If your parents are visiting you in the United States, you may want to start exploring insurance options as soon as their plans are finalized. One question several children ask is whether they must purchase separate visitor health insurance and visitor medical insurance policies for each of them, or a combined policy.
In most policies, there is no difference in price between the two options. So it really comes down to convenience. Having two separate policies provides your parents with more flexibility. If one of them decides to return early or extend their stay, it is easier with separate policies. You can also purchase a tailor-made policy for each of your parents with separate policies.
While determining whether they are likely to extend their trip, think of the trip from their perspective: Are there grandchildren that they will spend time with? If so, they may be more inclined to extend their trip. Do they have pressing responsibilities back home? If so, they may be more inclined to stick to their schedule.
However, having a combined policy will save you the expense of one renewal fee, if that happens. Having separate policies will also require a bit more effort in terms of paperwork. Whichever way you go, remember to buy the policy that suits them the most.
