Parents and grandparents visiting from China often come for a long stay — to help with a new baby (坐月子), to see a graduation, or simply to spend months with the family. A long visit is precious. It also means a long stretch without health cover in a country where a short hospital stay can cost more than most families expect.
Visitor medical insurance from Protect Travel pays toward emergency medical care in the US, up to a limit you choose. Here is how it works and what families from China should think about.
Why cover from China usually isn't enough
Health insurance bought in China is generally built for care in China. Some parents buy an overseas travel policy before they fly — if yours did, check what it pays in the US, how many days it covers and what it says about existing conditions. If there is no cover, or the stay is longer than the policy, a US visitor plan fills the gap.
Who our visitor plans are for
- Visitors to the US who are not US citizens and live outside the US. Parents with Chinese or any other non-US citizenship can apply.
- Not for people who already live here. The plans are for a visit.
- Age limits and a maximum length of cover apply. The quote shows what is available for each parent's age and dates.
What the plans give you
- You choose a medical maximum and a deductible. For a parent staying several months, the medical maximum is the number that protects the family.
- Emergency medical care and emergency medical evacuation are included.
- You can compare our visitor medical plans side by side on the quote.
Diabetes, blood pressure and heart conditions
- Routine care isn't covered. Check-ups, regular medicine and ongoing treatment aren't paid by visitor plans. Bring enough medicine for the whole stay.
- A sudden flare-up may be covered. Some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up of an existing condition, with limits that depend on the plan and the visitor's age.
- Read the plan details. Plans set their own rules, so check them before you buy.
Our pre-existing conditions guide explains the idea. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Buying it for your parents
You can buy the plan on their behalf online from the US. You'll need each parent's name, date of birth, US dates and China as the home country.
When to buy and extend
Buy before the flight so cover starts on arrival. If the visit is extended, extend the plan before its end date so there is no gap in cover.
Get a quote
Pick "Traveling to the US", enter each parent's age, the dates and China as the home country. You'll see each plan's price for the medical maximum and deductible you choose. Questions? Call Protect Travel at 877-720-6696 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm ET) or email info@protecttravel.com.
Get a quote from Protect Travel →
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Do parents visiting from China need US health insurance?
A B-2 visitor visa doesn't generally require it, but without it your family pays US hospital bills in full, and US care costs far more than care in China.
Will their Chinese insurance cover them in the US?
Usually not. Cover bought in China is built for care in China. Check what it pays in the US and for how long; a US visitor plan fills the gap.
Does visitor insurance cover diabetes or high blood pressure?
Not routine care. Some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up of an existing condition, with limits by plan and age. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Can I buy the plan for my parents from the US?
Yes. You can buy it on their behalf online with their details and China as the home country.
They're staying to help with a new baby. Can a long stay be covered?
Yes, up to each plan's maximum period. Buy the full stay up front, or extend before the end date. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or immigration advice.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.