My planned move to the US is now only a month away. I've got one way tickets booked, but that poses a problem for travel insurance. Ideally I'd like cover for 3 months, as I'm traveling for a few weeks on my way, and I'm not likely to have health insurance in the US until I find a job, and this could take a few months. But most insurance companies require proof of your return ticket when making a claim (I'm contemplating purchasing a fully refundable one-way ticket back to Australia if I can't find a better option). You can purchase one way insurance policies, but if you are emigrating, they generally end a week after you arrive in your new country. I'm not sure how to go about this, anyone who has done it have any suggestions?
One way insurance for the move to the US
- Thread starter sw8pea76
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If I remember correctly, one way tickets are more expensive than a return ticket! That might be an option.
True, most companies want a return ticket, but I got insurance one-way. I'm not 100% sure right now, as it was 4 years ago, but I think it was through Medibank Private. Also try the online "Travel Insurance Direct" (who we always use now). We got coverage for 3 months till the work cover kicked in, and were able to extend the time period with a Skype call.
Still, be absolutely certain that you can make a claim with such conditions.
Good Luck.
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When I moved to Canada on the working holiday visa I didn't have a return ticket, and my insurance was through World Nomads, they never asked for a return ticket or anything. I'd initially bought 12 months insurance and then extended it another 6 months with no issues... Not sure if that helps!
Hi Abbie
I actually have a return back to London (I left there in September), so I've got a one way from there to the US booked on airpoints! I'll have a look at the two you have suggested. I actually stumbled across a company called Patriot America which offers reasonably priced medical insurance to new immigrants. Then I'll just need a one way policy to get me there. I will definitely check before purchasing anything, I've had a travel insurance claim denied as I hadn't read the fine print! I got a one way policy for 6 weeks when I left London, many companies made it quite clear they would not cover me on a regular policy as I wasn't returning to the UK within the insurance period - and technically I was no longer resident there
Jessjames did you have to make a claim? I'm thinking on a working holiday visa you always had the intention to return home - when you agree to the Ts & C's you are declaring you are a permanent resident of the country you buy the insurance in - which clearly I won't be. No problem purchasing it, they will be happy to take my money - it could just be an issue making a claim (and a friend of a friend broke her arm recently in the states - $30k medical bill for a broken arm!!)
Ah, didn't think of that. No I didn't make a claim, I had a dental issue but the cost of it was the same (or less?) as the excess fee's so I didn't bother. Oh wow, that's a lot for a broken arm!! My mum had to go in to hospital for a few days there due to ovarian cysts that flared up in pain while we were there and I think that cost them close to $10k all up, or more, I know it was excessive. Insurance wouldn't pay it as it was a "prior" issue - It was well over 10 years beforehand that she'd last had anything to do with the cysts, but they still refused to pay... Not sure who that insurance place was though, but I'm sure they're all pretty tough! Hope you can figure something out though... OR, just get an open return ticket (if it works out cheaper/the same as your one way) and use it to return back for a visit when you feel like it?
Vichel
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When we were in the US recently, my husband made a claim on our travel insurance and at no time did they ask for proof of a return ticket. Our insurance was with RAC, who are underwritten by Allianz.
We also found out that by telling the doctor we had to pay out of our own pocket, then claim on our travel insurance, she gave us an "uninsured" discount of 60%. We made sure we told the insurance company that. They promptly reimbursed us the $1300, minus $200 excess (deductible), no worries.
When we were in the US recently, my husband made a claim on our travel insurance and at no time did they ask for proof of a return ticket. Our insurance was with RAC, who are underwritten by Allianz.
We also found out that by telling the doctor we had to pay out of our own pocket, then claim on our travel insurance, she gave us an "uninsured" discount of 60%. We made sure we told the insurance company that. They promptly reimbursed us the $1300, minus $200 excess (deductible), no worries.