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Can Indian visitors buy travel insurance after arrival in the US

Travel insurance for Indians after arrival in USA
Age & Citizenship
Destination

Including USA

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Indian visitors can buy travel insurance even after arriving in the U.S. through NRIOL, which offers a wide range of visitor insurance plans that cover unexpected medical emergencies, doctor visits, urgent care, or hospital stays. Given the extremely high cost of healthcare in America, having proper medical coverage is not just a precaution but a necessity.

This protection is especially valuable for elderly parents and relatives from India, many of whom may have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or heart disease. Without insurance, even a simple hospital consultation or emergency room visit can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Can Indians Buy Travel Insurance After Arrival in the USA?

Yes, Indians can still buy travel medical insurance even after they arrive in the USA. This is useful for parents or visitors who forgot to buy insurance before leaving India, had to travel in a hurry, or only realized the importance of coverage once they landed. The only drawback is that the choices are fewer compared to buying before travel, and some plans may have a short waiting period or reduced benefits for sickness if purchased late. That’s why it’s always better to get insurance before flying but if you’ve already.

Why Should Indians Consider Buying Travel Insurance After Arrival in the USA?

Many Indian visitors to the U.S. end up buying travel medical insurance only after they arrive. Here are some common reasons why:

  • Forgot or Delayed : With packing, tickets, and so many last-minute things, insurance often gets left out. Some people think they won’t need it and decide to buy later, but once they see how costly healthcare is in the U.S., they change their mind.
  • Parents Coming on Short Notice : Many parents travel suddenly maybe for a family function, to help with a new baby, or in an emergency. In such cases, there isn’t enough time to arrange insurance before flying, so they look for it after arriving.
  • Students and New Immigrants : Students or newcomers sometimes don’t realize how expensive even a small health issue can be in the U.S. After their first doctor visit or bill, they understand the need for insurance and start searching for plans.

What Should Indians Know Before Buying Travel Insurance After Arrival in the USA?

Indians can buy travel medical insurance even after arriving in the United States, but there are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Waiting Periods Apply : Most insurance providers impose a waiting period (typically 2–15 days) before coverage begins if you buy the policy after arrival. During this waiting period, any sickness that occurs is not covered. Accidents and injuries from new incidents are usually covered right away.
  • Pre-Existing Condition Coverage : Most travel insurance plans purchased after arrival in the US do not cover pre-existing conditions immediately. At best, they may cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions after a short waiting period
    However, some of our plans (like INF Elite X and INF Premier X) provide full pre-existing condition coverage even if purchased after arrival, making them good choices for Indian seniors and parents with health concerns.
  • Higher Premiums for Older Indian travelers : Premiums are usually higher for older visitors, especially those over 60 or 70. Buying insurance after arrival may cost more compared to purchasing in advance from India.
  • Best for Long-Term Indian Visitors : For Indian parents or relatives staying in the U.S. for several months, buying insurance after arrival can still be practical. But for short visits (1–2 months), it is safer and more cost-effective to purchase coverage before traveling.
  • Emergency Medical & Evacuation Still Covered : Even with a post-arrival purchase, Indian visitors can still get coverage for:
    • Emergency hospitalization
    • Doctor visits
    • Prescription drugs
    • Medical evacuation
    • COVID-19 treatment (depending on plan)
  • Example Scenarios :
    • Arrived in the US without insurance: You can still buy a plan, but remember the waiting period
    • Parents forgot to buy insurance: Safer to buy as soon as possible after arrival.
    • Visitor already sick: Insurance won’t cover treatment for an illness that started before the policy took effect.

What Are Some Practical Tips for Indian Visitors Using Travel Insurance in the U.S.?

Practical Tips for Indian Tourists Availing Travel Insurance in the U.S.:

  • Purchase Insurance Early: Even if you didn't get a plan before your trip, try to buy one as soon as you arrive. This way, you can shorten any waiting period and you will have the coverage as fast as possible.
  • Keep Your Documents Accessible: Always bring printed and digital versions of your insurance card and policy documents. Hospitals can ask to see these anytime.
  • Use the Network Hospitals: Most health plans fit better with network hospitals. Hospitals in your network usually promise direct payment agreements so you won't have to pay upfront.
  • Save Your Receipts/Records: Keep any and all bills, prescriptions, and medical records. You will need them if you have to file a claim.
  • Call Before Attending a Hospital: If possible, call the phone number located on your insurance card prior to attending a clinic or hospital. They will tell you where to go and what basically would be covered.
  • Understand What is Not Covered: Understand what is not covered in your policy so you do not get any surprise bills after you visit.

Is it possible for Indian visitors to cancel their insurance and get money back after arriving in the U.S.?

Definitely. The majority of travel insurance plans aimed at Indian visitors can be cancelled. They typically reimburse for any unused days, provided no claims have been filed. In the event that an Indian visitor departs the United States earlier than anticipated or switches to another plan, they usually would issue a prorated refund based on covered days, although the traveller may be charged a small administrative fee.

Important: Please check the cancellation conditions of your plan prior to purchase.

Note:
  • If the policy is cancelled prior to the effective or start date, almost all plans will refund the premium in full
  • Once coverage has begun, refunds are usually prorated and may include administrative fees.

What are the best travel insurance options for Indians after arrival in the U.S.?

Popular travel insurance plans for Indian visitors after arriving in the U.S. include INF Elite X, INF Premier X, Atlas America, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Patriot America Plus, and INF Standard X. These plans can be purchased even after arrival, giving Indian travelers and parents the flexibility to get coverage if they didn’t arrange it before traveling. Choosing one of these options ensures you’re protected against unexpected medical costs and emergencies during your stay in the U.S.

INF Premier X Insurance

A Fixed benefit travel medical insurance plan offering full coverage for pre-existing conditions , including worsening chronic issues up to 99 years , for travelers aged 18 to 99. The policy provides flexible coverage durations ranging from 90 to 364 days.

Yes, it can be purchased after arrival in the U.S.

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

A robust comprehensive plan offering coverage up to $1M, including acute-onset of pre-existing conditions (up to age 89), emergency evacuation, AD&D, trip interruption, and optional riders.

Yes, typically available for purchase after arrival (just note: not available if already residing in the U.S. for over 365 days).

Patriot America Plus Insurance

Comprehensive medical travel insurance ideal for non-U.S. citizens visiting the USA. It includes PPO network access (UnitedHealthcare or First Health) and covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers under age 70, along with a wide range of other medical needs.

Yes, it can be purchased after arrival in the U.S

INF Standard X Insurance

A fixed-benefit travel medical insurance plan for non-U.S. residents. Designed for travelers aged 18 to 99, it provides basic medical coverage with scheduled benefits and is ideal for short-term visits to the USA. The minimum purchase duration is 30 days, with flexible options up to 364 days.

Yes, INF Standard X can be purchased after arrival in the U.S.

Atlas America Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for foreign visitors to the USA, including benefits such as emergency medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers up to 79 years old.

Yes, it can be purchased after arrival in the U.S. as there are no arrival-time restrictions.

INF Elite X insurance

it covers full coverage for pre-existing conditions , including worsening chronic issues up to 99 years , for travelers aged 18 to 99. The policy provides flexible coverage durations ranging from 90 to 364 days.

Yes, it can be purchased after arrival in the U.S. there would be a 5 days waiting period for any new sickness and pre-existing conditions.

  • Patriot America Plus insurance Cost: For Indian visitors after arriving in the USA, the cost of Patriot America Plus insurance starts at $46 for a 25-year-old traveler for duration of one month. The cost is based on a policy maximum of $50,000 with a $250 deductible, and covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 69 years old. The cost may vary depending on age and the policy maximum selected.
  • Safe Travels USA Comprehensive insurance Cost: For Indian visitors after arriving in the USA, the cost of Safe Travels USA Comprehensive insurance starts at $49 for a 25-year-old traveler for for duration of one month. The cost is based on a policy maximum of $50,000 with a $250 deductible, and covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years old. The cost may vary depending on age and the policy maximum selected.
  • Atlas America insurance Cost : For Indian visitors after arriving in the USA, the cost of Atlas America insurance starts at $49 for a 25-year-old traveler for duration of one month. The cost is based on a policy maximum of $50,000 with a $250 deductible and covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions. The cost may vary depending on age and the policy maximum selected.
  • INF Standard X Cost: For Indian visitors after arriving in the USA, the cost of INF Standard X insurance starts at $50 for a 25-year-old traveler for 1 month (30-day policy). The cost is based on a policy maximum of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. The cost may vary depending on age and chosen policy maximum. This plan provides basic coverage and is available for travelers up to 99 years old
  • INF Premier X Cost: For Indian visitors after arriving in the USA, the cost of INF Premier X insurance starts at $211 for a 25-year-old traveler for 3 months (90-day policy). The cost is based on a policy maximum of $100,000 and a $250 deductible with full coverage for pre-existing conditions. The cost may vary depending on the traveler’s age and the policy maximum selected. This plan is available for travelers up to 99 years old, and purchasing soon after arrival helps avoid gaps in coverage.
  • INF Elite X Cost: For Indian visitors after arriving in the USA, the cost of INF Elite X insurance starts at $455 for a 25-year-old traveler for 3 months (90-day policy). The cost is based on a policy maximum of $150,000 with a $250 deductible and full coverage for pre-existing conditions. The cost may vary depending on age and the policy maximum selected. This plan is available for travelers up to 99 years old.

IMG Patriot America Lite travel insurance - Frequently asked questions

Yes. Indian visitors can purchase travel insurance even after arriving in the U.S. Popular plans available for post-arrival enrollment include INF Elite X, INF Premier X, INF Elite Plus X, INF Premier Plus X, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Atlas America, and Patriot America Plus. These options give flexibility if you didn’t buy coverage before traveling.

Yes. Plans like INF Elite X, INF Premier X offer full pre-existing condition coverage, making them ideal for older visitors or those with ongoing health issues.

Some plans have a minimum purchase requirement, such as 30 or 90 days. Always check the plan details before buying.

Yes, age limits vary depending on the type of coverage. Most plans cover general medical expenses for older visitors, but pre-existing condition coverage has specific age limits:

  • Patriot America Plus: Covers pre-existing conditions up to 69 years; general medical coverage may still be available beyond this age.
  • Atlas America: Pre-existing condition coverage up to 79 years; overall coverage up to 99 years.
  • Safe Travels USA Comprehensive: Covers both pre-existing conditions and general medical expenses for visitors up to 89 years.
  • INF Elite X and INF Premier X: Full pre-existing condition coverage up to 99 years, with general coverage also up to 99 years.
  • Tip: Indian parents or seniors should check both the pre-existing coverage age limit and the overall plan age limit before choosing a plan

Yes, most plans cover COVID-19 treatment, but coverage may vary by plan. Always confirm the details before purchasing

  • Short trips (1–2 months): Plans without long minimum duration, like Safe Travels USA or Atlas America, may be suitable.
  • Long-term stays (several months): Plans with full pre-existing coverage like INF Elite X or INF Premier X are better for extended visits.