is visitors medical insurance mandatory

[kamakshi]

Hi, Can someone please clairfy if medical insurance for visitors is absolute necessity, since none of them covers pre-existing conditions, they are just a formality but serves no purpose I believe.

some one please clarify.

Thanks
Kamakshi

[Murali]

No it is not mandatory, its your decision whether or not you want to buy, If you don't you must should be ready to take the risk. Having a good insurance is wise and advisable however.

For aged people some consulates now a day ask for the Medical Insurance, also in few users reported that their parents/relatives were asked for the Medical insurance at the POE at US airport. ( Though it is not a official or legal requirement)

About your statement that buying insurance is waste, I would recommend you to read.
http://visitorscoverage.blogspot.com/2008/05/in-my-next-few-days-i-am-going-to-talk.html
and
http://visitorscoverage.blogspot.com/2008/05/visitor-insurance-and-pre-existing.html

Hope this helps.