I went through this process recently, so I’ll share what helped me make sense of it.
Emergency medical + hospitalization are the absolute essentials, since those costs can be very high without insurance. Prescription drugs & follow-ups are nice to have, but they mostly add cost. If your parents don’t have many ongoing prescriptions, you may be fine with a more basic plan.
Pre-existing conditions coverage (if stable) is worth paying extra for if your parents have any chronic issues (blood pressure, diabetes, etc.). Without that, even a stable condition can be excluded.
If you know the length of stay for sure, paying the annual premium upfront is usually cheaper overall. Also, paying the year upfront reduces the risk of missing a payment and having the policy canceled. If the stay is uncertain or your parents may return earlier, a monthly plan gives you flexibility (though sometimes slightly more expensive in the long run).
Claims: My experience was smooth as long as we submitted everything (doctor’s notes, receipts) promptly. Delays usually happen when documents are incomplete.
Extensions: Most providers allowed extensions if requested before the current policy expired. Rates can change, though, so it’s smart to check early if you think you’ll need more time.
Look at the deductible options. A higher deductible lowers the premium, but make sure it’s an amount you’d actually be comfortable paying if something happens.
Pay attention to provider reputation. Some companies have faster claims processing than others, and that makes a big difference when you’re stressed and dealing with health issues. My best advice is to research online and see what people are saying about them online.
In short: go for solid emergency and hospital coverage, add stable pre-existing if relevant, and balance cost vs. flexibility with your payment plan.
Hope that helps and good luck with the process!
