Coverage Details:
The plan covers new medical conditions, injuries, or accidents occurring after the effective date, including surgery, ICU, hospital room, physician visit, urgent care, emergency room, prescription drugs, and more.
COVID-19 is treated like any other covered illness if contracted after the policy’s start date.
Emergency medical evacuation, emergency reunion, return of minor children, loss of checked luggage, and trip interruption benefits are included.
After the deductible is met, 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network are covered; outside the network, 90% of costs up to $5,000 and then 100% after.
Pricing and Eligibility:
Coverage durations can range from 5 days to 365 days, with the option to renew or extend for longer stays.
Daily premiums vary by age and chosen coverage amount. For travelers under 70 years, premiums for a $250 deductible range from about $2–$12 per day depending on age and policy maximum selected.
Key Features:
Medical Coverage:
Emergency Medical Expense: Covers injuries or illnesses that occur during travel. It provides a relatively high level of coverage, typically in the range of $50,000 to $2 million, depending on the plan and the individual’s age.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: This is crucial if you need to be transferred to a medical facility or evacuated from the location where you’re traveling to receive appropriate treatment.
Repatriation of Remains: If the worst happens, this benefit covers the cost of transporting the deceased’s body back to their home country.
Trip Interruption / Trip Delay:
Trip Interruption: Covers the costs if your trip is interrupted due to unforeseen events, such as illness, injury, or even natural disasters.
Trip Delay: Reimburses you for additional travel costs if your trip is delayed (e.g., hotel stays or meal costs).
Emergency Dental Coverage:
Dental emergencies are included under this plan, which can be a huge relief for travelers who are not sure how to handle dental issues while abroad.
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions:
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to the policy maximum for those under age 70, but not for older travelers. Patriot America Plus covers some pre-existing conditions under certain circumstances, provided the traveler has purchased coverage before leaving their home country. It’s an important distinction if you have chronic conditions or any ongoing medical issues. No general coverage for pre-existing conditions outside of the acute onset clause.
24/7 Assistance:
A 24/7 assistance hotline for emergency support and help with medical referrals. This is particularly useful when you’re in a foreign country and might not be familiar with the local healthcare system.
Flexible Duration:
The policy can cover trips ranging from a few days to a year, which offers flexibility based on the traveler’s needs.
Pros of Patriot America Plus Insurance:
Comprehensive Coverage: It provides a broad array of benefits, making it one of the more inclusive options for travelers needing medical coverage.
High Limits: For major medical expenses, it offers fairly high coverage limits, which is crucial in places like the U.S., where healthcare can be very expensive.
Pre-existing Condition Coverage: The ability to cover pre-existing conditions under certain acute-onset conditions is a standout feature in travel medical insurance.
Emergency Evacuation: Emergency evacuation coverage is always essential for travelers, particularly those heading to remote locations.
Flexible Plan Options: Depending on the needs, you can opt for a plan that offers more or less coverage, depending on your budget and trip details.
Cons of Patriot America Plus Insurance:
Limited Coverage for Non-Emergency Care: It’s designed for emergency situations, so it won’t cover routine checkups or non-emergency care while abroad.
Cost Can Be High: As with any comprehensive insurance, the premiums can vary significantly based on the trip's duration, your age, and where you're traveling. For some travelers, it could be on the expensive side.
Age Restrictions: The plan might be more expensive or have restrictions if you're older, particularly for travelers over 70 or 80 years old.
Who Should Consider It?
International Travelers: If you’re traveling to the U.S. or any other foreign country, this insurance is designed specifically for you, covering things like emergency medical needs and evacuation.
Frequent Travelers: Those who travel regularly or for extended periods might benefit from the flexibility and extensive coverage options.
Travelers with Pre-existing Conditions: It’s one of the few plans that might offer some coverage for pre-existing conditions, but you’ll need to meet certain criteria.
Customer Feedback
The insurer, SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation, is rated A- "Excellent" by A.M. Best.
Some user reviews suggest challenges with claims processing and acceptance; negative experiences have been reported where claims were declined, so careful understanding of exclusions and required documentation is advised.
Comparison Highlights with Other Plans
Compared to similar plans like Atlas America, Patriot America Plus offers competitive acute onset pre-existing condition coverage, though generally with slightly lower maximum limits and fewer deductible options.
Atlas Travel Insurance is another solid option for international travel, with slightly different features. It stands out for straightforward COVID-19 coverage, a wide PPO network, and solid medical evacuation benefits.
Checkout Atlas America vs. Patriot America Plus for a detailed comparison.
Conclusion:
Patriot America Plus is best suited for short-term visitors to the U.S. looking for comprehensive protection and coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, though users should carefully review policy details and prepare for meticulous claims documentation. Patriot America Plus is generally well-regarded for its comprehensive coverage, particularly for travelers needing medical protection abroad. It’s a strong option for those traveling to the U.S. or abroad who want peace of mind with high medical coverage and emergency evacuation options. If you’re considering this, be sure to compare it with other policies in terms of cost and benefits, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or specific medical needs.
When evaluating Patriot America Plus or any other travel medical insurance plan for that matter, it’s important to consider your specific coverage needs, such as age of the insured person, the length of your stay, the type of activities you’ll be participating in, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Reading reviews and comparing plans on VISOA.com, or calling the licensed insurance agent at VISOA (Visitor Insurance Services of America) can help you make an informed decision.