Travel Insurance Experience in the USA

My Experience with Travel Insurance in the USA 🇺🇸

Hey everyone! I recently received compensation from my travel insurance, and I’m excited to share my experience with you all! This is a personal account that I hope can provide some useful insights and tips. 📝

Background Information 🏥

My mom came to the USA to visit me, but she has pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Before her trip, I did some research and purchased the Jingdong Premium Insurance for a period of 180 days, costing around 1800 RMB. In February, my mom experienced heart discomfort and was worried about a heart attack, so she went to the Emergency Room, which cost over $1700.

A few days ago, I submitted a claim online for reimbursement and was pleasantly surprised to receive the full amount back in just a few business days! 😄 (I initially thought there would be some back-and-forth). Let’s dive into some important details.

Which Insurance Should You Buy? 🤔

For those of you thinking about purchasing international insurance for your parents or family members, note that most travel insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. Always check the policy to ensure it covers any existing medical issues. For instance, Jingdong offers two main types:

• Premium Insurance: Covers three classes of pre-existing conditions.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance: Does not cover pre-existing conditions.

If you purchase the Worldwide Travel Insurance and later need to visit the ER for a pre-existing condition, like cardiovascular issues, you won’t be reimbursed—it’s considered an exclusion.

When and How Long to Purchase Insurance? ⏳

International travel insurance in China typically must be purchased before departure. You can choose your coverage duration. My mom planned to stay in the USA for about 150 days, but since the cost was the same, we went with the 180-day option.

How to File a Claim? 📄

Here’s a general overview of what documents you need to prepare:

• Doctor’s diagnosis that states the reason for the ER visit.
• Itemized receipt for the medical services incurred, detailing the costs of each procedure.
• Keep all receipts associated with payments made at the hospital.
• Departure record from China (can be found in the Jingdong app), as well as your arrival record in the USA (I-94 form, readily available online).
• Photocopies of your ID, passport, and the insured person’s bank details.

Once you have all the documents ready, you can follow the instructions to submit your claim through the Jingdong Allianz Insurance WeChat account and await the review.

Other Important Considerations 🔍

I noticed one item which mentioned that treatment lasting under 24 hours can be reimbursed. To ensure coverage, I made sure the hospital visit didn’t exceed this timeframe.

Understanding the US Healthcare System 🏥

In the USA, there are two types of urgent care facilities. Urgent care is generally less expensive but offers limited services and operates only during the day. Emergency Rooms are more costly but provide comprehensive treatment. If you inform the hospital that you don’t have insurance and are a self-payer, you can often receive a discount. In my mom’s case, the $1700 bill was cut in half! 💵

Conclusion ✈️

Securing the right travel insurance is crucial, especially when family members have pre-existing health issues. I hope my experience helps you navigate your options for international travel insurance. Stay safe and informed on your travels in the USA!