What is Atlas America Insurance?

Atlas America is a travel medical insurance plan designed specifically for international visitors coming to the United States. Underwritten by Lloyd's, this insurance plan is administered by Tokio Marine HCC Medical Insurance Services (MIS Group), a respected name in the travel insurance industry.

The plan caters to various travelers including tourists, business travelers, relatives visiting family, and international students. With coverage options ranging from 5 days to 364 days, Atlas America provides flexible protection that can be tailored to your specific travel duration needs. The policy includes benefits for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, prescription medications, and emergency medical evacuation.

How Atlas America Insurance Works

Atlas America operates on a reimbursement model with direct billing options for certain medical facilities. When you experience a medical emergency or need healthcare services, you can seek treatment at any medical facility. You'll need to contact the insurance provider's assistance center to report your claim and receive guidance on the next steps.

The policy includes a deductible that must be paid before the insurance coverage begins. Deductible options typically range from $0 to $5,000, with higher deductibles resulting in lower premium costs. After meeting your deductible, the insurance covers eligible expenses according to your plan's coinsurance terms, typically paying between 80% to 100% of costs up to the policy maximum.

One notable feature is that Atlas America allows you to purchase coverage after departing from your home country, providing flexibility for travelers who may have forgotten to arrange insurance before their trip.

Atlas America vs Other Visitor Insurance Options

When comparing visitor insurance options, Atlas America stands out in several ways against other providers in the market:

  • Coverage Maximums: Atlas America offers policy maximums ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000, which compares favorably to many competitors.
  • Age Restrictions: While some providers limit coverage for older travelers, Atlas America provides options for visitors up to 99 years old, though premiums increase with age.
  • Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions: Atlas America includes limited coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers under 70, a benefit not universally offered.

Here's how Atlas America compares to other popular visitor insurance options:

Insubuy, as a marketplace, offers Atlas America along with other plans like Visitors Coverage and Seven Corners. While Seven Corners RoundTrip provides similar coverage levels, Atlas America typically offers more extensive emergency evacuation benefits. IMG Global Visitor Secure plans may have lower premiums but often come with higher deductibles compared to Atlas America.

Benefits of Choosing Atlas America

Atlas America insurance provides several advantages that make it worth considering for your US visit:

Comprehensive Medical Coverage: The plan covers a wide range of medical services including hospital room and board, intensive care, outpatient treatment, emergency room care, and local ambulance services. This comprehensive approach ensures you're protected against most medical scenarios.

Emergency Medical Evacuation: One of the standout benefits is the emergency medical evacuation coverage, which can reach up to $1,000,000 regardless of your policy maximum. This valuable protection covers transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility if adequate care isn't available locally.

Terrorism Coverage: Unlike some visitor insurance plans, Atlas America includes coverage for medical expenses resulting from terrorist attacks (subject to terms and conditions).

Lost Luggage Benefit: The plan includes compensation for lost checked luggage, adding an extra layer of travel protection beyond just medical coverage.

Additional benefits include coverage for emergency dental treatment, return of minor children, and even trip interruption coverage in certain circumstances. WorldTrips, the company behind Atlas America, also provides 24/7 multilingual customer support, ensuring assistance is always available regardless of time zones.

Pricing and How to Purchase

Atlas America insurance premiums vary based on several factors including:

  • Age of the traveler
  • Length of stay
  • Coverage maximum selected
  • Deductible amount chosen
  • Optional add-ons selected

For a 30-year-old traveler seeking a 30-day policy with a $100,000 coverage maximum and $250 deductible, premiums typically range between $40-60. Older travelers or those seeking higher coverage limits should expect to pay more.

Purchasing Atlas America insurance is straightforward through online platforms like Insubuy. The application process requires basic information including travel dates, age, and citizenship. Coverage confirmation is typically sent via email immediately after purchase.

Atlas America offers a look-back period for pre-existing conditions (usually 2-3 years), meaning conditions that haven't manifested symptoms or required treatment during that period may be eligible for coverage. This makes it a more flexible option for some travelers with managed health conditions.

For those seeking additional protection, optional riders are available for adventure sports coverage and crisis response services for an additional premium. HCC Medical Insurance Services provides detailed policy information and certificates that can be used for visa application purposes when required.

Conclusion

Atlas America insurance offers a balanced combination of comprehensive coverage and affordability for international visitors to the United States. While no travel medical insurance is perfect, Atlas America provides solid protection against unexpected medical costs that could otherwise devastate travel budgets. Before purchasing, carefully review the policy details to ensure it meets your specific needs, paying special attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. With proper coverage in place, you can focus on enjoying your American experience with greater peace of mind knowing you're protected against unforeseen medical expenses.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.