(866) INSUBUY
(866) 467-8289
 8 AM - 9 PM CST Seven Days a Week Source ID: Insubuy
(866) INSUBUY467-82898 AM - 9 PM CST Seven Days a Week

Tourist Insurance FAQ

Buy Tourist Insurance
Tourist Insurance FAQ

What is tourist insurance?

Tourist insurance is an international visitors insurance when you travel outside your home country. It is a short term travel health insurance

What does tourist insurance cover?

Tourist insurance will generally cover any medical conditions, injuries or accidents that may occur after the effective date of the policy. It will not cover any pre-existing conditions, preventive check ups or elective procedures. However, some plan do cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to some extent up to a certain age.

I am healthy. Why do I need tourist insurance?

This is a common myth that healthy people do not need tourist insurance. The possibility of you getting into a new medical condition is the same for any given age whether you are healthy or not. Insurance is not for sick people but if something unforeseen and unexpected happens to otherwise healthy person.

When you are traveling outside your home country (international travel), tourist visa insurance would cover you against jet lag problems, stomach upset, diarrhea, motion sickness, urinary tract infections, fever, flu, pneumonia and many other such things which may happen to an international traveler.

I already have health insurance in my home country. Why do I need additional tourist insurance?

The insurance in your home country may not provide adequate coverage outside home country. Even if it provides international coverage, it may be emergency only (no minor ailments) and it would be considered out of network, with high deductible, high coinsurance and high out of pocket maximum. Additionally, it will not cover other travel related benefits such emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains. Even regarding the health insurance, if you were to fall sick or get injured in a foreign country, many hospitals may require upfront payment or guarantee of payment before they treat you, even in life threatening emergency. And your domestic health insurance may not be able to provide them with such guarantee. you may have to arrange for a large sum of money yourself which may not be possible for most people. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to purchase tourist insurance.

I may most likely need the tourist insurance because of my pre-existing conditions due to my age. However, tourist insurance does not cover that. What is the use of tourist insurance?

Tourist insurance is a short term travel medical insurance and it is not meant to cover everything and you can not eliminate the risk completely. However, most people can reduce the risk of financial exposure to a large extent by purchasing tourist insurance that covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to some extent up to a certain age.

I have heard that U.S. hospital can not refuse the treatment in a life threatening emergency. Therefore, why should I waste my money buying tourist insurance?

Even though it is true that U.S. hospital can not refuse treatment in a life threatening emergency, it does not mean that they have to provide the complete treatment but only stabilizing treatment. Also, it does not mean that it would be free. Hospital can demand payment from whoever sponsor your trip to the U.S. or the whoever took you to the hospital. They need a financial guarantor who has social security number. Please note that most hospitals are private hospitals who run their business for profit and you should not assume that you would be the first tourist there and they would not know how to handle such patients. Over the time, they have mastered the skill of getting the payment out of you and/or your relatives. Therefore, it is best to be safe and purchase tourist insurance while visiting USA, as the healthcare costs are very high in the U.S.

My credit card company says that they will provide tourist insurance when I travel. Why should I buy tourist insurance in that case?

You should really read the details of the tourist insurance provided through credit card companies. Many times, the coverage amount is so small that it will not be sufficient at all. Some of them may cover only car rental damage or something similar but not if you were to get sick or injured in a foreign country. Most credit card companies do not provide adequate tourist insurance and that is why there are insurance companies that provide tourist insurance.

I am visiting a foreign country for a very short duration. What can really happen to me in that short duration? Why should I buy tourist visa insurance in that case?

Anything can happen to anyone at any time, even in a short term international trip. If you are going on a short trip, tourist insurance will be very low cost and you should have even more reason to purchase it to protect yourself from unforeseen sickness or injuries or accidents.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

Did you know?

Prices are regulated by law.

You cannot find a lower price anywhere for the same product.

Learn More

Why purchase insurance from Insubuy®?

Same Price. Better Service.®

There are many advantages in purchasing from Insubuy® and no disadvantages.

Learn More

Visiting USA?

Healthcare costs are very high in the U.S.

Buy U.S. based visitors insurance and enjoy your trip.

Learn More

Traveling abroad?

Did you know that your insurance may not cover you abroad or that it may only provide limited coverage?

Purchase travel medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.

Learn More

New immigrant to USA?

You would not be eligible to enroll in Medicare for the first 5 years.

Purchase new immigrant medical insurance to bridge the gap.

Learn More

Going on a vacation?

You could lose your non-refundable trip costs if you had to cancel your trip.

Buy a trip cancellation insurance package plan and be worry-free.

Learn More

Are you an exchange visitor to USA?

The U.S. Department of State requires all J visa holders to purchase compliant insurance.

Buy J visa medical insurance to meet your requirements.

Learn More

Traveling to Europe?

Schengen countries require most non-US citizens to purchase Schengen visa insurance.

Make an instant purchase online and get instant visa letter.

Learn More

Traveling frequently throughout the year?

You don’t need to purchase travel insurance for every trip.

Purchase annual multi trip travel insurance for your travels.

Learn More

International student in the U.S.?

Most schools require international students to purchase health insurance.

Purchase international student health insurance that meets most school requirements.

Learn More
Print
Frequently Asked Questions

To continue with the application please scroll down to confirm this notice

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS SPECIAL NOTICE

1. THE INSURANCE POLICY THAT YOU ARE APPLYING TO PURCHASE IS BEING ISSUED BY AN INSURER THAT IS NOT LICENSED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. THESE COMPANIES ARE CALLED "NONADMITTED" OR "SURPLUS LINE" INSURERS.

2. THE INSURER IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT THAT APPLY TO CALIFORNIA LICENSED INSURERS.

3. THE INSURER DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE INSURANCE GUARANTEE FUNDS CREATED BY CALIFORNIA LAW. THEREFORE, THESE FUNDS WILL NOT PAY YOUR CLAIMS OR PROTECT YOUR ASSETS IF THE INSURER BECOMES INSOLVENT AND IS UNABLE TO MAKE PAYMENTS AS PROMISED.

4. THE INSURER SHOULD BE LICENSED EITHER AS A FOREIGN INSURER IN ANOTHER STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR AS A NON-UNITED STATES (ALIEN) INSURER. YOU SHOULD ASK QUESTIONS OF YOUR INSURANCE AGENT, BROKER, OR “SURPLUS LINE” BROKER OR CONTACT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER 1-800-927-4357. ASK WHETHER OR NOT THE INSURER IS LICENSED AS A FOREIGN OR NON-UNITED STATES (ALIEN) INSURER AND FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSURER. YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NAIC’S INTERNET WEB SITE AT WWW.NAIC.ORG.

5. FOREIGN INSURERS SHOULD BE LICENSED BY A STATE IN THE UNITED STATES AND YOU MAY CONTACT THAT STATE’S DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT INSURER.

6. FOR NON-UNITED STATES (ALIEN) INSURERS, THE INSURER SHOULD BE LICENSED BY A COUNTRY OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND SHOULD BE ON THE NAIC’S INTERNATIONAL INSURERS DEPARTMENT (IID) LISTING OF APPROVED NONADMITTED NON-UNITED STATES INSURERS. ASK YOUR AGENT, BROKER, OR “SURPLUS LINE” BROKER TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT INSURER.

7. CALIFORNIA MAINTAINS A LIST OF APPROVED SURPLUS LINE INSURERS. ASK YOUR AGENT OR BROKER IF THE INSURER IS ON THAT LIST, OR VIEW THAT LIST AT THE INTERNET WEB SITE OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE: www.insurance.ca.gov.

8. IF YOU, AS THE APPLICANT, REQUIRED THAT THE INSURANCE POLICY YOU HAVE PURCHASED BE BOUND IMMEDIATELY, EITHER BECAUSE EXISTING COVERAGE WAS GOING TO LAPSE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS OR BECAUSE YOU WERE REQUIRED TO HAVE COVERAGE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS, AND YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THIS DISCLOSURE FORM AND A REQUEST FOR YOUR SIGNATURE UNTIL AFTER COVERAGE BECAME EFFECTIVE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS POLICY WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF RECEIVING THIS DISCLOSURE. IF YOU CANCEL COVERAGE, THE PREMIUM WILL BE PRORATED AND ANY BROKER’S FEE CHARGED FOR THIS INSURANCE WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU.

07/11
LSW1146D
Frequently Asked Questions

Cuba Notice

Travel to Cuba remains subject to restrictions imposed by U.S. sanctions, administered by the US Treasury. Only those who qualify for travel authorized under US Treasury's regulations and who comply with the terms of such authorization can legally travel to Cuba. Individuals traveling to Cuba must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for travel authorized under one of the general licenses outlined below:

Criteria for travel authorized by the US Treasury

If you have read and agree to the terms of both Notices: California and Cuba, please click the continue button if you wish to complete the application process. Otherwise, please click cancel to abort the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

To continue with the application please scroll down to confirm this notice

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS SPECIAL NOTICE

1. THE INSURANCE POLICY THAT YOU ARE APPLYING TO PURCHASE IS BEING ISSUED BY AN INSURER THAT IS NOT LICENSED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. THESE COMPANIES ARE CALLED "NONADMITTED" OR "SURPLUS LINE" INSURERS.

2. THE INSURER IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT THAT APPLY TO CALIFORNIA LICENSED INSURERS.

3. THE INSURER DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE INSURANCE GUARANTEE FUNDS CREATED BY CALIFORNIA LAW. THEREFORE, THESE FUNDS WILL NOT PAY YOUR CLAIMS OR PROTECT YOUR ASSETS IF THE INSURER BECOMES INSOLVENT AND IS UNABLE TO MAKE PAYMENTS AS PROMISED.

4. THE INSURER SHOULD BE LICENSED EITHER AS A FOREIGN INSURER IN ANOTHER STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR AS A NON-UNITED STATES (ALIEN) INSURER. YOU SHOULD ASK QUESTIONS OF YOUR INSURANCE AGENT, BROKER, OR “SURPLUS LINE” BROKER OR CONTACT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER 1-800-927-4357. ASK WHETHER OR NOT THE INSURER IS LICENSED AS A FOREIGN OR NON-UNITED STATES (ALIEN) INSURER AND FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSURER. YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NAIC’S INTERNET WEB SITE AT WWW.NAIC.ORG.

5. FOREIGN INSURERS SHOULD BE LICENSED BY A STATE IN THE UNITED STATES AND YOU MAY CONTACT THAT STATE’S DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT INSURER.

6. FOR NON-UNITED STATES (ALIEN) INSURERS, THE INSURER SHOULD BE LICENSED BY A COUNTRY OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND SHOULD BE ON THE NAIC’S INTERNATIONAL INSURERS DEPARTMENT (IID) LISTING OF APPROVED NONADMITTED NON-UNITED STATES INSURERS. ASK YOUR AGENT, BROKER, OR “SURPLUS LINE” BROKER TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT INSURER.

7. CALIFORNIA MAINTAINS A LIST OF APPROVED SURPLUS LINE INSURERS. ASK YOUR AGENT OR BROKER IF THE INSURER IS ON THAT LIST, OR VIEW THAT LIST AT THE INTERNET WEB SITE OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE: www.insurance.ca.gov.

8. IF YOU, AS THE APPLICANT, REQUIRED THAT THE INSURANCE POLICY YOU HAVE PURCHASED BE BOUND IMMEDIATELY, EITHER BECAUSE EXISTING COVERAGE WAS GOING TO LAPSE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS OR BECAUSE YOU WERE REQUIRED TO HAVE COVERAGE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS, AND YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THIS DISCLOSURE FORM AND A REQUEST FOR YOUR SIGNATURE UNTIL AFTER COVERAGE BECAME EFFECTIVE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS POLICY WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF RECEIVING THIS DISCLOSURE. IF YOU CANCEL COVERAGE, THE PREMIUM WILL BE PRORATED AND ANY BROKER’S FEE CHARGED FOR THIS INSURANCE WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU.

07/11
LSW1146D
Frequently Asked Questions

If you have read and agreed to the terms of this notice and wish to continue, please click the continue button. Otherwise, please click cancel to abort the application process.

Cuba Notice

Travel to Cuba remains subject to restrictions imposed by U.S. sanctions, administered by the US Treasury. Only those who qualify for travel authorized under US Treasury's regulations and who comply with the terms of such authorization can legally travel to Cuba. Individuals traveling to Cuba must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for travel authorized under one of the general licenses outlined below:

Criteria for travel authorized by the US Treasury

I certify that I have read the above and that all individuals applying for coverage qualify for travel authorized under one of the general licenses per US Treasury regulations.

Reset Application

Pressing “CONFIRM” will reset the whole application and erase all the data previously entered.

If you have already saved this application, you will still be able to retrieve the application with the information previously entered. Details for retrieval would have been given at the time of saving, which can be done any time after the initial quote.