r2i forum

One of my colleague (on H1b) is inviting his son during the summer here in USA. He asked me if he can buy visitor type of insurance ( I think on americanvisitorinsurance.com or insubuy.com) for couple of months. He showed some insurances like Atlas or Patriot.

He is not sure how long kid will be here (kid had already come once and gone back to India) and if kid stays more than 1 or 2 months, he wants to add to the employer group.

Our employer has open enrollment in July and for him to add right now, it is bit of admin work which he doesn't want to do as he is not sure how long kid will stay with him.

Has anyone purchased these type of insurance plans for H4 kids?

Please share your thoughts and suggestions.

Employer might be the cheapest and best way to go..if it can be done

As for atlas/patriot,you can always extend/renew if he stays longer

Employer insurance is likely to be best one in terms of cost / coverage.

He does not need to wait for open enrollment. Typically organizations also consider 'changes in status' (specifed categories) for insurance enrollment / disenrollment. This could be done any time during the year.

Thanks for the inputs.

He is fine with Atlas/Patriot for now (2-3 months) as his kid may return back to India. In the event the KID stays in USA, he will go thorugh employer insurance.

His question was whether having Patriot America (or similar) insurances fine for H4 kids when the parent is on employer insurance. He wants to know will it have any impacts during later USC or GC process and is this legal?

I explained him advantages of employer insurance but he is not interested in that.

Rashjosh;382741Thanks for the inputs.

He is fine with Atlas/Patriot for now (2-3 months) as his kid may return back to India. In the event the KID stays in USA, he will go thorugh employer insurance.

His question was whether having Patriot America (or similar) insurances fine for H4 kids when the parent is on employer insurance. He wants to know will it have any impacts during later USC or GC process and is this legal?

I explained him advantages of employer insurance but he is not interested in that.

What does USC or GC have to do with buying insurance ? Nothing at all.

Hopefully your friend realises that there are limits/sublimits when it comes to outside insurances. Even if it is for just 2-3 months, IMO, the employer insurance is the way to go.

Rashjosh,

We have specically written an article on H1 visa medical insurance. I request that you read through that. That would give you a good understanding.

In short, if the child is able to get the insurance through parent's group health insurance, it is best to do so and should be the first choice. If not, you can look at Insubuy.com and buy any of the plans for the short term he is planning to be here. You specifically mentioned about Atlas or Patriot. Please note that Patriot must be purchased for at least 3 months initially in order to be renewed in future, while Atlas can be purchased for any duration and still be renewed. Therefore, I would recommend Atlas plan to you, which is also directly located at Atlas America Insurance.

I hope that answers your questions.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at any time toll-free at (866) INSU-BUY, 7 days a week.

vsudhu;382731

He does not need to wait for open enrollment. Typically organizations also consider 'changes in status' (specifed categories) for insurance enrollment / disenrollment. This could be done any time during the year.

Typically your son visiting you is not 'change of status'. The change of status events that I am aware of are - birth, death, marriage, divorce, adoption, someone turning 21, someone losing a job/coverage etc.

samv;383157Typically your son visiting you is not 'change of status'. The change of status events that I am aware of are - birth, death, marriage, divorce, adoption, someone turning 21, someone losing a job/coverage etc.

I'd second that.
After this thread and a posting about he can get him added in his employer's insurance I went ahead and checked.
This is from my wife's employer.I'd expect all to be similar

Life Event Changes
The following outlines the benefit changes which are allowed under our Plans, corresponding with certain Life Events. As outlined in the Health and Welfare Summary Plan Description (SPD), your requested change must be consistent with the Life Event. Click on the appropriate link for the applicable Life Event:
Adoption
Birth of a Child
Legal Separation
Divorce or Annulment/Termination of Domestic Partnership
Marriage/Fulfill Domestic Partner Requirements

So a kid visiting isnt a life changing

samv;383157Typically your son visiting you is not 'change of status'. The change of status events that I am aware of are - birth, death, marriage, divorce, adoption, someone turning 21, someone losing a job/coverage etc.

Please see this link for IRS covered events :

http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/hr/Employee_Benefits/Change%20in%20Status%20Rules.pdf

There is a clause for 'Change in place of residence' . I am not sure whether this has a strict interpretation of employee's place of residence alone. I would think not.

Few solutions :

1. Immediate solution : While a person(Visa holder) visiting USA for short duration can certainly buy a short term insurance like travel medical insurance for immediate coverage. No waiting time, instantly purchase and coverage can start quickly.
So if the intention is not to stay for long duration( over 6 months or so go for it).
Dor not really cost much , consider a Compreheneive coverage type of plan.
Get more information at [URL="http://www.visitorsCoverage.com"]www.VisitorsCoverage.com
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2. Long term solution and higher coverage : Include the H4 person into Primary person (H1visa holders)health insurance, as a family member. this may take time Or may have underwriting, application processing delays, or waiting time. May cost more money also.
( If intention to stay for longer duration , consider this option). Assumping that H1 holder gets insurance from company.
Talk to your company HR, and benefit dept about how to add family member in the employee's insurance.
If H1 person insurance is not through employer, call your insurance agent or insurance company to get information about how to add family member into primary person's insurance.

I hope this information help.
Write back if have any more questions.