Travel Insurance vs. ACA-Compliant Health Insurance: What You Need To Know

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) sets federal standards for health insurance coverage in the United States. ACA-compliant health insurance plans must cover a comprehensive set of essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Travel insurance, on the other hand, is a type of short-term health insurance that is designed to cover medical expenses incurred while traveling.

ACA-compliant health insurance plans are required to cover a set of essential health benefits, including:

Doctor visits
Hospital stays
Prescription drugs
Mental health services
Substance abuse treatment
Preventative care
Pediatric care
Maternity care
Rehabilitative care
Dental and vision care (for children)

ACA-compliant health insurance plans must also meet certain affordability standards. The cost of your monthly premium and deductible cannot exceed a certain percentage of your income.

Travel insurance is a type of short-term health insurance that is designed to cover medical expenses incurred while traveling. Travel insurance plans typically cover:

Medical expenses
Trip cancellation
Lost luggage
Flight delays
Emergency evacuation

Travel insurance plans vary in terms of coverage and cost. It is important to read the policy carefully before you purchase it to make sure that it meets your needs.

No, travel insurance cannot be used to meet ACA requirements. Travel insurance is not a substitute for ACA-compliant health insurance. ACA-compliant health insurance plans must cover a comprehensive set of essential health benefits, while travel insurance plans only cover a limited set of medical expenses incurred while traveling.

If you are required to have ACA-compliant health insurance, you will need to purchase a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace or from a private insurer. You can find more information about ACA-compliant health insurance plans at HealthCare.gov.

There are two ways to get ACA-compliant health insurance:

Through the Health Insurance Marketplace: The Health Insurance Marketplace is a government-run website where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans from private insurers. If you qualify for a subsidy, you may be able to lower the cost of your monthly premium.
From a private insurer: You can also purchase ACA-compliant health insurance directly from a private insurer. If you do not qualify for a subsidy, you will need to pay the full cost of your monthly premium.

If you are not sure whether or not you need ACA-compliant health insurance, you should contact a licensed insurance agent or broker. They can help you determine if you are required to have health insurance and can help you find a plan that meets your needs.