Overview

The USA is widely regarded as one of the most desirable locations for expats to locate to anywhere in the world.  The country is economically secure and has a wide and diverse population from a range of different backgrounds and ethnicities making it a popular destination no matter which state you are in.

Health Insurance USA

The healthcare system in the United States is of a high standard and is often citied as being the best in the world. This however means that medical care is also very expensive with studies showing the USA as by far the most costly place to receive medical treatment anywhere on the planet.

The health system in the USA is often criticized for being complicated. Not every medical provider in the USA will accept new patients for routine care, so people often access medical providers via their health insurer’s Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) of medical providers.

Under recent governments in the USA healthcare has been a hot topic and is at the center of ongoing debates and reforms. The affordable care act planned to reform health insurance in the United States. The law aims were to holds insurers more accountable, offer small businesses tax credits, expands cover for more adults and provides access to insurance for uninsured Americans with pre-existing medical conditions. Other programs in the USA include:

Chip

The Children’s Health Insurance Program provides low-cost (or free) health cover for low-income children. Benefits vary by state, however routine health checks, immunizations, hospital and dental care and diagnostic test are generally standard.

Cobra

This act can help you keep your health insurance having left your employers group plan.

HIPPA

HIPAA is a law providing privacy and security rules to provide rights regarding your health information.

Medicaid

A program providing health care to children from low-income families and people with disabilities, providing access to MD visits, hospital care, prescription medication, hospital care, basic health checks and long-term care.

Medicare

A government health insurance plan for those aged 65 or over, those with disabilities or those with later stage renal disease. The plan provides access to nursing, hospice care and hospitals, and can also include MD consultations or some prescribed medications.

PPO

A Preferred Provider Organization is what some health insurers provide to their clients to allow them to access the healthcare they need, which can include family doctors, hospitals, specialists, primary care physicians and emergency care centres. Many people choose a plan with a PPO network if they prefer doctors or health care from professionals who do not participate in HMO networks.

RX Pharmacy Discount

Some health insurers provide access to discounted prescribed medication via an RX card at their partnered network for pharmacies nationwide. This assists a policy holder to lower their co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses during the year.

Having medical insurance is an essential if you are considering living in the USA. The high cost makes it almost impossible to self-insure yourself while living there.

Travel Insurance USA

When traveling to the USA it is important that adequate travel insurance is in place. The main reason above all else is because medical services are extremely costly. Emergency evacuation, dental services, and prolonged hospital visits could end up costing thousands of dollars. Accidents can happen anywhere, and provincial or territorial health plans may cover nothing or only a small portion of the costs of medical care. That’s why purchasing travel insurance is a must even for short trips into the United States.

There are many things to consider when choosing travel insurance for a USA trip

Multi-trip vs. one-time travel insurance:

Make sure that your coverage reflects your travel plans. Snowbirds can get one-time travel insurance that covers the specific period of their trip. On the other hand, someone who takes multiple trips to the U.S. each year should consider an annual plan. These plans cover all of the trips you make in a 12-month period.

How much coverage do you need?

The cost of your coverage is important, but it’s not the only aspect to consider. What happens if your medical emergencies are only covered up to $30,000 and you end up needing more coverage?

Some travel insurance policies pay the health care service provider directly. Others require you to make all payments up front, and then reimburse you. Read the terms and conditions in the policy.

If you are worried about paying out of pocket, look for a policy that pays the health care providers directly. Remember to consider any deductibles you’re required to pay when making a claim.

Life Insurance

Expat life insurance in the USA is something that everyone with a young family should look at. It is often the case that the main income generator for expat families in the USA is one person so the impact on the family should a death occur to this person is potentially catastrophic.

Life insurance in the USA can allow you to cherish your years more easily without the stress brought on worrying about what will happen to your loved ones after your death. Life Insurance in the USA will bring additional peace of mind as you take on a new life with new challenges to face