How to Choose Between a Limited or Comprehensive Insurance Plan
As you explore the range of options available for travel medical insurance, you will encounter two distinct types of travel medical insurance: limited and comprehensive travel health insurance. This may prompt you to wonder, "which type of coverage is best suited to my needs?"
Delving deeper into the differences between limited and comprehensive coverage will help you make an informed decision and empower you to select the visitors insurance policy that is most appropriate for your unique travel circumstances. Read on to gain a comprehensive understanding of the features and benefits of each coverage type.
What is a Limited Travel Insurance Plan?
Limited coverage insurance offers fundamental protection and typically comes with a lower premium than comprehensive coverage plans. This type of insurance has a predetermined and fixed amount for each benefit. Any expenses that go beyond the fixed amount are the policyholder’s responsibility and must be paid out-of-pocket. With limited coverage plans, you are also responsible for paying a deductible for each instance of medical care received due to illness or injury. For example, if your policy comes with a $100 deductible, you must pay this amount for each treatment before your insurance coverage kicks in per injury or illness. For example, if you receive treatment for separate illnesses or injuries during your policy period, you need to satisfy the deductible for each visit. However, if you have multiple visits for the same injury or illness, you just have to satisfy the deductible once for treatment related to that same ailment.
The benefits of a limited insurance plan include:
- More affordable with lower premiums
- Offer basic medical protection
- Have a pre-defined, fixed benefit coverage amount
- Per sickness or injury deductible
We recommend the limited insurance plan ChoiceAmerica Insurance which offers basic coverage for visitors to the U.S., Canada and Mexico with pre-existing conditions and INF Premier Plus.
What is a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan?
Another advantage of comprehensive plans is their one-time deductible, which is only paid once per policy period. This means that even if you require multiple treatments, you only pay the deductible once. Additionally, many comprehensive visitors insurance plans offer travel-related benefits, such as coverage for lost baggage.
The main highlights of comprehensive coverage plans include:
- Better, more extensive medical protection
- Percentage-based coverage
- One time deductible
- Some include travel related coverage
- Coverage for hospitalization, emergency room, and urgent care for new sickness or injury
We recommend CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance, which offers comprehensive coverage for visitors to the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Another example of a comprehensive insurance plan is Patriot America Plus.
Limited vs. Comprehensive Coverage: Which is Better?
Comprehensive coverage insurance is the preferred choice for most travelers due to its superior protection. While limited coverage plans provide basic travel medical protection, they may only cover a small amount of your medical bills in the case of a serious sickness or injury. This may not be sufficient, especially in the United States where medical costs are notoriously high.
A comprehensive coverage policy is a better option for travelers who are more at risk of becoming sick or injured or who plan on participating in adventurous or strenuous activities during their trip. With a comprehensive plan, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're well-protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Regardless of which insurance plan you choose, investing in travel medical insurance is a wise financial decision that can help safeguard against the high costs of unexpected medical bills. Once you decide which type of coverage is best for you, learn how to select a deductible and how to select a policy maximum to find the best visitors insurance policy to suit your individual needs.
