REPUBLIC, MISSOURI: As the topic of immigration reform heats up this summer, the issue of medical costs for undocumented visitors has become a central point of debate for some. A few international medical insurers believe, if the Congress acts, the door will be opened to provide affordable medical insurance to 12 to 20 million undocumented immigrants and migrant workers living in the USA.

The problem of uncompensated medical expenses, due to illegal immigration, is a large one according to the 'Federation for American Immigration Reform.' It estimated the annual uncompensated cost of medical care associated with illegal immigrants, just in California alone, to be 1.4 billion dollars. As a result, some California hospitals have been forced to close down because of these uncompensated expenses.

Immigrants who enter the United States legally are required to buy medical insurance, and there are a few companies who specialize in providing such services. "The problem is real and the effects are staggering," says Shane Schaetzel, owner and founder of iTravelHealth.com, an insurance brokerage that specializes in providing medical insurance to immigrants. "Every year hospitals all across the nation are slammed with medical charges they have virtually no hope of receiving compensation for." When asked what could be done to change this, Mr. Schaetzel responded, "The solution is already provided in the form of low-cost and affordable medical insurance for immigrants and migrant workers. The only problem is that many of these people don't have access to it due to their undocumented status."

Mr. Schaetzel argues in favor of immigration reform for the purpose of insuring immigrants currently undocumented, so as to alleviate the financial woes of medical institutions. "That's sure to reduce the burden on hospitals and healthcare providers in America," Schaetzel asserts. In addition, Mr. Schaetzel argues that the availability of affordable medical insurance to this group might improve the overall health of foreign visitors and immigrants to this country. "Access to primary doctors equals improved health conditions in the form of preventative care, and that in turn reduces the incidence of expensive catastrophic illness while living and working in America," Schaetzel added. He went on to describe a number of international medical insurance underwriters who compete for foreign clients living and working in the United States.

Among the many international insurance plans offered by The Schaetzel Insurance Agency LLC, some will be of particular interest to visitors and immigrants to the USA. Mr. Schaetzel points out that "while many plans will cover foreign nationals entering the States, only a few are specifically designed for this purpose." One such plan is 'Inbound USA,' underwritten by Seven Corners, and offered directly by The Schaetzel Insurance Agency through iTravelHealth.com. 'Inbound USA' is a scheduled benefit program providing basic medical coverage for non-U.S. citizens visiting the United States for relatively short stays. Another plan is "Inbound Hospital,' also underwritten by Seven Corners, which is a more simplified and inexpensive plan providing only inpatient benefits during hospital admissions. Mr. Schaetzel points out that the 'Inbound Hospital' plan is designed both for visitors and immigrants who need the most basic medical coverage for catastrophic illness. Immigrants can also benefit from the 'Inbound Immigrant' plan, also underwritten by Seven Corners and provided directly through iTravelHealth.com. According to Mr. Schaetzel, "The 'Inbound Immigrant' plan provides up to five years of protection, and is a scheduled benefit program that offers U.S. immigrants security against unforeseen medical conditions."

Mr. Schaetzel went on to say; "Not all Latin American immigrants match the typical American stereotype of people who don't have the time or resources to think about such things. On the contrary, many do well for themselves upon reaching the United States, and worry about the exact same things most Americans do - especially health insurance." He continued to express his hope that uninsured immigrants would start looking into their medical insurance options immediately, regardless of their documentation status, so as to be prepared to act as soon as they are able.

About:
iTravelHealth.com is an insurance service for immigrants and visitors to the United States. It also specializes in providing low-cost medical insurance to travelers outside the United States and American citizens living overseas. iTravelHealth.com is a registered domain of The Schaetzel Insurance Agency, LLC and is located in Republic Missouri, USA.

Press Contact Information

The Schaetzel Insurance Agency, LLC
info@itravelhealth.com
417-827-7710
584 Chestnut Hills Drive Republic, Missouri 65738

Source URL: http://www.itravelhealth.com/

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