When Abba and Ima fly in from Israel for a few weeks, for a new grandchild or Yom Tov with the family, nobody wants to think about a hospital bill. In the US, though, that is the real risk. Hospital care here is very expensive, and your parents' coverage at home was built for care in Israel.
Visitor medical insurance from Protect Travel pays toward emergency medical care in the US, up to the limit you choose. Here is how it works, what to think about for older parents, and how to buy it for them from here.
Start with what they already have
Your parents' Israeli health fund (kupat cholim) is built for care in Israel. Many Israelis also buy a travel policy before they fly. If they have one, check what it pays in the US, how long it lasts and what it says about existing conditions. If they have nothing, or their stay is longer than their 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. Many Israeli parents also hold a US passport. A parent who is a US citizen may not qualify, so call us before you buy.
- Not for people who already live here. The plans are for a visit, not for someone living in the US.
- 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.
- Emergency medical care and emergency medical evacuation are included.
- Plans differ in how much of each bill they pay and in price. You can compare our visitor medical plans side by side on the quote.
What to think about for older parents
- Existing conditions. No visitor plan pays for ongoing care of a known condition. Some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up, with limits that depend on the plan and the visitor's age. Our pre-existing conditions guide explains the idea.
- Age. Benefits and the choices on offer can change with age, so enter each parent's real age on the quote.
- Dates. Cover the whole stay, from the day they land to the flight home.
- Hospital stays. Keep the ID card handy and call the number on it before a planned hospital stay or surgery.
Buying it for your parents
You can buy the plan on their behalf online. You'll need each parent's name, date of birth, dates in the US and Israel as their home country.
Staying in New York?
Many families in Brooklyn and the tri-state area host parents from Israel. Our visitor plans can be quoted for a stay in New York.
When to buy
Buy before they land, so cover starts on arrival. Set the end date to their flight home. If they stay longer, extend before the end date so there is no gap in cover.
Get a quote
Choose "Traveling to the US", enter each parent's age, the dates and Israel as their home country. You'll see the plans side by side with the medical maximum and deductible you pick. Not sure what limit makes sense? Call Protect Travel at 877-720-6696 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET). We'd rather spend ten minutes on the phone than have you buy the wrong plan.
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
Does my parents' Israeli health fund cover them in the US?
Health funds are built for care in Israel. Many Israelis buy a travel policy before flying. Check what any existing policy pays in the US, for how long, and for existing conditions before buying a second plan.
Can I buy visitor insurance for my parents from the US?
Yes. You can buy it on their behalf online at Protect Travel with their names, dates of birth, dates in the US and home country.
My father has high blood pressure. Is he covered?
Routine care for a known condition isn't covered. Some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up of an existing condition, with limits by plan and age. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. Check the plan details before you buy, or call us.
My mother has US and Israeli citizenship. Can she get a visitor plan?
Protect Travel's visitor plans are for non-US citizens visiting the US. Call us and we'll look at what fits.
How long can the coverage last?
For the length of the visit, up to each plan's maximum period. Extend before the end date so there is no gap. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Age limits apply, and some benefits change with age. The quote shows the plans available for each parent's age. 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.