Travel Insurance For USA From India

Over one million people travel from India to the US every year, and over three million people of Indian origin reside in the US. Some enter the country on F1 student visas or J1 exchange visitor visas, and others on H1B work visas, with many Indians remaining in the US on green cards, eventually becoming US citizens. Naturally, those living in the US want their families to visit them from India on B2 tourist visas. No matter the situation, the US is one of the top destinations for travelers from India, and each of them should be covered by proper travel insurance.

Why is a Travel Insurance Necessary to Travel from India to the USA?

Many US visitors from India are familiar with paying cash for medical treatment. In the US this is simply not possible. The cost of medical care is the highest in the world here, and visitors and citizens alike need insurance to pay for the cost of treatment. Visitors to the USA can purchase this coverage in the form of visitors insurance.

Buying Travel Insurance from USA vs India

Though you may be tempted to purchase travel insurance from a company in India rather than an independent US brokerage like Insubuy, there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t. Let’s compare the basics of travel insurance purchased from USA companies and travel insurance from companies in India.

Broker/Agent
USA India

In order to sell health insurance in the U.S., the person or the company has to be licensed as an insurance agent/agency. The agent goes through training, takes an extensive exam and is regulated by a department of insurance. The agent is generally well aware of how U.S. health care works.


Overseas travel insurance is mostly sold through travel agents when you buy your airline tickets. Travel agents generally do not go through any formal training in selling insurance, are not regulated by government authorities for insurance, and are not aware of how health care works in the U.S.

Insurance Companies
USA India

Most insurance companies have been around for a long time and have a lot of experience in dealing with the U.S. health care system.

There are reliable companies with proven track records. Companies are rated A-, A, A+ or A++ by A.M. Best Company.

There are many choices to suit your needs based on your budget and the amount of coverage that you wish to purchase.

Private insurance companies are relatively new and have little experience. They may be well-known names in India because they have been around for years in other industries such as automobile and banking, but not because of their insurance experience. More importantly, most providers in the U.S. do not know them. Even though some of these private companies collaborate with foreign companies, they are still companies with a presence only in India.

PPO Network
USA India

Most products are connected to a PPO network. PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. It is a network of doctors, hospitals and other providers who are contracted with the insurance company. When you go to a provider in the network, they recognize the insurance, generally bill the insurance company directly, and charge the company the network-negotiated fees.

There is no PPO network, and you can go to any doctor. However, who is going to accept the insurance? You have to consider what may happen when you really need the insurance. You would first have to ask the hospital or doctor whether they will accept insurance from a company in India, bill the insurance company in India, and deal with claims in India. If they say no, regardless of what the agent/insurance company told you, you will have to pay the provider(s) up front and file for reimbursement from the insurance company later.

Insurance Card
USA India

Whenever you go to the doctor or the hospital, the first thing the receptionist asks for is your insurance card. If you buy from a U.S. company, you will get a health insurance card that is imprinted with the insured person's name, certificate (policy) number, PPO network logo, claims filing address in the US, and a phone number in the U.S. to call to verify the coverage. An insurance card is required for providers to consider direct billing.

You will not get an insurance card. Therefore, most providers will not be willing to bill the insurance company directly, especially if it is based overseas. In fact, many companies have noted in their claims procedure that you have to first pay the provider directly in the U.S., and then, on your return, provide the company with the proof of return to India and file for reimbursement in rupees.

Cashless/Direct Billing
USA India

See the information for PPO networks and insurance cards above. When you go to a participating provider within the network, most doctors and almost all hospitals are willing to bill the insurance company directly.

See the information for PPO networks and insurance cards above. You will have to pay the provider out of pocket first and then file for reimbursement from the insurance company. In fact, many companies may require that you call them first (in places like New Delhi) to get permission to visit a doctor. Otherwise, you may not be covered. There are no network-negotiated fees.

Coverage Type
USA India

There are two types of visitors insurance plans available in the US: Fixed coverage plans are cheaper and provide limited coverage. Comprehensive coverage plans are more expensive and provide more extensive coverage.

If a plan is comprehensive, it is comprehensive for all ages. If a plan is fixed, it is fixed for all ages.

Click here to read more information about visitors insurance types.

Most private companies in India offer only fixed coverage plans and only for people age older than 55 years (older than 50 years in some companies). Many times this fact is not even mentioned in the brochure and may not be explained to you. It may be written only in the details of the policy, which most people do not bother to read.


Renewal
USA India

If you extend your stay in the U.S., you can renew the insurance for up to one, two or three years, depending upon the product. Please note that this is a true extension and not a repurchase of the insurance. Therefore, if a covered illness or injury occurs in a previous period, it would be covered during this renewed period as well - as long as you renew your policy before the expiration date.

If you extend your stay, there is no renewal option. Some companies may offer what they call a renewal, but, in reality, it is a repurchase. And, a repurchase will be allowed only if no claims have occurred under a previous policy (i.e., the policy about to expire or expired).

Moreover, if a person is staying or traveling abroad and wants coverage outside of India, IRDA regulations only allow an Indian citizen to purchase an insurance policy from an Indian company for a maximum of 182 days.

Cancellation/Refund
USA India

If you leave the U.S. earlier than expected, most products - provided no claims have been submitted since the effective date of the policy - will give you a refund for the pro-rated duration of the policy minus a $25 cancellation fee.

Click here to read more information about cancellation/refund rules for visitors insurance.

No refund will be offered.

Grievances
USA India

In the event that an insurance company does not pay appropriately, you can contact the insurance regulatory authorities in the U.S. The insurance industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States and the government rules are very strict. You have a much greater chance of getting the benefits stipulated for in the insurance policy with this support.

Insurance regulatory authorities in the U.S. will not be able to help you, because they have no jurisdiction over the insurance companies in India. The Better Business Bureau and other US organizations will be unable to help you either.

Customer Service
USA India

If you need assistance at any time, you will be dealing with customer service agents located within a similar time zone as you.

For emergencies, these customer service agents are available 24/7. For other matters, they are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Because of the significant time zone difference, you may have to get up in the middle of the night to call customer service in India. Even if a company offers a 24-hour call service, the key decision makers may be working only during the day in India.

Cost
USA India

Although this is an important factor, it should not be a deciding factor in choosing between an American or Indian insurance policy. Often, you get what you pay for.

Outpatient Benefits
USA India

Both outpatient and inpatient benefits are covered as long as the injury or illness in question is covered by your policy.

If you are told that you need to go to the hospital instead of a doctor, you should check whether the outpatient benefits are covered or you are only covered for hospitalization.

Purchase Process
USA India

You can get instant quotes and make instant purchases with a credit card payment right here on this website. Coverage can start as early as the next day or any future date that you specify.

No membership, paperwork or medical exam is required.

Online purchase is not common for Indian insurance companies. You will have to deal with manual paperwork. A medical exam is also often required with many products, at least for people above a certain age.

Delayed Treatment
USA India

There are no clauses regarding delayed treatment. As long as your treatment is medically necessary and not for a pre-existing condition, it will be covered, and you will be treated immediately.

Any medical treatment that can be delayed until you return to India is excluded from coverage. The determination of what treatment(s) can or cannot be delayed will be decided jointly by the treating physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider in India.

Taxes
USA India

Prices are all inclusive. No additional taxes or hidden fees.

In addition to the premiums, you must pay 18% GST (Tax).

USA Visa Types

Generally, most short-term visitors to the US from India will enter on one of three different types of visas.

  • B2 tourist visa – For short-term stays in the US for purposes such as vacationing or visiting family.
  • F1/F2 student visa – For those enrolled full-time in college-level courses at a US college or university. F2 visa holders are the accompanying dependents of F1 visa holders.
  • J1/J2 exchange visitor visa – For those entering the US as part of an official US State Department sanctioned exchange program. Participants are often visiting scholars, researchers, professors, etc. J2 visa holders are the accompanying dependents of J1 visa holders.

USA Visa Application Process

All applicants for a US nonimmigrant visa (except for the ones that qualify for a US Visa Interview Waiver) must appear for an interview at the US Embassy/Consulate.

The following steps describe the US visa application procedure for many countries around the world: 

US Visa Application Form 

  • Fill out the DS-160 form, a standard US nonimmigrant visa form. 
  • Print the DS-160 confirmation page that has the CEAC barcode on it. 

Create a Profile 

  • Create a profile and perform the steps to schedule an appointment until you see the payment confirmation screen. 

US Visa Fees 

  • Pay the application fee using the payment options available, which can vary by the country in which you are applying. 

Schedule Appointments 

Attend the Fingerprint and Photograph Appointment

Attend the Consular Interview

Visa Issuance

  • If your visa is approved, it will be sent by courier to the passport/visa collection location you specified at the time of your appointment, or later at any time before the day of the interview. You will have to appear there in person to collect it.
  • Passport delivery details

Safety & Precautionary Measures to Take During Your US Trip from India

The USA is generally considered safe for Indian visitors. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind during your trip to the US.

  • If you travel with children, never leave them unattended. It is illegal in most states. Even if the shop is a few steps away and you can see your child from your car, do not risk it. You may face legal consequences.
  • If you stay on the first floor (called ground floor in India) of a building or hotel, always keep your windows locked to avoid burglaries and assaults.
  • Do not ignore your mental health. Being away from home can cause anxiety, depression, and stress disorders. Seek professional help if you feel like your mental health is getting out of hand.
  • Seek legal advice if you have problems understanding the parameters of your visa. Violating the terms and conditions of your stay in the country—knowingly or unknowingly—can lead up to imprisonment and/or deportation.
  • Do not offer food or drink to children or pets without seeking permission from their guardians first.

Travel Documents Required During Travel From India To The USA

The following documents may be required to enter the USA from India depending upon your specific circumstances:

  • Passport
  • Valid, unexpired visa stamp in the passport for the category under which you’re applying to enter the US.
  • For F1 or M1 visa holders – A current Form I-20 endorsed by the Designated School Official (DSO) or RO for travel. The endorsement will be made on page three of the SEVIS Form I-20.
  • For J1 visa holders – For DS-2019 filled out in blue ink. If studying at a school, Form DS-2019 must be endorsed by the DSO or RO for travel. The endorsement will be made on page one of the DS-2019. J1 visa holders will also need a Form I-901 payment receipt. 

Get Travel Insurance from India to USA With Insubuy

Though the process of traveling to the US from India can involve a lot of paperwork and be a bit complicated, Insubuy makes travel insurance for Indian visitors to the US simple. We’ve been insuring Indian visitors for over 20 years, and our visitors insurance quote form lets you compare plans from multiple providers and securely purchase online in minutes. Get your free quotes today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance from India to the USA

Is travel insurance mandatory for India to the US?

Travel insurance is only mandatory if you’re traveling to the US from India on a J1 or J2 visa, as the US Department of State requires you to have specific coverage. Most tourists will enter the US on a B2 visa, which has no insurance requirement. However, due to incredibly high medical costs in the US, we recommend all visitors purchase visitors medical insurance.

Can I use my Indian health insurance in the US?

You most likely cannot use your Indian health insurance in the US. Most domestic health insurance plans do not offer international coverage. Even if it does, your Indian health insurance will not be sufficient here. Medical treatment in the USA is far too expensive for the low policy maximums of Indian health insurance plans.

Which travel insurance is best for India to the US?

The best medical insurance for visitors to USA from India depends on your visa type and your needs. Get instant quotes for the right type of insurance for you:

How much does travel insurance cost to the US?

The cost of travel insurance to the US will depend on the length of your trip, your age, the plan you purchase, and any optional coverages you select. Please select your visa from the list above to get instant quotes and purchase online instantly!

Did you know?

Prices are regulated by law.

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

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Why buy insurance from Insubuy?

Same Price. Better Service.®

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

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Visiting USA?

Healthcare costs are very high in the U.S.

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

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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.

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New immigrant to USA?

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

Purchase new immigrant medical insurance to bridge the gap.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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