purchase directly or through any agent/agency.

The coverage benefits and premium price you want. The peace of mind you need!
Contact us today and a licensed insurance agent can help advise and guide you!

+1-407-669-6400 (USA)

Visitor Insurance: Comprehensive vs. Fixed Benefit Plans

Comprehensive vs. Fixed Benefit Visitor Insurance Plans

Visitors Insurance Types - Understanding How They Work

Comprehensive Coverage Plans

Fixed/Limited/Scheduled Benefit Plans

Advantages of Comprehensive Plan Over Fixed Benefit Plan

Best Visitors Insurance USA – Top-Rated Comprehensive Plans

Review and buy the best visitor insurance plans for visiting USA, featuring the most popular plans and offering a wide choice of featured benefits or top-rated comprehensive visitors insurance coverage at affordable premiums.

Policies that include coverage for the global COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease pandemic are marked: COVID-19

Atlas America

Popular Plan for USA Visitors COVID-19

Patriot America Plus

Top Plan for Visitors to the USA COVID-19

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

Plan for Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19

Travel Medical Choice – USA

Popular Plan for Visiting USA COVID-19

Atlas Premium

Best Plan for Travel to USA or Intl. COVID-19

Patriot Platinum