When selecting a visitors insurance plan, it's important to consider the policy maximum options available. The policy maximum is the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay for covered expenses. The available policy maximums typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the age of the traveler.
Choosing the right policy maximum can be a difficult decision as it will impact the cost of your insurance premium. It's important to note that the insurance company will not automatically choose a policy maximum for you; the decision is yours to make.
To determine the coverage limit that is right for you, it's important to carefully assess your travel needs and potential risks. Consider the length of your trip, your destination, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. It's also a good idea to research the healthcare costs of your destination to ensure you have adequate coverage.
By taking the time to assess your needs and carefully consider your options, you can choose a policy maximum that provides the right amount of coverage at a price that fits your budget.
How Much Visitors Insurance Coverage Do I Need?
You may not always need the visitors insurance plan with the highest policy maximum, even though it provides the most coverage. However, do keep in mind that choosing too low of a policy maximum could leave you liable for paying the remaining medical expenses that exceed your policy's limit.
It's important to strike a balance when selecting a policy maximum. Choosing too low of a limit could leave you vulnerable to high medical expenses in case of an unexpected illness or injury. Conversely, it may not be necessary to pay an expensive premium if you don't need a ton of coverage.
It's recommended that you consider your travel needs and potential risks carefully when selecting a policy maximum. Factors such as your destination, length of stay, and planned activities should be taken into account to ensure that you have appropriate coverage in case of any emergencies.
The appropriate policy maximum for your visitors insurance plan depends on several factors, including:
- Your trip destination
- The length of your trip
- The planned activities during your trip
- The age of travelers
Let's take a closer look at these factors to help you make a more informed decision when it comes to your visitors insurance policy maximum.
Trip Destination
When selecting a visitors insurance plan, it's important to consider the cost of healthcare in the country you'll be visiting. Healthcare costs can vary significantly around the world, with the United States and Europe being known for particularly high costs.
If you're traveling to a country with high healthcare costs, such as the US or Europe, it's crucial to ensure that your policy maximum provides sufficient coverage to avoid being responsible for any medical expenses that exceed your limit. In the event of an emergency medical evacuation, a visitors insurance plan with a $20,000 policy maximum may not provide adequate coverage.
Length of Trip
The length of your trip is also a factor when determining the right policy maximum for your visitors insurance plan. If you are planning to be away from home for an extended period, this increases the likelihood of incurring significant medical expenses over time, and a higher policy maximum can help protect you from unexpected costs. For shorter trips lasting a week or two, a policy maximum of $8 million may not be necessary and you can likely opt for a policy with a lower maximum.
Planned Trip Activities
A higher policy maximum may be a good choice for travelers planning to do a lot of sightseeing, walking, or other outdoor activities. Certain activities like skiing and hiking may not be covered by your policy and may require additional adventurous and hazardous sports coverage.
Age Restrictions
Senior travelers have fewer options when it comes to policy options. Visitors insurance for seniors over 80 often has a low policy maximum, because travel insurance companies consider elderly travelers as higher risk than younger people. Younger travelers may be able purchase a policy with up to an $8 million policy maximum, but few plans for travelers over 85 offer more than a $50,000 policy maximum.
These criteria should help you make a more informed decision when selecting a policy maximum for your visitors insurance plan. Policy maximum is one of the factors that affect the cost of visitors insurance, but remember that a higher policy maximum means less liability for you, and a lower policy maximum means less protection and higher risk. By paying a higher premium for a greater policy maximum, you may reduce your liability in case you have to use your insurance. Ultimately, the decision of how much policy maximum you need should be based on your specific circumstances and needs.
This benefit estimator tool can also help give you a better idea of medical costs in the U.S. and how to choose a policy maximum that best fits your individual needs.