Travel Insurance for H4

[soumyakk]

Hi,

Is travel insurance mandatory for the H4 that is travelling?

Regards,
SoumyaKK

[insubuy]

Did we already not answer that in a different thread that you started?

[Raj01]

Hi,

Is travel insurance mandatory for the H4 that is travelling?

Regards,
SoumyaKK

It is not mandatory but the decision is up to you. If you are working in US you would know that your doctor bills your insurance anywhere between $100 to $500 for a normal visit with basic illness/examination. You get to pay only a copay of $20-40 (most common) because you are covered by the insurance whom you pay anywhere from $250 -$1000 a month based on your employer's participation in your medical plan.

If I were you I would look at these factors:

1) Health of your dependent - Any existing illness, prone to getting sick in changing weather conditions
2) Travelling time - Winter will be adverse time to travel and may need medical cover
3) Look at the insurance options and READ them carefully - Right now you just pay a copay and rest is paid by your insurance. But most of the insurance companies in US (for dependent coverage) will warrant you to pay the medical doctor/facility and then reimburse you according to the coverage you opt for.
4) Cost of insurance, review this against the time your dependent is going to stay with you. If your H4 is a spouse who is going to stay with you here long term, it may not be a bad idea to add him/her to your employer's extended med plan.