Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite vs ICICI Lombard Travel USA
ICICI Lombard Travel USA runs roughly $145 for a typical trip — noticeably less than Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite at around $495. The question is whether the savings come at the cost of coverage you'll actually use. We break down what that means for a real hospital visit.
Most parents visiting the USA prefer Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite for this combination of coverage and budget.
Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite carries this one 8 to 3. The decisive lines are pre-existing condition cover and lowest deductible; the consolation for ICICI Lombard Travel USA is typical premium band and age eligibility.
Quick verdict
Strongest all-round mix: comprehensive cover, $500k limit, direct billing.
View PlanLower starting premium (~$75/month) without giving up the essentials.
View PlanBetter suited for older travellers: limited PED cover, accepts up to age 80, comprehensive payouts.
View PlanSide-by-side: who wins what
| Feature | Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite | ICICI Lombard Travel USA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage limit | $500k | $500k | |
| Lowest deductible | - | $100 | Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite |
| Pre-existing condition cover | Limited | Acute-onset | Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite |
| Direct billing at hospitals | Yes | Yes | |
| Hospital network size | Very large | Mid | Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite |
| Typical premium band | ~$495 | ~$145 | ICICI Lombard Travel USA |
| Avg claim settlement | 19 days | 30 days | Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite |
| Age eligibility | 1-80 | 0-99 | ICICI Lombard Travel USA |
| COVID covered | Yes | Yes | |
| Emergency evacuation | $500k | $500k | |
| 24×7 support | Yes | Yes |
Who should choose which
- Your traveller has pre-existing conditions you want covered.
- The trip is long — this plan covers up to 365 days.
- You want the widest possible US hospital network.
- You want faster claims processing.
- You want the lower monthly premium.
- The traveller is older — this plan accepts up to age 99.
Real-life cost scenarios
What you'd pay out-of-pocket on a typical US medical bill, using each plan's mid-tier deductible and coinsurance.
How we calculated
How we calculated
How we calculated
Plan limitations side by side
- Won't accept travellers above age 80.
- PED only for sudden flare-ups, not ongoing care.
- Smaller hospital network (mid).
- Highest minimum deductible ($100).
- Slower average claim settlement (~30 days).
Claims experience
| Metric | Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite | ICICI Lombard Travel USA |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of claims | Moderate | Slower |
| Typical claim time | 15–26 days | 26–37 days |
| Common issues |
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|
Typical experience — actual times vary by case complexity and documentation.
If something goes wrong: emergency flow
A simple, repeatable sequence so a stressed family member knows exactly what to do.
- 1Visit the hospital
Go to the nearest ER. Don't delay over network checks in a true emergency.
- 2Show your insurance card
Present your insurer ID and policy number at admission.
- 3Call the 24x7 helpline
Notify the insurer within 24 hours so they can coordinate with the hospital.
- 4Cashless or reimbursement
In-network: hospital bills the insurer directly. Out-of-network: collect every bill and receipt.
- 5Pay only your share
You cover the deductible plus your coinsurance %; the insurer settles the rest.
Go to the nearest ER. Don't delay over network checks in a true emergency.
Present your insurer ID and policy number at admission.
Notify the insurer within 24 hours so they can coordinate with the hospital.
In-network: hospital bills the insurer directly. Out-of-network: collect every bill and receipt.
You cover the deductible plus your coinsurance %; the insurer settles the rest.
Things most people miss
The fine print that decides whether a claim gets paid in full, partially, or not at all.
What a deductible actually costs you▾
Coinsurance — the hidden second bill▾
Pre-existing conditions — the small print▾
Network restrictions in real ERs▾
Why claims get rejected▾
Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite — Closest match to what most NRIs choose for parents visiting the USA.
Based on typical user preferences (age, coverage, cost). Not a popularity poll.
Where they're the same
- Bajaj Allianz and ICICI Lombard both run direct-billing, so the family doesn't front the ER bill and chase reimbursement later.
- COVID-19 treatment is in scope on both — handled like any other illness, not a separate rider.
- 24×7 phone support sits behind both plans — useful when a hospital admits at 2am IST and you need pre-auth.
- Neither plan is fixed-benefit; both reimburse real charges up to the medical limit, which is what you want for an unpredictable US bill.
Direct billing depends on hospital
PED acute-onset cap is $25k, lower than premium peers.
Other comparisons you might want
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BackToIndia is independent — we don't sell Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite or ICICI Lombard Travel USA and earn nothing from either Bajaj Allianz or ICICI Lombard. Plan data is reviewed by our editorial team in 2026; always confirm specifics against the official policy wording before purchase.