ChoiceAmerica vs. VisitorSecure
When it comes to traveling abroad, any unexpected mishaps can easily occur, which is why it is extremely important to ensure that you are adequately protected with a travel medical insurance policy and ChoiceAmerica and VisitorSecure are two plans that may catch your eye during your search for proper protection. At a glance, these plans may appear to be very similar, but in reality, they are actually very different. In order to identify the plan that is best for you and your individual travel needs, you must first understand their differences.
ChoiceAmerica and VisitorSecure are limited coverage or budget plans, meaning they pay a fixed, pre-defined amount for each treatment or service after the deductible is satisfied. Both of these plans provide coverage within the U.S. and are renewable for up to 12 months. The key differences between each of these plans are highlighted in the comparison chart below:
- Administered by IMG
- Coverage only in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
- Coverage for border entry denial
- Coverage available for loss of passport and essential travel documents
- Optional riders available for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports and dental & vision
- Covers COVID-19
- Covers Influenza Vaccination
- Must be purchased within 30 days of arriving in U.S.
- If no claims have been filed, policy can be cancelled and refunded for a $20 cancellation fee
- Limited pre-existing condition coverage rider with no restrictions to an acute onset
- Not available in Maryland or New York or to residents in specific countries including the United States and certain countries in Africa
- Policy maximum up to $150,000
- Available up to age 79
- Administered by WorldTrips
- USA and International coverage
- No coverage for border entry denial
- No coverage available for loss of passport and essential travel documents
- No optional rider available for extreme sport and amusement park injuries
- Must be purchased within 30 days of arriving into the U.S for those over the age of 65
- If no claims have been filed, policy can be cancelled and refunded for a $25 cancellation fee
- Coverage up to $100,000 for acute onset of pre-existing conditions for ages 70 and under
- Not available for purchase to residents of Maryland, New York, and Washington
- Policy maximum of $130,000
- Available up to age 79
COMMON EXCLUSIONS (What's not covered)
- Preventative care (immunizations, routine medical exams)
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Terrorism coverage
- Trip interruption coverage
- Pregnancy and maternity care
BEWARE: Risk of Limited Plans
Limited coverage insurance plans may be less expensive, but come with higher liability risks. Since limited travel insurance policies only cover a fixed, pre-defined amount for each benefit, you pay for any costs that exceed the pre-defined amount for any given medical treatment or service, and those medical costs could potentially run up to thousands of dollars.
Example: If you have a limited coverage policy with a limit of $400 for ambulance services, which costs about $2,000, then you have to pay the difference – a liability of $1,600.
